The recipe to finally delete 2020 was simple according to Brazilians—wear white as a sign of peace, jump over seven waves and throw flowers into the sea.
Obviously, we also had to avoid gatherings and use common sense, you know the drill wherever you are in the world.
I bought white shorts in São Paulo. We decided to spend New Year’s Eve and start January 2021 on Santa Catarina Island so technically, we could find waves to jump over.
But for once, we didn’t have a plan for New Year’s Eve. Who plans anything these days, anyway? Planning is overrated.
“Curfew? Gathering restrictions? Stay-at-home order?” my mom asked when I called in the evening.
We had strange questions and concerns in 2020. Hopefully, one day, we’ll be able to laugh about them.
“Not that I know of. Supermarkets were packed with people buying booze and clothing stores were packed with people buying white t-shirts, so clearly Brazilians are celebrating somewhere and probably not alone in front of the TV. Official festivities are cancelled, though, so no fireworks.”
In non-pandemic times, people in Florianópolis gather around the beloved Hercilio Luz Bridge that link the Santa Catarina Island to the mainland to watch a pyrotechnic show—or they just jump over the seven waves and get drunk on one of the many beaches.
The bridge reopened just a year ago after restoration work, so for the first time we were able to walk across and check out the rest of the city on the mainland. We did it in the afternoon because we suspected the bridge may be closed for the night. It was windy and stormy but it was a fun experience, plus Mark finally noticed the many banana trees and realized that bananas grow… well, on trees.
Then we discovered a really fun tree swing in the Parque da Luz, right in front of the bridge.
The rest of the day went by fast. We had to shop and plan ahead because everything would be closed until January 2. It made us laugh—“No supermarkets and restaurants for two days? Ah, that’s nothing compared to months of shutdowns!”
We decided to drive to Campeche beach around 7 p.m. People were starting to gather but we didn’t feel like spending five hours on the sand in the dark. It takes a cooler full of beer and friends to spend New Year’s Eve on the beach, plus it was a bit chilly (…22⁰C…).
We walked back to the car and drove to another town listening to our favourite songs.
“Wow, Pink Floyd… that’s so funny, mommy, because my middle name is Floyd.”
“What a coincidence indeed.”
“Are you being sarcastic?”
“Yep.”
We stopped at a gas station for coffee, then we parked in Lagoa da Conceição to see what people were doing—mostly hanging out with friends, drinking, smoking, relaxing.
Back to the car.
“Come to think of it,” Feng said, “we literally ‘looking for a place to happen, making stops along the way.’”
“We’re stuck in a Tragically Hip song. How Canadian of us.”
We eventually drove back to the Airbnb and just headed to the bridge around 11:30 p.m. It was closed, yet people were showing up, probably out of tradition. Most groups had brought champagne and glasses—Brazilians are careful planners.
Midnight. Bottles of champagne were popped open and we all watched unofficial fireworks over the bridge and behind a hill in the distance.
I clearly remember wishing everyone a happy new year last year. Considering how it turned out, I’m just going to wish you all a better year.
Feliz ano novo!
Yes, Feliz Ano Novo to you and your family also. Obrigado, Eu espero por um melhor ano tambem.
Better than the restricted lock downs and limited of family gatherings in some countries or states, where you can get arrested. Holidays and festivities seem much better where you are, I’m jealous again.. the benefits of being freelance.
It’s a very weird trip, as Canadians are being shamed for leaving the country. I’m not “vacationing”, I’m not “flouting public health guidelines”, I just… left for a while because I can’t take winter with COVID in Canada. We respect restrictions here and use the same common sense as in Canada. But at least, I can leave the house and be outside, that’s all I wanted.
Ha ha, I love how you all share song references (that I am not familiar with).
That’s a cool photo with the big plant!
Yes, may we have a better year!
he Tragically Hip, Canada’s beloved band. The joke actually goes that it’s the biggest band in Canada but no one has ever heard of them across the border 😆 The singer died a couple of years ago, but they were pretty good.
Très belle année à vous 3!
Merci! Comment allez-vous? Le moral tient bon?
Arf oui, mais les chiffres ne sont pas très bons… on espère que les enfants vont pouvoir reprendre lundi 11 comme prévu.
Eeek… ça a l’air d’être effectivement un peu la merdouille au Canada et en Europe. Ailleurs aussi, évidemment. Je ne comprends pas trop où se passent les contaminations alors que le Québec et l’Ontario sont confinés!