Bom Carnaval! Terceira is known as the “island of festivals” and even in the heart of winter they find a reason to celebrate. Like the more famous carnival celebrations in Brazil, Portugal uses the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday to let loose before the somber season of Lent begins. And unlike in France (and I suppose in the USA, to some extent) this letting loose is not limited to just one ‘Mardi Gras’ or Fat Tuesday!

Bailinhos do Carnaval

Terceira has a long and unique history of carnival culture. Local groups comprised of musicians, dancers, and actors work for months on their costumes, music, steps, and skits before traveling around the island to perform at each village’s public theater space (sociedade). The above photo is from the sociedade in Quatro Ribeiras on “seniors night” (most performers were above age 60). The skits (bailinhos) were interspersed with music and choreographed dance steps (reminiscent of line dancing). Even if we couldn’t understand every word and missed nearly all of the innuendo, it was fun to see and be seen by the community.

Yard Projects

The extension of the retaining wall near the stream is finished and looking great! Raymond and I like the extra height over the existing cinder blocks so much that we are considering continuing all the way to the orchard. The fava bean garden bed in the back is doing well and they are starting to flower. This giant boulder is the foundation of our side patio area and we started clearing off the ferns, moss, and lichens that covered it. Raymond is in the process of scrubbing / pressure-washing it with the intention of applying a bright white lime wash. Lastly, I cleared more of the cane grass from the stream-side along the driveway and we are loving the clearer views of the stream and little waterfall.

A Visitor!

Raymond and I are delighted to host his mother again! It’s been fun playing cards, seeing the sights, and showing off our house and yard projects. We are doubly excited that she will be able to attend the main carnival performances in our village tonight!

Quatro Ribeiras from above