Festa do Divino Espírito Santo: Paraty's Most Colorful Religious Tradition

While FLIP attracts the international crowds, the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo is the festival most beloved by the people of Paraty. For ten days, the town is draped in red and white banners, and the air is filled with the sound of traditional guitars (violas) and folk songs. It is a vibrant, chaotic, and deeply moving display of syncretic Brazilian faith.

The Figure of the Emperor

Each year, a young boy from the community is chosen as the 'Emperor'. He represents the Holy Spirit and is crowned in a ceremony that dates back to the Portuguese Middle Ages. The Emperor's role is one of generosity; he 'rules' the town for the weekend, and in a symbolic gesture of charity, the community distributes food and sweets to all who attend, regardless of their social standing.

Folklore and Dances

Beyond the masses and processions, the festival is a showcase for endangered folk traditions. Look for the Dança dos Velhos (Dance of the Elders) and the Congada—a dramatic dance-fight that represents the struggle between different ethnic groups in colonial Brazil. These performances are held in the squares and are some of the most visual and unique aspects of the festival.

A Spiritual Experience

Even if you are not religious, the sense of community is infectious. Seeing the candlelit processions wind through the darkened cobblestone streets, accompanied by the town's Philharmonic Band, is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.