these festivities are said to have been initiated by queen isabel of portugal in the 13th century.

the most traditional of these celebrations occurs in the town of paraty, a charming historic town about 250km from the city of rio.

for the eleven days succeeding the day of the pentecost, a common person is declared emperor and holds court over the entire town, distributing food to the poor and sweets to children.

the folkloric celebration includes dances, plays, church masses, great feasts and ends with an enormous fireworks display, lit with the prayer that all will be able to return to partake of the feast next year.