Yemanjá Celebrated, Rafah Reopens, Rome's Fountain Fee Begins

Rome Implements Trevi Fountain Fee to Manage Tourist Crowds; Brazilians Honor Yemanjá in Rio de Janeiro

Rome began charging tourists a fee to access the Trevi Fountain on Monday, February 2, 2026, as the city seeks to manage crowds and raise revenue. Meanwhile, thousands gathered on a beach in Rio de Janeiro on the same day to honor Yemanjá, the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea.

The 2 euro ($2.35) fee for access to the Trevi Fountain went into effect on Monday, according to the Associated Press. The new fee structure aims to control the large number of tourists visiting the famous landmark. The first tourists to pay the fee seemed unconcerned, considering it a small price for better access to the fountain, made famous by Federico Fellini's film "La Dolce Vita."

In Rio de Janeiro, thousands of people dressed in white gathered on a beach to celebrate Yemanjá, according to Euronews. The annual ceremony, often called "Brazil's wildest wishing well party," draws devotees from across the city and beyond. Participants stepped into the sea to the rhythm of drums, carrying flowers and small offerings to release into the waves. Prayers were offered for well-being, protection, and harmony. Yemanjá is a key figure in Candomblé and Umbanda, Afro-Brazilian religions.

Elsewhere, Gaza's Rafah border crossing reopened on Monday after being closed for most of the war, NPR reported. However, few people have been allowed to cross.