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A short, respectful introduction. Practices vary between houses and lineages.
Quimbanda developed in Brazil during the 20th century, closely related to Umbanda, with roots in Bantu (Central African) traditions as well as European folk magic. The word comes from Kimbundu, where kimbanda referred to a healer or diviner.
Quimbanda focuses on work with Exus and Pombagiras, spirits seen as powerful, close to human life, and able to act on practical matters such as protection, love, paths and work.
Well-known entities include Exu Tranca-Ruas, Exu Sete Encruzilhadas, Exu Caveira, Exu Marabô, Maria Padilha, Pombagira Rainha and Pombagira Cigana. They are organized in kingdoms and lines that vary by lineage. A Tata is a title used for a priest in some lineages.
Rituals often take place at night and may include offerings at crossroads or cemeteries, candles in black and red, cigars, drinks and songs (pontos). Practice depends strongly on the lineage of each house.
Exu in Afro-Brazilian religions is not the Christian devil; that association comes from colonial-era prejudice. Quimbanda is a legitimate spiritual practice protected by religious freedom in Brazil.