Happy New Years!!! Or rather, Feliz Ano Novo, as they say down here.
Most people are used to New Year's articles revolving around lists: top ten favorite things of the past year, resolutions, etc. . . I won't bore you with that. Instead, here are my “Top Five Favorite Things About Celebrating in Rio”:
1.Weather and Scenery
Being situated in the Southern Hemisphere, New Year's falls smack-dab in the middle of the Summer. I never in my life celebrated a New Year's reaching over 45 F degrees. You can imagine my shock and difficulty in controlling laughter when some of our friends with whom we were celebrating were commenting on the “chilly weather” - a whopping 80 F degrees. I'll give them the winds, though. It was definitely breezy, and at times rainy, but that didn't stop the partying. And, from my view from our friend's 15th story balcony, it only seemed to enhance the beauty of the white beach and turquoise – blue ocean below.
2.Traditions
All cultures everywhere are built upon their traditions. This especially true during holidays. But Rio is full of them for the New Year. Seven happens to be a big number; one tradition is to eat seven grapes, another is to jump seven waves making a wish after each jump. Another tradition is placing Gladiolas into the sea. Traditions even dictate fashion, white being the dominant color. In fact, most everybody was wearing white or an outfit predominantly so. It was really pretty to see, and set me thinking on peace and prosperity. All of these traditions in some way or other were originally tied to the Naturalistic/Spirit religion of Umbanda, first brought over by the African slaves. Now, a couple years later, though there are still practitioners of Umbanda, the majority of Cariocas have adopted these traditions with nothing more pressing in mind than that of goodwill and happiness.
3.Food
There's no way people from Rio would ever celebrate anything without an accompanying feast! And feasting here is exactly the right word. The day started at around 3:30 PM with an assortment of fried and baked appetizers known as Salgadinhos. Small in size – think no larger than a jalapeño popper - they pack a punch to your mouth. They can be filled with cheeses, meats, chicken, vegetables. . .my favorite was the Napolitana. It's a flour based pillow filled with cheese, ham, and tomato.
Had I known, however, that a steady stream of food would be supplied throughout the night, I wouldn't have downed so many! Around 7 PM the cold cuts and fresh sandwich breads were served. At around 9:30 PM the Ham, Pork Roast, and fruits were ready for the tasting. Then, at around 11:00 PM it was time for desserts! I didn't think I could handle any more food until I saw the desserts, and knew I'd be a fool to pass on it. As my friend told me, “It's the holidays! Calories don't count.” She then proceeded to slice a piece of Brigadierao – a chocolate and dulce de leche silky-smooth custard, shaped in a flan ring – for me. Right next to it, she placed a piece of traditional Portuguese Rabanada (pronounced Habanada). Think of sugar and cinnamon encrusted Texas-style French Toast.
Of course, good food needed a good drink. I stuck with my favorite Brazilian Soda: Guarana Antarctica. It's available in the States, and if you can get your hands on some, go for it! It's sweet without being overly-sweet and, unlike most sodas, can be rather refreshing.
4.Fireworks
I always liked to watch the ball drop in Times Square. Well, I would be in the warm comfort of my living room, watching it on T.V. And I know I always will. However, there's something intrinsically more celebratory about fireworks. The hotel right next to our friend's apartment building was hosting a fireworks show to begin at the stroke of Midnight. When our party made its way down the crowded though festive beach below, I had no idea what was really in store. At the stroke of 12, the fireworks burst off – and not only from “our” hotel but from the 7 or 8 other hotels along the strip of beach in Barra da Tijuca. I was treated to about 8 firework shows!!
5.Family and Friends
A warm and friendly culture to begin with, the New Year was a perfect opportunity to showcase that term known as “bondad” or “goodwill.” Champagne bottles were popping off. I hugged and kissed several friends. Strangers were wishing each other “Happy New Year.” Behind my husband and I, a family circled-round and, hugging each other “football huddle” style, offered a prayer. A few moments later, a young family with a baby – not more than 6 or 7 months old – was walking past us, towards the musical stage set up on the beach. He reminded me of my nephew, who was far away with my sister and brother-in-law, and my heart was missing them. I kept staring at the baby, and shyly smiled as he and his father approached. Then, right at the moment where we intersected, he smiled, and so did I. This baby will never know who I am, and I will never know him. But, in a moment of striking clarity, I realized something. This small interaction that happened between us represents the promise of all that joy and happiness with which all of us around the world have been celebrating at the dawn of the new decade: the promise of a bright future and happiness.
So, once again, Feliz Ano Novo!!! I hope that 2010 is full of success, peace, and happiness for you and yours. I'll try and find some recipes for the above mentioned foods, and will post them on here if you'd like. Here's a video of the post-New Years fireworks show, and you can tell the party is still roaring.