baptism ceremony at Quilombo São José

23 August 1 Permalink

Quilombo São José community church

23 August 1 Permalink

Jongo dancing at Quilombo São José.

Quilombo São José is a small community of descendants of Angolan slaves. A large family that’s been occupying the same area (an isolated part of rural RIo de Janeiro) for over 150 years, preserving the traditions passed down for generations.

Every year they host the “Festa do Jongo”, a celebration that starts with a christian mass cerimony at the little community church (the Umbanda rituals -their Afro-Brazilian faith-  happen the night before, only for the community’s members, with much singing and drum beating and dancing and evoking of the spirits).

After mass there are capoeira demonstrations and other regional groups come to perform their traditional music and dance. A massive feijoada (very traditional Brazilian dish made of black beans and pork) is served to all and music and dance go on well into the night.

23 August 1 Permalink

dolls made by the women of Quilombo São José

22 August 7 Permalink

my friend Dada Suvenanda taking in the beauty of Serra da Beleza

21 August 19 Permalink

my friends Flavia, Paulinha and her son João Sereno, and Dada Suvenanda, a Philippine monk overlooking the mountain range of Serra da Beleza.

a quick stop to admire the view on our way to Quilombo São José, a community of slave descendants in rural Rio de Janeiro.

21 August 5 Permalink