St. John meets the World Cup
If anyone ever tries to tell you that life in Brazil is one big celebration, well, it's probably because they've been to Brazil! Okay, I exaggerate a little, but really, only a little, particularly in the Northeast where popular folk festivals tend to last a month or even two. While February/March is dedicated to Carnaval, the entire month of June is taken over by the Festas Juninas or June Festivals.
The Festas Juninas are a month long celebration tying together three Saint Days [Anthony (June 13th), John (June 24th) and Peter (June 29th) -- John being the "main" saint] and the rural -- particularly corn -- harvest. The Festas entry in Wikipedia is surprising quite accurrate, as the party is characterised by people dressing up in stereotypical country outfits (sunflowers and gingham galour!), eating a lot of corn, and dancing a lot of Forró and Square Dances. Now imagine this month long party, crossed with another month long party ... the World Cup, during which Brazil also grinds to a halt! Hey, the World Cup is serious business here. Businesses close down and people are let off work early to watch the games. It's a funny combination -- St. John and FIFA. Let's just say that most people have written off this June altogether!
posted by Karen @ 10:04 p.m.
5 Comments:
Wow - that is cool. I'd be up for watching it if I got off to go home early too!
Yesterday we watched the opening game on a giant screen set up on the beach. Very fun! Lots of yellow, green and blue!
Perhaps Brazil could have a chat with the rest of the working world and give them pointers..
I was in Sao Paulo and Brasilia last time around and I do have to say that I mush prefer the anticipatory firecrackers at 3pm than at 3am!
i always wondering...who are those people who sells food and drinks? who are those people who play their guitars, who are those people who serve huge number of people at brazilians' party?
well, maybe there are brazilians who work like crazy, get so little money for that and also need to hear that they don't work and party all the time!
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