A revelry of kings is a popular Catholic festival and tradition very celebrated in some Brazil states, such as Goiás, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Ceará and São Paulo. Also known as Reisada or Festa de Santos Reis, the festival takes place between the 24th of December, the eve of Christmas, and January 6, Kings' Day. Recalling the visit of the wise men to the baby Jesus, the festivity encompasses music, prayers, dances, clothes, accessories and many typical foods throughout its performance.
Read too: Carnival — a very popular festive period in Brazilian culture
Topics of this article
- 1 - Origin of the Folia de Reis
-
2 - How is the Folia de Reis celebrated?
- → Traditional songs from Folia de Reis
- 3 - Traditional foods of the Folia de Reis
Origin of Folia de Reis
Folia dos Reis is a celebration of Spanish and Portuguese origin. There are scholars who argue that the celebration arrived in Brazil during the colonization period. In this way, the Folia dos Reis may have been used as a way of catechizing the Indian people.
The party dates back to the visit of Magi to the baby Jesus. According to the bible, after his birth, Jesus was visited by three wise men: Gaspar, Melchior (or Belchior) and Baltazar. On the visit, each king brought a gift—gold, which represented beauty; incense, for divinity and faith; and myrrh, for immortality.
The Folia of Kings lasts 12 days, from the 24th of Decemberbefore the birth of Jesus, on the 6th of January, date of the arrival of the kings to Bethlehem.
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How is the Folia de Reis celebrated?
The Reisado group is formed by an ambassador, foreman, clowns, ensigns, revelers and the three wise men. It is common for them to parade through the streets and visit the homes of those who wish to receive a visit from the group.
On visits and on the parade, there are typical songs, dances and blessings. It is common for revelry groups to do travel during the period of tradition, covering the entire city, rural areas and even traveling between cities. In this case, the tradition also includes the “landings”, which are hosting groups in houses or farms. Accommodation includes food and the entire celebration with music, blessings and dancing.
Each group has its own flag, which is carried throughout the party.. In some places, it is common to show respect for the flag by kissing and touching it. When revelers enter houses, the one with the flag takes it to every room, symbolizing the blessings for the enclosure.
The clothes worn by revelers are always colorful. The most used musical instruments are the viola, reco-reco, accordions, tambourines and harmonicas.
→ Traditional songs from Folia de Reis
A traditional song from the Folia de Reis is the music anthem of kings. Check the lyrics:
December 25th
When the rooster gave the signal
that the child of God was born
One Christmas night... oh, oh
The Star of the East
Always ran away from the Jews
To warn the three saints
That the boy God was born... oh, oh
The three kings when they learned
They traveled non-stop
Each brought a gift
For the boy God salute... oh, oh
At that moment in the ranch
Passed the guide star
Visited all gifts
Where the boy slept... oh, oh
God save you the holy house
where is your address
And here lives the Child God
And the consecrated host... ay, ay|1|
Another traditional song of the Folia dos Reis is the Revelry of the Divine. Check the lyrics:
Lord and master of the house, the revelry is coming
Come kiss our flag and listen to the singing
Come kiss our flag and listen to the singing, oh, oh, oh
Lord and master of the house, if not too costly
Come and open your door because we came from landing
Come and open your door because we came from landing, ay, ay, ay
Our body wants rest, we need a corner
Our weapon that watches is the Divine Holy Spirit
Our weapon that watches is the Divine Holy Spirit, oh, oh, oh
Lord and owner of the house, the revelry is leaving
Stay with God our father and the protection of the divine
Stay with God our father and the protection of the divine, ay, ay, ay|2|
See too: Easter — a Christian tradition commemorating the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
Traditional foods from Folia de Reis
The food of the Folia dos Reis is an important element of the festivity. Whether at lunch or dinner, the festivity is characterized by a great feast of regional and homemade food.
The menu may vary, but it is common to find rice, beans (in broth, tropeiro or cooked with meat), pasta, meat (chicken, pork or beef)and vegetables, varying by state. In Goias, for example, pequi and guariroba are common.
As it is a religious festival, the faithful usually donate food and money for the meal or even make themselves available to cook.
image credits
[1] Wikimedia Commons (reproduction)
[2] Paulo Nabas / Shutterstock
Grades
|1| FAMILY DAYS. Hymn of Kings. Composition: Creole. Letters. Available here.
|2| FREITAS SISTERS. Foliage of the Divine. Composer: Hamilton Carneiro Letters. Available here.
By Miguel Souza
Journalist
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