Macumba (Portuguese pronunciation: [maˈkũᵐbɐ]) is a generic term for various Afro-Brazilian religions, the practitioners of which are then called macumbeiros. These terms are generally regarded as having negative connotations, comparable to an English term like "black magic". In a broader sense, the term Macumba is used for most Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, including Candomblé and Umbanda. In a more limited sense, macumba is used only to characterize traditions like Quimbanda that revolve around the lesser exu spirits, especially as they are practiced in Rio de Janeiro. Some practitioners of Afro-Brazilian traditions call themselves macumbeiros, although in some instances this is done predominantly in jest.
