If you ask me, the first thing I would tell you about Sanjoninas is that the whole thing is somewhat comparable to the State Fair or "Las Ferias de Buga," if you were from Colombia. The point of the comparison is to note that there are several parallels I can draw for you, the reader.
Sanjoaninas consists of a collection of traditional events, food, alcohol, and a happy atmosphere, all on the streets. The city decorates the main streets in Angra so when you are walking at 2am on the street, it feels like 10pm because all the street lights are still shining on you. The main streets are also closed so cars can't go through and pedestrians have it wide. Even then, during the parades, the streets are so crowded that you have to elbow people to get the best view or to get through. But it's all in a friendly way--little children run around, old people seat on folding chairs conservatively, tourists are spottable, street vendors sell sweets and balloons, and I wonder if a bull will come out of nowhere to spice things up. Oh, and then there are the traditional "touradas" that aren't exciting unless someone gets hurt or the bull makes a large crowd run for their lives.
My favorite part of Sanjoninas is being able to walk slowly in the middle of the street, under pretty lights, on cobblestone, and surrounded by old buildings and noise. It's quite the experience!
Hasta la vista!
Laura R.
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