FEEL THE VIBE
At Dona Amélia's house, the atmosphere is festive: the house is all tidy, the delicious smell of the food being prepared on the wood stove, a beautiful and gigantic crib mounted on the porch. All prepared with great affection to welcome friends, relatives and the group of Folia de Reis!
In Catholic culture, Christmas is a time of welcome, of encounters, of communion, of intimacy. To open your house to receive friends. of gifting. To be gifted.
And what greater gift can there be than receiving the Folia de Reis that, with the simplicity of the rustic, comes, every year, from house to house, singing and retelling the story of the birth of Jesus and the visit of the 3 Magi?
The revelers arrive in droves, ask permission in verse, hand the flag to the lady of the house and sing. They do praise. They tell biblical stories and make fun of the earthly stories that involve the residents of that residence. They recite improvised verses and repeat very old litanies. They bring to people's homes the joy that the birth of their spiritual leader inspires, presenting the owners of the house with a unique moment that will be remembered throughout the year.
A MINUTE OR TWO
PHOTOS
The crib is the center of attention at this traditional festival in rural São Paulo and Minas Gerais, as it is in front of it that the Folia de Reis companies praise Baltazar, Belchior and Gaspar. At Dona Maria's house, the crib was decorated with traditional biblical figures, several angels and some knickknacks that she had at home.
As Jesus received gifts from the Magi, revelers receive donations, eat the simple and tasty food that the owners of the visited houses prepare, thank them for everything and leave to visit another family, where it all starts again!
It's 6 days of party. Six days visiting the holy families here on earth. Six days getting to know the houses, the people, the stories and the cribs carefully assembled to welcome them – the singers, the Santos Reis and, of course, the baby Jesus.
Many stories of miracles are attributed to the Holy Kings. In each landing, a new narrative. All alike. All unique.
In every home, the joy of encounter: with company, with neighbors, with the Holy Kings, with God.
TRADITIONAL MUSIC
FURTHER MORE
Jacque Falcheti - musician and researcher of Folia de Reis
DEEP INSIDE
Past Detectives: The 3 Wise Men
BASTIDORES
Quem vive as festas tem sempre
umas experiências curiosas...