Noite dos Desafios (dia 01 de Outubro)

It was a surprisingly warm evening in Embu Guaçu, as you could almost smell a sense of excitement and apprehension in the air. The group that had assembled in the entrance hall of Aramitan was a good 30 strong and we began what would be a successful evening with a delicious meal prepared by Eduardo and helpers. The group that had gathered to "face their fears" that evening, were comprised of co workers and volunteers of Aramitan, the community of Embu Guaçu, members of Pro-Brasil organisation and locals of Horizonte Azul, among others.

After taking our fill of some truly delicious pasta dishes, the evening was set to begin...
It was dark by now and as we headed out to the fire circle, we introduced ourselves to the group, sat in silence to prepare for the coming evening and were introduced to the meaning of the evening from Tatiane and Andreza. 

The first event was to be hosted by Juliana and Arthur. We gathered outside some of the lower bathrooms and awaited the appearance of Arthur - however it was more the image of the devil that appeared from what must have been certain hell. This fearless creature would one by one take individuals into his lair, whereby we would hear the screams of his victims, the sound of drilling, loud bangs and suspenseful music. When his victims would eventually appear once more, they would be covered in a gooey and powdery substance, slightly shaken and often left very confused..Who knows what went on in that place, but no one has spoke of it since.

 

After the majority of the group had experienced their moment in hell, we returned to the fire place, where we would be prepared for the second event- the "Walk of fear".
Here we were all blindfolded and guided over to a rope to hold before the procession commenced. The group was lead around the grounds of Aramitan in complete silence, facing various obstacles and obstructions to deal with whilst being blindfolded. The walk concluded with us gathering in the forest and taking turns to add to a group created story. 

Before the night was over, we returned to the fire place where we shared our reflections of the evening and all agreed how much of a success the evening had been for Aramitan’s community and cultural events program. 

-Matthew Pike. (UK)