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I think in other places they do more. Here the only real celebration was the parade! Which I was excited to go to! I always loved the parades in our little hometown of Crewe, VA. There is nothing in the world like tractors pulling beauty queens, shriners in their tiny cars and 6 year olds from Mrs. Carrington's Dance class tap dancing down the street...I miss my little town!
So backtracking...the parade wasn't really all that different from my little town. It actually made me laugh a little. But in a nice, friendly way, promise.
My saintly husband, got up bright and early, to get on the bus (before car), and take me to the parade!
No Parade complete without the band! The Policia Militar band!
We had I believe the ENTIRE police force go by us. And let me tell you, this city employs LOTS of police. But here they are with their awkward, yet surprisingly cute march.
Here is Sidnei's big brother Ney and the dog he trained Apache. He brought Apache to the house one day. I love that dog. So friendly AND obedient. Gracie could use a few lessons.
My favorite since I was a little girl...always the horses!
But I always felt bad for this guy: The worst job in the parade...cleaning up after the horses.
The Bombeiros!!! Or the trusty firemen! I have to say, the ones in full get up, must have been HOT!
And here is where I start the inappropriateness that is me...
Here we are making others aware of epilepsy. Which is not funny. But I swear, here I see more things illustrated than anywhere else. Like someone having an epileptic seizure. The people behind the banner, were also wearing t-shirts of the exact same thing. The t-shirts is what really got me. To be fair, Sidnei did tell me there are many people here who believe that you can physically catch (like a cold) something like epilepsy.
Then there was this guy. He was blind, carrying the Brasilian flag down the road. And his walking cane. Which I just wish someone would have taken from him to help him, because he was having issues with both. However, I think it was being used as a prop to say, "See? He's really blind!"
I don't really understand who these guy's were. I need to do some research. Sidnei informed me that they were the sons of Masons. I was part of the Daughters of Job when I was younger, and I don't remember the boy's organization. But Sidnei seems to think they worship the devil. Along with the other people that boo'ed them. What the heck? Does anyone know? I just thought they were doing a cute rendition of Harry Potter.
This guy was my favorite!!!! He was part of the literacy campaign! And even though it was hot and muggy, he was so fun and cute!
Look how cute his little buddy is!
12 comments:
How FUN! I love parades.
Sons of Masons? I'm not sure what it is, but it sounds like a branch off the Masons (which I think the Daughters of Job is part of as well(?).
My personal theory, completely anecdotal, is that they illustrate all kinds of stuff in order to reach people who can't read. Then again, I've found Brazilians do a lot of stuff we would consider 'inappropriate,' like making fun of people with speech impediments and stutters, which we would prefer to ignore and pretend don't exist.
Eve- I think there is a different name..i just need to do some research. Im just too lazy to do it before I blog..which is bad. Sorry!
Markuza- You are completely right. I am positive it is for the people that are illiterate. So I shouldnt poke fun of the illustrations..sometimes they are just too funny though. And you are right..Brazilians (in my short, limited experience) like to poke fun with just about everything. Particularly my white-ness and my "soft"-ness. And that's not just for me, it's for anyone. Careca, pretinha, gordinha (me), branquinha(again, me)...the list goes on.
Hi Stephanie!
You don't know me but I was introduced to your blog by Danielle.
It's so funny that you mentioned you used to be part of "Daughters of Job" and yet has never heard about the "Demolay Order". My father is a mason and that why I know what those guys stand for... They're not actually the sons of the masons and they definitely don't worship the devil. :P They are part of the masonic family along with the "Daughters of Job" and "The Rainbow Girls". Let's say they're the "youth masons", when the reach 21, they must leave the order and if invited, they may become actual masons. If you're interested, google "Demolay". You'll find lots of entries.
Hope I helped.
I will keep on reading your blog... :P Really liked it.
I liked your parade commentary! Nothing beats a good 'ole, hometown parade!
How fun--and how funny! My husband's relatives have been a part of the masons for a long time. I think the whole thing started before insurance was around, and the masons would use the annual dues and whatnot to help its members if they got injured, unemployed or whatever. Now pretty much all they do is have meetings where they earn aprons. It's kind of bizarre, but completely harmless in these parts.
aww, I loved watching the parades in my small town in Maryland! We've seen a few here too.
Hah! You are right- I am often 'gringo' and 'branco' and the related 'galego' etc. But the harshest nickname I know is a guy they call 'Capenga,' which means 'Cripple' and yes, he is on crutches. And he has no problem with the nickname, as far as I know.
oh yeah- something else- they can call you 'soft' but no way are you soft after doing something as gutsy as you did moving down here
also I love the newspaper dog and I think it's a riot that it's a New York Times dog!!
That is one interesting parade. I don't think you would ever see a shirt like that here.
Hi Stephanie!
I found your blog through Markuza's. I like to follow the lives of foreigners in Brazil and see their opinion about the country. About the post, I was impressed with the parade. I don't think we have parades like that in Rio. The only ones I can think of in Rio are the one with schools (I hated that when I was a kid cause we were obliged to march) and the military ones. They are pretty boring, though.
I don't know much about Masonary, so I would think they were dressed like Harry Potters..rsrsr..
Yeah, the Brazilian poking fun on other people is really annoying. I'm Brazilian but I am pretty white, so my friends say I am the gringo. I am also short. So I have to hear about that, too.
Greetings from Virginia!
I know I'm commenting on an old post but I'm sure you'll get it anyways... (I went back to the beginning and have been reading your blog in semi-order)
When I first read one of you posts mentioning Ukrops cake and PF Changs I was like, haha, that sounds like Richmond. That'd be funny if she was from there. Totally disregarded. Then I read your "about us" posts, and realized you are actually from VA. Neat! AND THEN I stumbled on this post that says you're actually from Crewe. That was great, while I'm not specifically from there I have a bunch of friends out that way and have spent much quality time out there.
So here's a "Hey y'all" and a "Bom dia" for you guys. I love reading about all the idiosyncrasies of life in Brazil, hopefully I'll be out there too one day!
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