The boat is celebrated on Halloween or, as we call it in Brazil, “Dia da Bruxas” (Witches Day)!

The word Halloween comes from All Hallows Eve, one evening before the All Saints’ Day holiday, named by Pope Gregory III in the eighth century. Its celebrations include some traditions of an ancient Celtic festival called Samahin, in which people dressed to burn bonfires and ward off roaming demons.

In Brazil, Halloween celebrations are very recent and come from the influence of American culture. It can be seen mainly at the occasional costume parties, usually promoted by language schools, but there is no tradition of pumpkins or sculptures, pumpkins or related activities popular in other countries.

In response to Halloween, in 2003, the Federal Law Project proposed that October 31st be “Dia do Psyche (Psyche Day)” in Brazil, a day that honors Brazilian culture and folklore. Sasi is probably the most famous character in Brazilian folklore. He was a one-legged black man who smoked a pipe and wore a magic red hat that allowed him to disappear and reappear wherever he wanted. In most parts of Brazil, he is considered just an annoying prank, but some might say he is a dangerous and malicious creature. Somehow, he wanted to trap him or steal his magic hat.

Although Saki Paul has become a popular holiday throughout Brazil, in the state of Sవోo Paulo, the city known as Sవోo Luiz Do Paratinga celebrates it big time! The festival lasts for about two weeks with many cultural events, workshops and concerts.

Witches, vampires, zombies or socks, whatever creature you like, as long as you take this day for fun!