The Villa Franca do Campo festival was a joyous event. The entire populace comes to the central square flanked by the church and streets illuminated from dazzling lights at around 9 p.m. to the tune of fireworks. The fireworks blast hourly each day along with the chime of the church bells. On this night, a fantastic blues band played. The band also played a series of songs known by the community. Villagers sat along the terraced steps of the church facing the stage, and everyone clapped along to the time worn words and notes.
I stood out like a sore thumbed curiosity in the village with my pasty Irish skin from Mary Josephine Buckley genes, and from being tall and carrying a fancy camera. I introduced myself to the guitarist and we chatted a bit, and I think the band enjoyed being subjected to my camera.
