On our way to Carpina, where we celebrated the festival of São João, otherwise known as the Festa Junina (June Fest). Read my earlier post for details, but Recife is known for being especially festive this time of year. Dancing the forró, wearing straw hats, and smiling are just a few of the things Brazilians love to do for this mid-year holiday.
Arrived at Carpina. The three wonderful Brazilians we are with are relatives of Thiago. It's hard to tell in this photo, but we are dancing a little bit.
Here is our group next to a "fogueira." They light large bonfires around the city as part of the festive tradition, and then some of the youths enjoy jumping over them. You can't really see it in this picture, but that pile of sticks is leaping with flames.
This is me with my host and hostess, Thiago and Fernanda. They are dressed up very "chique" (pronounced "sheeky," it means enormously classy) tonight.
The real way to celebrate the festival of São João is to dance the forró. It's fairly easy to learn, but wicked fun to do. I recommend that everyone learn, regardless of nationality or culture.
A little alone dancing is also good for the soul. We got this spot on the balcony overlooking the bands that were playing. It was a lot nicer up here, and a lot safer as well. Down below people were mostly all under the influence of alcohol and other things, so it was nice to be upstairs with the BYU students.
A few people are very pooped after Carpina. We arrived home super late, probably around 4 in the morning.
Jaren and I after the São João festival.
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