New Years Eve (Reveillón) is a big deal here. Different venues host parties where you pay a fee per person, or per table, and that includes food, drink, and very loud music.
We didn't attend such a party (per se), but our condominium hosted one, so did get to partake of the music and the drunk revelers on the lawn.
The pool area was decked out with tables and chairs and a gazillion balloons.
Beginning around 11 pm, there are fireworks that go on for a couple of hours. E. was excited to get to wake up at midnight and watch them from our neighbors' balcony.
When I woke up with Ju at 5, the speakers were blasting Michael Jackson, the doormen, their black ties askew, were clearing the tables away, and the last few stragglers were popping the balloons.
(Just an aside: how is it that I can now sleep through fireworks and music at top volume, but I'm awakened immediately by the slightest whimpering from the other room?)
Since we were up, I wanted to go to the beach early, before it got crowded and the sun got too hot.
There's a Brazilian New Years' tradition that involves diving under seven waves, and making seven wishes. Or something along those lines. (I heard about it yesterday from two friends who are both married to Brazilians, and they weren't totally clear on the details.)
But it seemed like a nice idea, a meaningful way to start the New Year.
6 comments:
I'm glad they don't have the stupid and dangerous custom of firing guns up in the air to celebrate New Years the way they do in Venezuela and Philadelphia!
I never heard the seven waves thing. Hm. I'll have to ask meuamore about it. I know you have to get your feet in the ocean at midnight (sort of did that, it was more river than ocean, but it was close by) and you're supposed to throw something for Iemanjá (didn't do that, but I will next ocean trip we make).
Those balloon configurations rock my world. How is that done? Wonder what the structure's like underneath. And the pool border--over the top in the most awesome way. Wish I could wrap myself in a feliz ano novo boa just like that and then float over the festivities. A great view and no boozey-breath from all the revelers.
I marvel at the selective hearing thing, too. It's a good thing that our subconscious knows what's important enough to interrupt sacred sleep (family), and what's not (everything else).
Happy 2010 to you and your family. Looked like you guys had fun!
Love the beach pictures. And as for the wave tradition.. I have heard and seen on the last 3 NY that I have spent here, on New Years you must jump a wave/s for good luck.
It looks like Dan and Ju are in the pools of Itapuã. One of my favorite places in Salvador.
Tyra--yeah, Pedra do Sal, very close to Itapuã.
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