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The Carnival That Impressed a Brazilian
I was told there was nothing like it in the world, and it was true
I was waiting outside of my village’s community hall, which is called Sociedade Recreativa Progresso Biscoitense. It’s also known as Sociedade de Baixo, or the lower hall, to distinguish it from the second, upper hall that serves the people of the higher parts of Biscoitos. My kids played tag among groups of adults holding two out of three things: a beer, a cigarette, or a local sandwich called bifana. They were cheerfully chatting on the chilly night and waiting for the next Carnival group to start their play inside the hall.
There are over thirty Sociedades like this one spread out on Terceira, the Azorean island we chose to call home about ten months ago. These community halls are small theaters located in the heart of each village. Their purpose is to nurture culture and preserve traditions, something Azoreans take rather seriously. Inside the hall, there is a stage and many rows of cushioned seats. Next to the entry door there is a bar with chairs and tables serving simple local snack food and drinks.
