So I guess all of the Ferragosto celebrations were postponed until last night due to the rain over the weekend. Upon leaving our house after dinner last night, we were immediately overcome by a parade of screaming people, banging drums, and Brazilian dancers in extremely elaborate costumes. They marched throughout the streets in town for about an hour. People were everywhere. It was almost like Halloween in the sense that everyone was dressed up in all sorts of crazy costumes. The families/owners/friends of each shop, restaurant, and hotel each picked a theme and went all out. On my left I passed by a clothing shop filled with cowgirls (memories of Nashville...) while on my right I passed a restaurant serviced by Vikings. Two doors down was a hotel of Indians. There were also gladiators, peasants, maids, hawaiians, etc, etc. Performing in Piazza Vittoria was an Italian rock band singing English songs. This was a particular favorite of mine. Afterwards was the long awaited Brazilian Ipanema 'Carnival' show. Lots of dancing, shaking, and more crazy costumes. The show lasted until about 1am. Like I have said, children stay up remarkably late here. Then guess what? Tomorrow night is another celebration...the White Night! It's always something. Too bad I won't be here for that one. I'm off in the morning for Interlaken, then Lucerne. Be back on Monday night!