Mile Runner: Ed Droste Takes Brazil’s Festa São Brás by Storm Inline

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    Photo: Courtesy of Ed Droste
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    The heart of Trancosco is the Quadrado, a square overlooking the ocean flanked by candy-colored historic houses.

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    Photo: Courtesy of Ed Droste
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    Everything at the Uxua Casa Hotel has a lived-in local charm.

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    Photo: Courtesy of Ed Droste
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    A vendor selling fresh coconuts from a donkey-led pushcart

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    Photo: Courtesy of Ed Droste
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    My friend Alex after a few Caipirinhas

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    Photo: Courtesy of Ed Droste
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    Colorful one-story homes on the dusty edge of the Quadrado

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    Photo: Courtesy of Ed Droste
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    Setting up the annual Festa São Brás under the blazing sun

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    Photo: Courtesy of Ed Droste
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    Kayaking down hidden Bahian back rivers with Alex

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    Photo: Courtesy of Ed Droste
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    The festival includes local rituals like this one, in which people wear all white and offer flowers to the sea.

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    Photo: Courtesy of Ed Droste
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    The all-day, all-night party for the entire community is a sensory overload of music, food, and dancing.

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    Photo: Courtesy of Ed Droste
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    As the sun rises, the party continues with the procession of the giant pole.

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    Photo: Courtesy of Ed Droste
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    The hypnotic sounds of the celebration echo throughout the old fishing village.

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    Photo: Courtesy of Ed Droste
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    Alex, a new friend from London, and me—doing as the Brazilians do!