Scott and I have had trouble getting to the internet recently, but I wanted to share some information about a fair that took place a couple of weeks ago. Preparations had us, and everyone else in town, busy for more than a month.

On April 30 and May 1st, people from all around our zone united to host a fair in celebration of Dia do Trabalhador, or Laborer’s Day. The event was the first major undertaking of a new community association and proved that the population, when willing to unite for a common good, is capable of achieving ambitious goals.

In preparation for the event, association members cut 100 tree posts and carried them balanced on their heads over mountainous terrain. The posts were then used to create a shaded structure with partitioned booths for the fair. The construction efforts lasted about one week and were a total OSHA nightmare. Due to Cape Verdean super-human capabilities and pure luck, however, no one was hurt.



A staff of four women cooked tirelessly for three days serving breakfast by 8 and, for those who were dancing the night away, a late dinner after 11. Two pigs and two goats offered their services as part of the meal as well.







The event kicked off with the arrival of a group of drummers, and more people with drums steadily arrived all through the day. Who knew that everyone in town had a drum hidden away in the house? Pounding persisted throughout the entire weekend. It was very loud but kind of entrancing. Workers and guests alike moved continuously to the beat - while selling goods, eating lunch, and shouting conversations to their friends. It’s hard to hold still while standing next to a drum line.
The older gentleman drumming is named Frank. Every day he greets me with “Bom dia, Melita.” No one else has mistaken my name for ‘Melita,’ but since he’s a little hard of hearing and has already been corrected a hundred times by neighbors, I let it slide. I’ve been called worse.




A group of actors dressed in costume and provided improv entertainment during the day. In the evening, they presented an hour-and-a-half long show. The crowd was captivated by their humor. A man in long johns and a top hat is just funny.





Vendors sold a variety of goods: fruits and vegetables, crafted items, livestock (and pigeons for roasting), fresh cheese, baked goods, and brownies branded “American chocolate cake.” The brownies were a hit. Scott and I were sold out before the fair officially began on both days.








On Sunday there was a donkey race and donkey beauty competition. On a normal day it’s only young boys who can be seen riding on donkeys, but grown men couldn’t stand to be left out of this challenge. Some of them looked like they’d outgrown their poor burros.






And what would a Cape Verdean party be without a DJ?



Association members worked for weeks to prepare for the fair, and all their hard work played off. Scott and I, as fellow members of the community association, lent a hand where and when we were able. We were happy to be part of the event that was such a treat for our community and look forward to helping out with future projects as well.