Community of Conceição dos Gatos

Day 1: Leaving Lençois, we drive about an hour to the city of Palmeiras, 51km (32mi), followed by an additional 20 minute drive to the community of Conceição dos Gatos. Once in the community, we will visit the house of a local master musician and storyteller before going for a swim in the Cobras Pool. We will return to the community for lunch in the homes of community members as well as have time to rest. In the afternoon, workshops will be held with local griôs and masters in the following subjects: xarope (a local cold medicine) making and information about medicinal herbs found in the community. We will then travel to the Águas Claras River for another quick swim before dinner and a small get-together will samba danced by community members. The night will be spend in the homes of community members.

 Day 2:  After having breakfast in the homes of your hosts, we will visit a farinha house for a flour-making workshop, followed by a refreshing swim in the Boa Vista Waterfall. Lunch will be had in the homes of community members followed by a visit to the home of Dona P. nonó, a local healer, for an explanation of her healing practice as well as the opportunity to receive blessings through her herbal medicines. In the evening, we will pass by Morrão before returning to Lençois.