On the night of the religious procession along the streets of Villa Franca, Sao Miguel, frames were laid in the streets, with internal smaller frames into which different colored flowers, ferns and colored wood chips were laid. The frames were removed, creating the line of the procession. The narrow sidewalks were full and where there was a wider sidewalk, the crowds were three and four deep. People watched from their windows and hung colorful tapestries. The processioners marched in a slow cadence. During the passage of the lofted statue of Jesus, one could hear a pin drop. I will never forget this experience.
