once the carpet is prepared and the procession of church leaders and holy men has passed over it, locals will gather handfuls of the carpet-makings, believing that they have been imbued with the christian spirit and will serve as good luck charms through out the coming year.

in the middle of the brazilian winter, the festas juninas provide a celebratory outlet for the cold season doldrums.   although celebrated most famously in the north east and the interior of the state of são paulo, rio is no slouch in this department.

churches, parish organizations, businesses, schools and community groups throw huge parties to celebrate the june saints days - st. anthony on the 13th, st. john on the 24th and st. peter on the 29th.