August 10th is the day to commemorate the saint that our city of São Lourenço is named after. Pretty much it means that Friday, August 10th is a holiday in São Lourenço and anyone that works here got the day off. Now, I know what you're all wondering. "What if I live in São Lourenço, but work in Recife?" Well, you don't get the day off, but Recife had there own special day off a few weeks ago, so I guess it all works out in the end. Anyway, starting the first day of August until the 12th day of August, there is a type of 'city fair' along one of the streets. São Lourenço is pretty big, but this particular street isn't too far from our house. So, when I still hadn't heard any noise or seen anything different in the city by the 3rd or 4th day, I wasn't expecting too much.
Sunday night, after church, we went with some of the young adults to the 'fair/ show'. I was surprised to find that it was a little bit like the Texas State Fair...with a few exceptions--one of which being that the only fried food was french fries. Typical foods are chocolate or candy covered apples, chocolate covered strawberries, espetinho (grilled meat on a stick), french fries, and hot dogs. Another difference was that everything was crammed into one street...which wouldn't be that bad, but it's one of the main streets going through São Lourenço and so not only are there street vendors lining the street and people jam packed walking through the street...but there's also cars and buses trying to get through.
There were also a few "kids" rides--a pirate ship and one like the Sombrero at Six Flags and a few that are like mini roller coasters with just a little track. One major difference is that there were no seat belts or safety precautions like I'm used to at a place like that. The ride that was like the Sombrero at Six Flags was called the Samba. There were kids that were standing in the middle of the ride instead of sitting, everyone was holding on for dear life, and one mother had created a seatbelt for her young son who was just flopping all over the place by putting her legs over his lap and hooking her feet around the handrail next to the door to get off of the ride. It was such an interesting experience!
Alisha and our friend Douglas on the Ferris Wheel.
Valeska and I on the little roller coaster...yes, I screamed, and yes, I actually was scared for my life.
All in all, a great experience and if you're ever in Brazil at the beginning of August, make a trip out to São Lourenço to experience the "Festa de Agosto."
No comments:
Post a Comment