|
The Catholic religion, which the Galibi-Marworno
say they follow, is observed through the rituals connected
to the life cycle: baptism, marriage and funerals. The
first two are celebrated by the priest when he visits
the village. Funeral rites are more traditional. The
deceased lies in wake in the house, the whole night,
accompanied by songs in patois and much liveliness,
as people eat, drink, play and happily converse. Some
time after the burial, the same ritual is repeated,
for one whole night until dawn.
The calendar of festivals includes the festival
of Holy Mary which begins on the 5th of August
and ends on the 17th. It is preceded by the
charité,[charity, alms] when a procession
with musicians and the maître charité
visit all the houses of the village to collect a contribution
in money or in kind for the festival. Afterwards, the
main pole is raised, laden with fruits, in front of
the church. Litanies are held at night and processions
with the Virgin, in the afternoon. A large number of
festeiros [those who sponsor and organize the
festival](there were 16 in 1996), make a promise, on
the year before the festival is held, to dedicate themselves
to the realization of the fest. They and their families
prepare the food, buy the drinks, decorate the hall
and take care of public orderliness, a necessary task
because of excessive drinking. Many people come from
other villages, from the Curipi, Urucauá, Oiapoque,
Cassiporé, Saint Georges and even Caienne. Employees
of FUNAI and other authorities also participate. If
it is election time, the candidates take advantage of
the occasion to campaign, helping with the expenses
which is called a present of politics". The
food is abundant, there is no fish, however, only meat.
The dance lasts three days, it being mandatory to remain
in the hall the whole night until dawn. Other festivals
include São Benedito, at Christmas time, and
the Brazilian civil festivals.
|