Carnaval is never-ending!!

Last Friday, I was invited to a graduation party for my colleague’s son, Edyr. He graduated from law school and the celebration was quite a grand event. They kept in the spirit of Carnaval even though it had already ended days before. The venue could have been a float in Rio’s parade. It was decorated so beautifully!

I was in complete awe as I walked through the doors of A Assembléia Paraense. This ballroom is located in one of Belém’s amazing country clubs, and it had been transformed for the red carpet gala. The students and their families save for this event monthly beginning their first semester of college, so it’s a big deal!

The students’ glamour shots were blown up and posted at the entrance. After walking through the gallery of student photos, the event planners escorted the guests to their reserved tables.

An entire camera crew was present to document everything with photos and on film. They had us walk in multiple times in different positions so that they could get their perfect shot.

Later, the photographers came by and arranged us into various poses to take several more pictures. I felt like a celebrity—it was great!!

All of the guests were incredibly dressed for the event! I was just amazed at some of the gowns. The graduates were especially stunning with women in red dressed and the men in red ties. The color of the graduate’s attire varies depending on the school from which they graduate. Law school is red while other schools like the business school, for instance, wear blue for their celebrations.

Each graduate had several tables reserved for their family and friends. The tables were marked with a professionally taken photo of the graduate.

All of the families brought their own decorations to contribute to the theme of Carnaval. My colleague, Rosana, and her husband brought glow sticks, leis, masks, and whistles.

They also placed a bottle of whiskey at each of their guests’ tables. The beer was already included, and our server was on point! She never let your drink get warm—there was always a new one before you could ask.

We arrived at 10pm, but the party didn’t start until midnight. A late start is pretty common in Brazil. Most bars and clubs don’t open until eleven or twelve, and people don’t begin to arrive until almost 1am. They also stay open until five or six in the morning depending on when the last person leaves.

Once the clock struck midnight, the DJ got on the mic, and everyone rushed to surround the dance floor. They all brought their cameras, confetti, and noisemakers.

—I was a little confused until the first graduate was announced. Each one chose a song to enter to while they strutted their stuff down the aisle and the photographers did like paparazzi!

The families cheeredand went confetti crazy.

After every graduate had their moment in the spotlight, their parents and families were invited out on the dance floor. They were presented with plaques personalized with a tender message from their graduate in thanks of their support. All of the graduates then danced the first song with their families.

Later, dinner was served (yes, after midnight!). I had never eaten so late at a party before, but it was delicious, and I had no complaints. The desserts were pretty tasty too! A slide show including baby pictures of the graduates played during dinner—it was very touching.

Soon afterwards, a live band was on stage playing popular Brazilian music. The party was poppin’, and we made our way out to the dance floor. I had such a good time! We didn’t leave until almost 4am! I am so thankful that Rosana and her family invited me to experience such a wonderful tradition. I may adopt this one and bring it back to the states for my next graduation!

I slept in on Saturday, but Lindsey’s students invited us out, so the carousing continued on to Saturday night! We met up at one of her student’s house to meet her family. We even met their puppy—he’s such a cutie (the one on the left….Haha! Just kidding, Gustavo).

Their family was so welcoming and offered us pão de queijo and suco (cheese bread and juice) while we waited for others to arrive. That’sjust the way people are here in Belém, probably everywhere in Pará and maybe even all of Brazil. They offer anything and everything even if they barley know you. It’s amazing.

We went out to a really cool bar/club/underground scene café. Café com Arte was the name of the place and it was super chill! The DJ played international music, and just after Carol gave her acceptance speech, a couple live reggae bands hit the stage in the next room over. They were soooo good! Rock was playing in the basement, and everyone was having a good time. Oh, and I even got to dance the Lambada. Unfortunately, I was having so much fun that my pictures are limited. Not to worry, I will go back and will snap more to share.

Classes started this week, and I’m so excited to get in the classroom!! Love and miss you all! MUAAAHH!! (Beijos!)

PS—check out a couple of my current faves. People here think the song is silly and a little stupid, but I like it—makes me want to dance! The second song is traditionally played when students pass the Vestibular, or the SAT/ACT equivalent. Radio DJs play the song and announce the students’ names on air. The song has been played for many years now and was played at the graduation party!