Pilgrims rest from crawling to San Felipe Church to honor the Black Christ in Portobelo during a festival celebrating the iconic statue that was found on the shore in 1658 pilgrims like Ernesto Troya undertook the hardest stretch of their journey to reach the statue of the Black Christ of Portobelo in Panama they crawled for several hours along the street toward the image of the saint It is one of the most striking scenes to happen every year in the northern province of Colón the province celebrates the festival of the Black Christ of Portobelo It is considered one of the largest Catholic pilgrimages in the Central American country and dates back centuries Portobelo is a tourist destination that is part of Panama’s historical and cultural heritage The city served as a port and trade center during the Spanish colonial times in the Caribbean Sea A tattoo of Christ covers the chest of pilgrim Ernesto Troya who crawls to San Felipe Church to honor the Black Christ in Portobelo during a festival celebrating the statue that was found on the shore in 1658 A pilgrim carries a replica of the Black Christ in Portobelo legend has it that a fisherman found the statue of the Black Christ wrapped in a “cayuco,” or wooden boat When the Spaniards discovered the presence of the saint they decided to move it to another country on the continent every time the boat tried to set sail with the statue a storm came and prevented it from leaving port Thousands of pilgrims arrive at the church of San Felipe After walking long distances in what is known as “mandas” they give thanks for a favor or miracle granted made a dramatic final run through the streets of the town the pilgrimage usually causes cramps and knee injuries “If one gets on their knees with the faith one has (in the saint) everything will go well With faith everything is possible,” said Troya Children play at a vendor’s booth outside San Felipe Catholic church in Portobelo Reinaldo Almanza holds his son Reinier with a candle at San Felipe Church in honor of the Black Christ in Portobelo Pilgrim Ernesto Troya stretches his friend’s leg as they take a break from crawling on their knees to San Felipe Church Barber Jose Valdespinto cuts a pilgrim’s hair outside the San Felipe Church to honor the Black Christ in Portobelo Pilgrims rest on the side of the road after leaving San Felipe Church to honor the Black Christ in Portobelo Pilgrims rest outside San Felipe Church where they came to honor the Black Christ in Portobelo People take cover from rain at San Felipe Church in Portobelo Pilgrims joke around with water after crawling to San Felipe Church to honor the Black Christ in Portobelo A woman drips candle wax on Valentin Solis as part of his penance during a festival celebrating the iconic Black Christ statue that was found on the shore in 1658 A woman takes a photo of her daughter at the San Jeronimo fort in Portobelo Pilgrims arrive at San Felipe Church to honor the Black Christ in Portobelo Pilgrims crawl to San Felipe Church to honor the Black Christ in Portobelo People stand under an umbrella at the San Jeronimo fort in Portobelo Pilgrims sing and dance inside San Felipe Church to honor the Black Christ in Portobelo A pilgrim rests next to a replica of the Black Christ sitting on a car hood in Portobelo Get our news on your inbox! Suscribe x MercoPress, en Español Montevideo, May 5th 2025 - 14:06 UTC The beach resort of Camboriú in the southern Brazilian State of Santa Catarina has been declared under emergency Thursday following heavy rains that flooded that place and others such as Florianópolis First responders have been working around the clock while State authorities also set up shelters as the need for improved drainage systems and flood prevention infrastructure has been highlighted Residents were also advised to exercise extreme caution in flood-prone areas Camboriú Mayor Juliana Pavan declared the emergency after more than 120 millimeters of rainfall were recorded in just a few hours flooding city streets and adjacent roads such as BR-101 Argentine tourists were reported to be arriving en masse for the second half of January as a convenient exchange rate advises against vacationing in their home country about 130 millimeters in the cities of Itajaí Camboriú and Balneário Camboriú More than half the volume expected for the entire month of January,” Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello pointed out According to Camboriús Urban Mobility's Ricardo Pastrana lines were over 26 kilometers long in either direction passing through Porto Belo Pavan's measure triggered the Emergency Disaster Response Plan summoning volunteers to reinforce response actions and crowdfunding campaigns The City Council also announced the opening of three emergency shelters The Response and Action Coordination Group (GRAC) and teams from Civil Defense the Department of Public Works and Public Safety are working together in the area to ensure the safety of the population and tourists especially considering that these climatic phenomena increase the probability of landslides no weather model predicted Thursday's crisis characteristic of maritime circulation rains caught people in Itajaí and Camboriú by surprise Santa Catarina's experimental meteorological station Epagri/Ciram is not capable of detecting this type of weather phenomenon in time Epagri/Ciram's expert Gilsânia Cruz told local media that identifying this type of phenomenon depends on smaller-scale precision models in addition to meteorologists being able to handle new forecasting models Foul weather is expected to continue until at least Saturday Brazil's Civil Defense Department predicted heavy and persistent rains will continue to affect Bombinhas Mello had already made headlines Wednesday when he highlighted that the city of Pomerode known as the most German city in Brazil “stands out for the color of people's skin.” According to Brazil's Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) The Governor's statement during the opening of the 40th Pomeranian festival was posted on the Santa Catarina State's website on audio and went viral for its alleged “racist” tint which could result in criminal charges against the State's Chief Executive and this accusation doesn't apply to me,” Mello insisted Commenting for this story is now closed.If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page! Menu Listen The Brazilian artist performs a live version of his recent take on the track in front of a dramatic natural backdrop With 232 pages and an expanded 12″ by 12″ format our biggest print issue yet celebrates the people and Phoebe Bridgers’ Saddest Factory Records The NYC-based project’s second album delights in its confident sense of chaos with vocalist Cole Haden knowing full well there’s no way we’re going to avert our gaze for a single moment Channeling Ziggy Stardust’s glam transcendence Will Toledo resurrects the album as a grandiose narrative vehicle while marking his valiant stride into the rock canon The Erasure frontman works out something open and anthemic on his latest solo album with producer Dave Audé adding subtler shades to his post-house pop mix Last month, Brazilian artist Slow Motion added an additional bounce to the step of South African DJ Dwson’s single “Forbidden,” which features vocals from Sio “The original track left me enchanted and I decided to give a special touch to this remix,” Slow Motion shared in a press release noting that the track had become his most requested songs as a DJ I’m happy with the results so far and I hope it can be played in many places in Brazil and around the world.“ Recently the song did get played in Brazil by Slow Motion himself—setting up his boards in front of a dramatic backdrop featuring lush greens and the harbor that gives the Southern Brazil municipality of Porto Belo its name, the artist plays through a smooth live version of the reworking for his “Neighborhoods” set Latest UpdatesCountries Why Join?IL MagazineFree Daily E-LetterVideoOur ExpertsTestimonialsFAQsTopics Your #1 resource for a global lifestyle since 1979 Panama’s Colón province gets a bad rap because of its capital city But outside of that one permanently depressed city is one of the most underappreciated rainforest districts in the Caribbean The Portobelo district is its own tiny tropical universe There are even small islands popular with local tourists and scuba divers alike Imagine a town with a brick lane bordering a handkerchief park and a sweet In front are benches painted in Crayola-bright colors…yellow The backdrop is a row of palm trees and a hill covered in exuberant jungle foliage This is just one snapshot from the culture-rich region of Portobelo Many of its residents are Congos—Afro-Panamanians descended from colonial-era slaves with a centuries-old heritage of dance and song And though this region is nowhere near in danger of losing its local character It takes about two hours and the toll for a compact car is $2.30 You’ll need to make that drive for most of your healthcare needs There are expats and locals of all ages and from a wide variety of business and cultural backgrounds They’ve helped usher in better options for food and more places to stay from boutique operations like Ciel y Miel to glamping at Tesoro Verde Panama There are many other exciting new developments here now There’s coral restoration project Reef 2 Reef and a seapod company called Ocean Builders Linton Bay is a new marina that’s consistently full of sailboats And Panasea is the first open-ocean sea cucumber hatchery in the Americas Sea cucumbers are vital to the coastal ecosystem so in addition to generating incomes and jobs the seapods created by Ocean Builders will be fixed in place so you can live in a home with 360-degree ocean views For boaters living on the water in Portobelo the marina is full of life and incredibly convenient Each berth comes with a water hook up and electricity and WiFi is available across the site The Blue House is a Panamanian-style fonda (a rustic open-air eatery) while Tropic Bar and Restaurant is a classic sailors’ dive with American-style burgers and more the views are stunning…but when the sun is shining bright It’s quintessential Caribbean…one of the most desirable regions on Earth A couple living in Portobelo could spend around $2,000 a month on a life that is neither spartan nor profligate That’s including rent—there is still a lot of untitled property here But people in Portobelo are over the moon if you just show you’re willing to try Polite holas and a bit of broken Spanish get you smiles and friendship There are expats of all ages and walks of life in Portobelo there’s no time like the present to plan a visit and we’ve seen rentals going for as little as $500 a month and single expats living on $1,250 a month U.S.-style houses with open kitchens and air conditioning at these prices terraces for outdoor living and ceiling fans are the norm The ruins at Portobelo—the name means "beautiful port"—are among Panama’s best-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites The cannons still point out to the water: pirates beware Across from El Castillo restaurant is another warning: Drake Island They say the pirate invader was buried at sea from here in 1596 and divers are still searching for his body (they believe they will find it in full armor and a lead coffin) In the village center is perhaps the most beloved local landmark a simple white church with pasty purple trim Every year brings a flood of pilgrims in satiny purple robes They come to beg and give thanks for blessings “I traveled the last mile on my knees.” No one knows where the statue came from Much has been written about the Pacific side of Panama this is not the case with the vibrant yet laidback Caribbean side The historic town of Portobelo is a prime example Located in Colón province in the northern part of the isthmus and coral reefs side by side with ancient Spanish forts and ruins dating back to when Portobelo was the greatest Spanish port in Central America Portobelo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a treasure trove for history buffs It is the site of the relics of two stone fortresses in use during the glory days of the thriving sea trade Throughout the 16th to 18th centuries seagoing vessels carried gold from Peru and treasures from the Orient to this area where mules carried the precious cargo to Panama City English privateers such as the infamous Sir Henry Morgan tried their best to raze these fortresses but thankfully today enough of them remain to allow visitors to imagine the excitement and danger of life back then the estimated 4,000 residents eked out a living by fishing but now an economic depression that has been endured for many years is lifting with the exciting new interest in Congo art there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy Learn more about a healthier outdoor life in Panama and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE REPORT -- Panama: Easy First-World Living and the World’s Best Retiree Program Here is a list of the top things to do when you visit Portobelo for the first time: The most popular event held in Portobelo every year on October 21 is the Festival de Cristo Negro or Black Christ Festival To celebrate this event thousands of pilgrims flock to Iglesia de San Felipe church where they demonstrate their devotion to a black wooden effigy of Christ which was found on the shores of the town’s harbor and is ceremoniously carried through the streets this wooden statue is the most revered religious figure in the area The true origin of the Black Christ is unknown as it was discovered by a black slave who was fishing at the water’s edge and noticed the wrapped bundle floating by the altar is adorned with gold images depicting emblems of the crucifixion including nails and even the dice used by the Roman soldiers to win his robe At this time pilgrims hike for literally miles to reach their destination of Portobelo The most devout crawl the final mile to the church to show their reverence The Black Christ statue has its clothing changed and it is carried on the backs of the faithful imitating the distance it was originally dragged from the sea It is then returned to the church at midnight Discover their African legacy with a visit to the Casa de la Cultura Congo which is an open public space providing informative workshops and the creation of stunning arts and crafts Their mission is to honor and exalt their colonial Latin and African legacy and more provide vigorous physical activities for those so inclined Take a dip or scuba dive at one of the beaches along the coast or on the nearby islands of Mamey and Isla Grande Isle Grande (which means “big island,” although it is quite small) is less than 10 miles from Portobelo by water and has several modest hotels and restaurants Visitors to Portobelo will appreciate and savor a vibrant Caribbean flair from the rich food culture Restaurants are quite plentiful in the area for the size of the town Restaurant Pizzeria Don Quijote is very popular and boasts the “best pizza in Panama.” It is also a bakery (panadería) with delicious pastries and excellent food as well as several quaint and enjoyable restaurants Casa Congo is a small but lovely hotel on the water which also contains an authentic and delicious seafood restaurant The price is in the vicinity of $120 per night Make sure to check out some traditional Congo dance when you are in Portobelo The colorful and expressive dance has been passed on from generation to generation meaning the Afro-Panamanian legacy is very much alive today When first approaching Portobelo you will spot Fuerte Santiago or the “reef rock” as referred to by the Spanish Having walls of cut coral three meters thick The larger fort is Fuerte San Jeronimo and was built to protect the harbor from pirate invasion Eighteen ominous cannon embrasures face the bay Transportation from Panama City consists of three options—bus Bus fares are very reasonable as well as plentiful The trip takes approximately two-and-a-half hours Taxis cost from $35 to $50 and take about under 90 minutes if the usual tourist precautions are adhered to One caution I would express is that nearby Colón City is not known for its safety and should probably be avoided this tiny city has one of the highest incidences of crime in the nation (Note that I’m talking about the capital of the province of Colón Raised eyebrows…that’s what I got from people back when I said “I live in Colón.” They weren’t exactly wrong to raise them The province gets a bad rap because of its capital city But outside of that one permanently down-on-its-luck city is one of the most underappreciated rainforest districts in the Caribbean a local family by the name of Ehlers would adopt me and go jouncing over potholes and plowing through mud to get to the heavenly coast of Portobelo We weren’t exactly driving to the rainforest because it was all around us deep green and so dense it was like a living ready to swallow up the road and us with it lifejackets missing straps—ferried us from the settlement at La Guaira to Isla Grande where a few “hotels” had simple cement boxes for rooms We slept two steps from the island’s sandy edges and the kiosk next door had cold 50-cent lagers We’d sip and shuffle under the sun…soles of our feet getting hot on the beach and cooling down in turquoise waters Then the locals who call themselves Congos—Afro-Panamanians descended from colonial-era slaves—would gather to show off a rich Most nights there was nothing to do but talk and laugh “Life is easier here now,” says New Orleans expat Rosalind Baitel who splits her time between Portobelo and Panama City Internet can cost a bit more here than in the city and speeds are up and down.” (And yet during the pandemic Roz and I had several glitch-free virtual happy hours on Zoom.) There are expats and locals of all ages here now.” Thanks to them there are better options for food and more places to stay are responsible for the jungle camp that is Tesoro Verde They were slowly building their own home on 19 acres that may once have been a banana plantation A friend saw the lush surroundings and unfinished home (no roof ) and said it would be perfect for glamping “Why not?” is something you hear a lot from people here self-sufficient types that are always trying something new You can sleep in a comfortable bed—not a cot They also have a mud oven (they built it before they started on the house…priorities) On full moon pizza nights they light a few tiki torches and roll out pie after pie Heather says you’re not allowed to leave till you can’t eat any more Everyone knows someone with a beach house.) Roz’s husband Allan is from the province of Colón and a director of Linton Bay a new marina that’s already full of sailboats Roz and Allan are also the community outreach liaison and co-founder the first open-ocean sea cucumber hatchery in the Americas I went to tour the facility and had to smile There were people in comfy board shorts and t-shirts others sitting in the open-air cafeteria fronting the water I’d been expecting a bunch of serious boffins He and wife Ashly Tellez Grossman split their time between Portobelo and Panama City “We do lots of swimming and snorkeling and make sandcastles,” he says “There are always a few kids running around We also go to some off-the-beaten-path beaches nearby This is a great place for us and the kids.” A good thing as the Grossmans are expecting twins any day now I’m not sure I ever want to sample a sea cucumber but seeing outfits like Panasea set up shop here is exciting and many of them want to help preserve and restore the marine environment."Playa Paraiso is a spectacular Delicious.) But I’m giving the prize for “project most likely to make your jaw drop” to Ocean Builders They’re building apartment-sized seapods in Linton Bay and the ribs of these futuristic structures are actually 3D-printed the seapods will be fixed in place so you can have 360-degree ocean views Sounds like something for the rich and famous but prices at time of writing are around $195,000 the pods will be subject to annual flag fees they estimate maintenance costs and expenses will be around $500 a month I just added “live in a seapod” to my bucket list there are already a lot of people living on the water in Portobelo As many as 150 vessels (around 350 people) were steered to shelter in this region during the pandemic Each berth comes with water hook up and electricity and WiFi is available across the site I walk around with Roz one particularly hot morning the views are spectacular…but today the sun is shining bright A day to drink in the countless blues and greens that make this one of the most desirable regions on Earth one of Portobelo’s most popular vegetable sellers fresh produce for sale in this region was very basic: tomatoes and onions Today Efraín will get you whatever you want from Panama City best friends who’ve rented a houseboat for a few months we brought all the food we could from Panama City radishes…it was like a treasure chest,” says Tony “When he found fresh dill I thought he was going to have a heart attack,” laughs Alana “One day we got three pineapples for a dollar the most gorgeous pineapples you have ever seen another supplier delivers wine to us on the houseboat…we’re doing very well here.” where kids run around and play while parents sip a cerveza or café con leche find a seat and order a heaping plate for about $7 Nancy serves pulpo and patacones (octopus and fried green plantains) Closer to the slips is Tropic Bar and Restaurant It’s on the ground level of a pale blue double-decker building with wraparound decks There are hats hanging in random places and handwritten signs on the columns It’s got a hodgepodge look that says come as you are Stop by and ask about the $7 burger of the day it might be smoked pork and cheddar or something called the “hangover burg.” If there’s anything you need to know Ray or a friendly sailor will look up from her brew to tell you what’s what You can send a WhatsApp message and get a fried fish sandwich delivered to your boat."We got three pineapples for a dollar."Life here could get expensive And living on a boat is a whole nother kettle of fish “Running your boat is a full-time job,” says Alex live on a 42-foot Westsail—an oldschool sailing boat there are days like that… but there are also days spent covered in grease In his blog, Projectbluesphere.com Alex explains how to be a minimalist sailor and we don’t burn fossil fuels much,” he says wine…and buy as little packaged food as possible In the States they were always coming onboard Heather and Jim spend around $2,000 a month on a life she says is neither spartan nor profligate The couple actually came to Portobelo on a small sailing boat I wouldn’t recommend anyone else go that route unless they were very well off,” Heather adds It’s a common concern in this region—there is still a lot of “Right of Possession” property It’s better to stick to land that’s already been titled unless you can afford to gamble on land that might have multiple ownership claims Living on land in Portobelo can be extremely inexpensive for anyone happy to rent don’t expect to find much of anything besides expensive vacation rentals you need to be willing to come down and talk to people Take some time to greet them properly before asking questions I’ve traveled extensively in the Caribbean and But in my experience people in Portobelo are over the moon if you just show you’re willing to try For 30-something single expats like Jason Ashcroft and Amy Bennett it was easy to network with locals and expats And they each found creative ways to save on housing A photographer and naturalist who offers jungle wildlife tours Jason was offered free lodging at a little hotel if he would keep an eye on it at night Later he and his girlfriend—they met in Portobelo— moved to a large property with a house for sale He takes care of maintenance in exchange for discounts on rent and I can see the ocean and enjoy the sunset We have local fruit planted all over the property so whenever we’re bored we go see what’s ripe We compete with the monkeys for mango and avocado,” he jokes it’s all theirs anyway."Many places rent for about $500 a month here."“I’ve seen many places rent for about $500 a month here You might find waterfront to be more expensive,” Jason says you can access cheaper properties that aren’t right in town or along the main road “I’d say anybody could survive out here with $1,000 a month.” Amy came to Portobelo on a work exchange program and refused to leave when it was over She started spay and neuter clinics for local animals eventually setting up her dedicated charity someone brought in a cat and got to chatting with Amy He (the human) was returning to France and needed someone to manage his vacation rental property “I was able to create my own income and have somewhere beautiful to live “I don’t think you can surpass Portobelo for the mix of jungle, beach, mountains, and culture,” Amy says. She is especially fascinated by the area’s history. The ruins at Portobelo are among Panama’s best-known heritage sites the cannons still pointing out to the water: pirates beware Across from El Castillo is another warning: Drake Island In the village center is my favorite local landmark They come to pray and give thanks for blessings If you’d asked me about Portobelo five years ago I can actually see myself living here again Over the past year alone I’ve met expats of all ages and walks of life here You may be dismayed by the litter and trash heaps that persist in some parts Or be put off by the necessity of keeping reserve tanks stocked with rainwater “But things have been improving,” says Jason even if it’s still storming.” There’s internet and cell service Panama City’s hospitals are two hours away thanks in large part to the expats and locals who are investing their time and money here Property and business owners like Rosalind and Allan who are aware of and working on the issues In the past year they’ve lobbied for better water and trash handling and created a chamber of commerce for the region Today I find myself falling in love with Portobelo all over again And not just because I’ve spent so many happy hours lolling by the pool and jumping off the dock at Villa Rosalinda I love that Portobelo’s effulgent Congo culture is getting more attention Its “ritual and festive expressions” were recently recognized by UNESCO And there’s more funding for exhibits and projects to preserve ancestral customs and knowledge how to make the bongo-like tambores…all of it when I drive through the tiny Portobelo town center during carnival “Un cuara.” (A quarter; the Congo lingua franca is a mix of Spanish and French.) The ladies in the square wear bright patchwork dresses that show off their shoulders she’s wearing the largest crown you’ve ever seen but she flaunts poppy pink lips and tempts with a tray of tropical fruit And if you want to look beneath the surface Portobelo is its own tiny tropical universe a tiny gem accessible by boat from Puerto Portobelo Imagine a town with a brick lane bordering a handkerchief park and a sweet one-story cottage of a church Panama Deep DivesBeachfront Property in Panama With warm weather, comes more opportunity for busy European streets to break out into a sea of market stalls with unique finds. There is no better shopper’s paradise than in Porto, Portugal! If you find must-have items that you can’t take home in your luggage, you can walk a few blocks away to the DHL or DPD shop to mail them. For yourself or as a gift for a friend, maybe? Who can honestly walk away from adopting an awesome boat helm with stories to tell? This is a covered fresh food market that reopened after extensive renovations in late 2022. You can buy just about anything you can think of to snack on, sip or even build your perfect picnic haul! You can also track down a few souvenirs here. For book lovers, there are a couple of special options you’ll want to check out! Sign up to receive travel tips, local event details, restaurant reviews, recipes, community news, and more every week from Stripes Europe. Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace Public access to information is a key component of UNESCO's commitment to transparency and its accountability. Based on human rights and fundamental freedoms, the 2005 Convention ultimately provides a new framework for informed, transparent and UNESCO’s e-Platform on intercultural dialogue is designed for organizations and individuals to learn from shared knowledge or experiences from infl Established in 2002, the GEM Report is an editorially independent report, hosted and published by UNESCO. To recovery and beyond: The report takes stock of the global progress on the adoption and implementation of legal guarantees on Access to Info Addressing culture as a global public good For almost 75 years, the UNESCO Courier has served as a platform for international debates on issues that concern the entire pla Lifelong learning is key to overcoming global challenges and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. UNICByMarianaÁlvarez24 June 2023Last update:26 June 2023On June 21, the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, inaugurated the restoration works of the Royal Customs House in Portobelo and the Museum of Afro-Panamanian Memory. These initiatives aim to preserve the historical legacy of Afro-descendant people and the historical memory of the Afro population. The event was attended by distinguished personalities, including the Minister of Culture, Giselle González, the Minister of Public Works, Rafael Sabonge, the Governor of Colón, Irasema de Dale, as well as Nilda Quijano, founder and executive director of the Patronato de Portobelo y Fuerte San Lorenzo. Additionally, Alexander Leicht, Director of UNESCO San José, was present. The Royal Customs House of Portobelo, an architectural gem built by the Spanish in 1630, played a vital role during the famous fairs of Portobelo and has undergone several restorations throughout its history. Furthermore, it was an important location during the colonial era in transatlantic trade. A notable feature of this project is the strong involvement of the local community at all stages. Ninety percent of the labor employed in construction, restoration, and museography was contracted among the residents of Portobelo and the province of Colón. This active participation has strengthened community ties and generated employment opportunities, promoting local economic development. During the inauguration ceremony, Leicht, Director of UNESCO San José, emphasized the significance of the site by stating that "Portobelo was a significant port in the history of slavery, this unimaginable crime against humanity. Speaking of the trafficking of enslaved people in Portobelo also means speaking of resistance, resilience, and the survival of the Afro-descendant community. In this sense, this site is also a place looking towards the future." This memorable inauguration reflects Panama's and UNESCO's commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of sustainable tourism as drivers of economic and social development in the Colón region. State Civil Defence reported incidents of rain damage flooding or landslides in the 6 municipalities of Jaraguá do Sul almost 190 people have been displaced from their homes Civil Defence said the severe weather conditions have hindered damage assessments and the numbers of affected and displaced are likely to rise The municipality of Camboriú is among the worst affected areas About 60% of the municipality’s territory is flooded according to data from the Military Fire Brigade and the Secretariat of Civil Protection and Defence As much as 259.3 mm of rain fell in 24 hours to 20 December 2022 More than 200 rescues were carried out by firefighters Around 90 people are staying in emergency shelters Heavy rain also triggered numerous landslides in Morro do Encano and in the neighbourhoods of Tabuleiro and Monte Alegre Two young people died after a landslide buried a house in Jardim Aliança Areas of the state have seen heavy rain and flooding since late November. Two fatalities were reported in early December. As of 04 December, 32 municipalities were affected, 30 of which declared a state of emergency a total of 16,350 people were affected and 1,077 people were displaced Richard Davies is the founder of floodlist.com and reports on flooding news Cookies | Privacy | Contacts © Copyright 2025 FloodList While Green Hill Municipal Golf Course head pro Matt Moison spent part of the winter refinishing the hardwood floor in the clubhouse superintendent Tim O’Brien volunteered for nearly a week to help a friend build a golf course in Brazil the golf course construction manager at Porto Belo Golf Resort The two had remained in touch after Soto served as a consultant for bunker renovations at Green Hill two years ago who is in his fourth season as superintendent a national landscaping company which has a contract with the city of Worcester to maintain Green Hill Soto has worked on many projects for BrightView “It was fantastic working with him,” O’Brien said He’s been in the industry for a very long time and I gravitate toward that kind of experience and leadership.” has helped build or renovate more than 90 golf courses in the U.S Green Hill is the only course he has worked on in New England was able to spend a lot of time with him when he worked at Green Hill and I liked it there,” he said from Brazil O’Brien followed Soto around in Brazil and watched how he oversaw a crew of workers who are building the front nine this year “It was like Bring Your Kid To Work Day for Butch,” O’Brien said “He’s a good people person from a diplomatic standpoint He deals with a lot of different personalities with his crew.” The resort’s front nine could open as soon as the end of this year and work is expected to begin on the back nine next year O’Brien also helped spread grass clippings called sprigs on a couple of greens the owner of the irrigation company working on the course took O’Brien and Soto hiking up mountains and near a waterfall along the coast Porto Belo Golf Resort is only a one-minute walk to the nearest beach on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a high-end course that the owners want to be PGA Tour quality and it will be the only golf course in South America with lights. According to golflink.com regulation length golf courses with lights in the U.S Soto said it has rained so often in recent months in Brazil he has had to remain in his apartment for up to a week and a half at a time waiting for the course to dry enough so he can run his machines on it It’s summertime in Brazil when it’s winter in the U.S So it was 85 degrees when Soto spoke to the T&G recently Soto said the weather and him taking over after the original project manager was let go slowed the construction of the course His predecessor installed five bunkers on the driving range “This is probably one of the first times in my career,” Soto said “where I’m doing a brand new golf construction and a remodel at the same time on the same property O’Brien hopes to become a better leader by observing Soto handle his crew “He was level headed the whole time with a steady hand,” he said Soto speaks only English and relied on an interpreter at times because some of his workers spoke only Portuguese or Spanish Refinishing a hardwood floor may not seem as much fun as traveling to Brazil He likes to work with his hands and not just with golf clubs in them “That’s the favorite part of my job,” he said “I love doing construction work and projects.” A company was hired five or six years ago to refurbish the floor but Moison decided to do it this time with the help of a couple of others including Gino Ramaldi from the clubhouse restaurant They refinished the floor in the function room the hall outside the carpeted pro shop and around the bar in the restaurant they strip-sanded the floor with sanders rented from Home Depot stained it a darker walnut color and polyurethaned it “Seventy-five percent of the people who walk in here don’t even notice,” he said Moison plans to refinish the hardwood floor at least one more time before he retires “I always tell people I grew up sitting on the end of a board,” Moison said he would have his son sit on the end of it so it didn’t move built a new counter with a slate-tile top in the pro shop Moison has done all sorts of projects at the three homes he has owned over the years he renovated his attic and built a spiral staircase up to it so his children could use the space as a library he built a kitchen and bathroom between the house and the garage and he converted the garage into a living room he installed 11,000 pavers in the driveway and built a stone patio and a stone wall O’Brien hopes to spend two weeks with Soto in Brazil next winter but he’s also looking forward to improvements he has planned for Green Hill this season He expects to get more done by hiring a larger maintenance crew with fewer full-time workers About half a dozen of the workers will be Shrewsbury High basketball players Shrewsbury High coach Adrian Machado is a Green Hill member The expanded crew will be counted on to take better care of the bunkers and greens tree and golf course maintenance operations so O’Brien has access to the landscaping and tree departments for the first time a five-man landscaping crew took care of Green Hill’s mulch beds The tree crew is scheduled to eventually remove and prune trees O’Brien plans to mow all 18 holes in the morning three days a week instead of mowing nine holes six days a week to avoid bothering golfers as often O’Brien plans to install new cups and pins on the greens this week O’Brien said after years of golfers asking him to mow a path through the native area up the hill from near the 11th green to the 12th tee The path will allow walkers to take a more direct route than the winding cart path to the 12th tee He said he’d also mow a path from the 14th green down the hill to the 15th fairway to provide a shorter route to the 15th tee Green Hill opened for the season on Saturday the course hosted 280 golfers as the temperature reached into the low 60s “Everybody just wanted to get out of the house,” Moison said They all left the pro shop with a smile on their faces Whether they finished with one is a different story.” That was quite a turnout considering the course was open only from 8 p.m and no carts were allowed on the course at the time on a busy summer weekend day when the course is open from 6:30 a.m You can suggest story ideas for this golf column by reaching me at the email listed below —Contact Bill Doyle at bcdoyle15@charter.net From the classic to the more recent options Porto has several markets and fairs where you can find second-hand products we decided to put together a guide with some suggestions sustainable and organic products are just a few examples of what you can find in Porto’s urban markets um dos mercados urbanos que se realiza com menos frequência no Porto The offer is not restricted to the sale of products taking up residence for the first time at the Palácio das Artes the headquarters of the Youth Foundation since 2016 you’ll find pieces by creators and designers as well as some musical moments Taking place in one of the green spaces porto’s most beautiful market, the Mercado da Alegria, takes place every Sunday in the Passeio Alegre garden. This urban market is already a ‘classic’ in the city of Porto, popular with locals and visitors alike. Here you can find a wide range of products, from fashion accessories to decorative objects, sluices, cheeses and much more. If you pass the Jardim do Passeio Alegre, take the opportunity to walk to Foz. As well as the beautiful scenery, there are several cafés and restaurants in the area. you’ll find a wide range of products illustrations and sometimes stalls with organic products What’s more, as this urban market is close to the Rua de Cedofeita you can take the opportunity to (re)discover some of the best restaurants in the city.  When: every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m View this post on Instagram Ohana Market Ohana Market is one of the new ad ditions to this list of Porto’s urban markets This initiative was launched for the first time last year and was such a success that it will return for more than 20 editions in 2024 With a clear focus on creativity and sustainability Ohana Market is committed to selling several national designer brands in a wide variety of categories With the douro river serving as a backdrop the Mercadinho da Ribeira is already an unavoidable presence Please note that the order presented here is random our team is updating this article frequently so more tips will be available soon.  Panama’s “Festival del Cristo Negro,” the festival of the “Black Christ,” is an important religious holiday for local Catholics. It honors a dark, life-sized wooden statue of Jesus “Cristo Negro” – also known as “El Nazaraeno,” or “The Nazarene.” pilgrims come to pay homage to this statue of Christ carrying a cross in its permanent home in Iglesia de San Felipe a Roman Catholic parish church located in Portobelo a city along the Caribbean coast of Panama The men use a common Spanish style for solemn parades – three steps forward and two steps backward – as they move through the city streets In my research on the relationship between Christianity I have discovered that such festivals play a crucial role for historically oppressed peoples About 9 percent of Panama’s population claims African descent, many of whom are concentrated in Portobelo’s surrounding province of Colón. Census data from 2010 shows that over 21 percent of Portobelo’s population claim African heritage or black identity especially those who claim African descent the festival is more than a religious celebration It is a form of protest against Spanish colonialism Various legends circulate in Panama as to how the black Christ got to Portobelo Some maintain that the statue originated in Spain One of the most common stories maintains that a storm forced a ship from Spain which was delivering the statue to another city The ship was then able to depart with clear skies local fishermen recovered the statue from the sea Stories of miracles added to its mystique. Among the legends in circulation is one about how prayers to the black Christ spared the city from a plague ravaging the region in the 18th century Since its exact origins are unknown, so are the artistic intention behind the Jesus statue. However the figure’s blackness has made it an object of particular devotion for locals of African descent At the time of the arrival of Cristo Negro the majority of the Portobelo’s population was of African descent This cultural heritage is significant to the city’s identity and traditions The veneration of the statue represents one of many ways that the black residents of Portobelo and the surrounding Colón region of Panama have engendered a sense of resistance to racism and slavery It is now is used for traditions that can be traced back to the Cimarrones meant to represent Spanish slave masters or complicit priests Many of the participants in both the black Christ and carnival celebrations of Panama are Catholics as well. Together they participate to bring to light the Catholic Church’s complex relationship with Spanish colonization and slavery. Many Catholic leaders in the 16th to 18th centuries justified the enslavement of Africans and the colonization of the Americas These robes draped on Panama’s black Christ are meant to represent those placed on Jesus when he was mockingly dressed in royal garb by the soldiers torturing him before his crucifixion Evoking this scene perhaps serves to remind the viewer of the deeper theological meaning of Jesus’s suffering as it is often understood in Christianity: Although Jesus is the Son of God prophesied to save God’s people from suffering and should thus be treated like royalty, he was tortured and executed as a common criminal. His suffering is understood to save people from their sins Some pilgrims specifically come during the October festival to seek forgiveness for any sinful actions the color indicating a sign of their suffering – and This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article Kyle Johnson is a doctoral student in Systematic Theology at Boston College.  Got something to say about what you're reading Image via Maria Maarbes / Shutterstock Leaders around the world received news of of Pope Francis' death with mourning In an era of creeping exclusivity and inequality his vision for the church was radically simple: everyone belongs "The very act of her getting up and pressing and pushing to her rightful healing is an act of resistance." Vanessa Martinez Soltero is an activist bridging her Christian faith and Indigenous traditions to sustain herself and community Those of us who have met Trump's first 100 days with lament and anger are neither alone nor powerless Tabish felt that there was no space for a left-leaning woman in church But playing Mary Magdalene on TV has helped her carve a new path We use cookies to provide a more personalized website experience By clicking “I Accept” you consent to all cookies Click “I Decline” to continue with essential cookies only Learn about how we use cookies guendalinaclub.com Guendalina first opened its dancefloors in 1997 with "the aim of adding value to Salento and presenting the best DJs in the world" the team have kept their word each May-to-September season with the likes of Charlotte de Witte and Peggy Gou gracing the club’s terraces Ushering in the new dawn with dance music’s finest the venue’s motto encourages folks to “keep on moving” well into the next day It also has a main room known as the Arena and a sizeable concert area for bigger events and live shows Surrounded by luscious green hills and only a stone’s throw from the crystal-blue sea with big plans for its own festival in the works for 2022 Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Admiring ornate tiles (azulejos) is just one of Porto's top experiences Stretching along the sinewy curves of the Douro River, Porto is a city of hilly cobblestone lanes, avant-garde museums and grand architectural monuments dating back to the Middle Ages It’s also a top city for culinary adventures amid northern Portugal’s finest restaurants and wine bars. You’ll find maze-like neighborhoods that are a delight (mostly) to get lost within and vertiginous viewpoints teetering high above the terracotta rooftops Some of Porto’s best experiences simply have no analog in Portugal (or anywhere else for that matter) – whether walking the city's famed cast-iron bridge above the river as the sun sets beyond the seaside or hunting down the latest street art carved into the walls in the lanes of Miragaia Whether you come for a weekend or stay for a week don’t miss these top things to do in Porto When the sun is shining, it seems as though all of Porto descends on Foz do Douro for a bit of beach time followed by drinks at terrace cafes overlooking the ocean you can cool off in the chilly Atlantic water Planning tip: For fresh-off-the-boat seafood where an entire street (Rua Heróis de França) is enshrouded in the smoke from sizzling outdoor grills Unprepossessing on the outside but as intricate as a Fabergé egg on the inside, Porto’s Igreja de São Francisco is an indulgent feast of baroque splendor The staggeringly intricate interior glows with gold-leaf finery and lustrous woodwork Look out for the polychrome Tree of Jesse altarpiece as well as the masterful handiwork of craftsmen Filipe da Silva and António Gomes and drop into the museum to see sacred art and portraits of long-departed bishops Local tip: Make time to visit the eerie yet fascinating catacombs This is where the great and the good of Porto were once interred The 76m-high (249ft) Torre dos Clérigos designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 1700s The baroque tower soars above the city rooftops and visitors can climb 225 steps to admire far-reaching city views from the top It's not an experience for the claustrophobic – the structure definitely wasn’t built with big crowds in mind Planning tip: After making the climb, drop into the adjoining church – a baroque beauty from 1750 – or simply kick back on the manicured lawn of the adjacent Jardim das Oliveiras The chilled open-air bar Base is also conveniently located near the tower making it the perfect spot for a post-climb drink It may be a hike from the heart of Porto but it's well worth the detour. Serralves brings together avant-garde architecture a sculpture-strewn park and a bijou art deco mansion in one harmonious whole the arrestingly minimalist design of the Museu de Arte Contemporânea was the brainchild of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza it draws on an impressive permanent collection featuring works from the late 1960s to the present in rotating exhibitions Planning tip: After enjoying the art, explore Serralves’ wild side and take a stroll amid floral gardens, forested paths and open meadows. Say hello to the cows and other barnyard animals in the southeast end of the park, or head skyward into the park’s lush canopy on a treetop walk the market is a great place to support local designers and artisans Gazing defiantly over Porto from its hilltop perch, the fortress-like Sé evokes the city’s imperial past This handsome cathedral wields serious historical clout as the spot where Prince Henry the Navigator was baptized in 1394 and where King John I married in 1387 the 12th-century cathedral was given a baroque facelift in the 18th century A barley-twist pillar crowns the cathedral courtyard which commands sweeping views over the sagging houses a church that's dripping with gold on the inside Planning tip: Don’t feel limited to these popular drawcards Keep a lookout as you wander the city as azulejos are scattered all over If you want to explore an alternative side of Porto leave the main sights behind and hit the pavement As you wander the backstreets and nip down alleyways keep your eyes peeled for Porto’s ancillary population of vividly colorful murals painted by the city’s talented street artists Start the street art trail by seeking out some of the heavy hitters like Daniel Eime’s massive photo-realistic mural entitled Mira on the Largo de Artur Arcos or Vhils’ powerful tribute to healthcare workers featuring his trademark carving style at the Hospital São João Other good places to hunt for street art are around Travessa de Cedofeita Top detours include Mirigaia's Rua São Pedro de Miragaia gallery-lined Rua Miguel Bombarda and the car lot at Trindade with works by street art demigods MrDheo and Hazul Luzah Porto’s top concert hall is the Casa da Música which has stellar acoustics inside a futuristic Rem Koolhaas-designed polygon featuring both grand symphony orchestras as well as jazz groups and the occasional rock icon the terrace of the cafe transforms into an open-air stage for free live concerts and DJ sessions from Wednesdays to Friday nights and you can enjoy yet another fine spot to watch the sunset with the latter offering stellar views of the Douro River from its rooftop terrace Planning tip: You can delve deeper into the port experience at the World of Wine a vast cultural complex that contains various museums a wine school and a dozen restaurants and bars – plus a huge terrace with views over the Ponte Dom Luís I Completed in 1886 by a student of Gustave Eiffel, Porto's most eye-catching bridge is a city icon It was built to replace a precarious crossing between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia made from old port boats lashed together – most would agree that its curving arch adds a definite something to the cityscape the views over the river and old town are stunning Keep an eye out for daredevils who leap from the lower level into the river If you’re seeking out the heart of Porto’s nightlife, head to the cobblestone lanes just west of Avenida dos Aliados. There you’ll find some of the city’s most atmospheric bars like the Casa do Livro, a former bookshop turned into a stylish drinking den, or Bonaparte Downtown, with its rustic charm. On weekends, the alleys (especially Rua Galeria de Paris) fill with revelers for an impromptu street party that rages late into the night. It’s a festival of celebration and rebellion: Every year in February Panama holds the “Festival de Diablos y Congos." It’s a unique local take on the widespread Carnival tradition a five-day party with no shortage of loudspeakers some residents dress up as “Diablos," wearing giant red-and-black masks and carrying whips Others dress as “Congos," or “Cimarrones," wearing tattered clothes hats that resemble crowns and carrying wooden swords Carnival traditions in Panama celebrate the resistance of Cimarrones enslaved Africans who escaped their colonial Spanish masters and established independent communities in the hills and rainforests of the Americas “They celebrate the festival through this 'Congo' tradition which is an African dance where they are kind of critiquing slavery and colonialism through this amazing metaphor," explains Pierce Freelon a professor at the University of North Carolina and hip-hop artist "The 'Diablos,' who represent the whip-wielding slave master and the 'Congo,' who represents this liberated African." called “Cristo Negro | Diablo Blanco,” (Black Christ | White Devil) brings together black and Latino artists from North Carolina and Portobelo for collaborations in hip-hop “It’s part of our wrestling with these issues," he says as an African American whose country has yet to deal with some aspects of their legacy of enslavement it’s inspiring to see how the people of Portobelo are addressing these issues "Cristo Negro" refers to a life-sized statue of a black Christ in Portobelo the Cristo Negro statue [in Portobelo] was jettisoned from a Spanish boat when they were trying to keep from sinking," Freelon says "They were throwing all types of cargo off the ship and they jettisoned this Cristo Negro life-sized statue of the black Christ off the boat and it found its way to the shores of Portobelo It was kind of a miracle in that way." Pierce Freelon’s "Cristo Negro | Diablo Blanco" project is produced in collaboration with ARTVSM Spoken-word artist Herrison Chicas travelled with Freelon to Panama and wrote this piece called “Reversal” while he was there delivered to your inbox every weekday morning Thanks to our sponsor PRX is a 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS: #263347402 (ANS - Rome) - After the work sessions of the General Council immediately resumed his commitments to bring the embrace of the Successor of Don Bosco around the world visiting the Provinces of Porto Alegre (BPA) and Belo Horizonte (BBH) the Rector Major will arrive in the late afternoon of Wednesday he meets with the Provincial Council and visit the elderly and sick Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians He will dedicate Friday to meeting with the Salesians young people and members of the Salesian Family active in the works of the Rio Grande do Sul State; on Saturday 4 he animates the spiritual Sons of Don Bosco of the States of Paraná and Santa Catarina and then aspirants he presides over the solemn Mass for the 60 years of the Province and celebrated by the local Salesian Family and youth the second stage of his journey will begin reaching the "St Giovanni Bosco" Province of BBH and immediately meeting the Salesians in formation Tuesday 7 at the International Salesian Congress on Education Artime will hold a conference on the theme "the art of listening and accompanying in Salesian educative-pastoral action" in light of Strenna 2018 and the Synod on Youth; in the afternoon he will meet the vulnerable young people  hosted in "Casa Dom Bosco" of Belo Horizonte a more Salesian day includes a meeting with the Salesians of the Province he meets with the local ecclesiastical authorities the Rector Major presents the Portuguese edition of the "Biographical Memories" of Don Bosco and animates the Salesian Family gathered at Núcleo Bandeirante he will dialogue with the Salesians and local ecclesiastical authorities and preside over the Mass for the sending off cerimony of the Salesian Missionary Youth Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 are entirely reserved for the Youth and the Salesian Family: on the first day through various moments of catechesis and dialogue between the Rector Major and the young people and an evening feast; in the second with a great pilgrimage from the cathedral of Brasilia to the Shrine of Don Bosco All the photos of the visits will be available on Flickr ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007 This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements the street where the riches of ages are told… Anything and everything a chap can unload is sold off the barrow in Portobello Road… Ok even before Dave Tomlinson sung about this smorgasboard of a street in Bedknobs and Broomsticks Portobello Road has been one of the most brilliant roads in London A post shared by Portobello Road Gin (@portobelloroadgin) on Feb 2 Throwback to their summer garden with the optional extra of rabbit cuddles… A post shared by Nicolas (@nic_vl) on Feb 14 A post shared by Sumin Go (@gogo_sumin) on Feb 10 A post shared by Adriana (@adriviz) on Feb 13 Or head down Vernon’s Yard for a looksy in a mews steeped in cobbles and history with Admiral Vernon’s defeat of Porto Belo giving the Road it’s name A post shared by The Life Detective (@niki_natarajan) on Jul 19 A post shared by Michalis (@makrivarelis) on Feb 13 You can get a whole Sea Bass for a fiver at the Moroccan Fish Stall on Golborne Road A post shared by MrP (@rpinchen) on Nov 29 A post shared by Arancina Londra (@arancinauk) on Nov 1 A post shared by LUXURY LONDON (@luxurylondonofficial) on Mar 23 You’ll find these World War Two binoculars at Sisters Antiques A post shared by Francesca Porte-r (@frantastic1987) on Feb 12 A post shared by Raquel (@raquelortiga) on Feb 12 There’s a stall that sells Mars Bars at two-dozen for a pound A post shared by Chris Korybalski (@korybalski) on Oct 7 A post shared by Charlotte Speechley (@charlottespeech) on May 7 A post shared by Barbora Dobiášová (@barunkadobis) on Feb 12 A post shared by Felicia Frederikke Holm (@felicia_frederikke) on Feb 12 A post shared by Unfold London (@unfoldlondon) on Feb 7 It was said the attic was so cold he had to warm his hands over candlelight before penning a word A post shared by Kyra (@kyra_vnngs) on Feb 12 A post shared by Pedlars (@pedlarsworld) on Feb 13 A post shared by elena (@elena_zanetti) on Feb 17 "CC Bombard" in Porto is a small "shopping mall" that will surprise you with its originality "Porto Belo" (literally: beautiful Porto!) is a traditional flea market located in a beautiful neighborhood a really old beautiful building with traditional Portuguese products and an old Art Nouveau façade "Taylor's Port Wine Cellar" is my favorite place to try Port in.. and its restaurant and gardens are not to be missed "Terrarea" in Porto is a healthy food restaurant and a plant & flower shop 2-in-1 Their products are all Portuguese and I like their menu options.. "Bombonaria" Bonitos Porto is a chocolatier that looks like a chocolate box itself with the dark green and gold on the windows.. Europe Americas Asia Africa San Francisco About Spotted by Locals Become a Spotter Collaborations Terms of Service Privacy Policy Cookies statement Become a Spotter 💚 Privacy Policy Cookies statement The file could not be found for a number of reasons such as the file being moved or deleted. Please check your spelling and if you still can't get to the right page try heading to the homepage for a look around If you still have problems, try contacting us and we'll do what we can to help you. Click here to get back to where you came from including passengers and crew of the cruise MSC Seaview were vaccinated against measles in the port of Santos after confirming that 13 employees onboard showed symptoms of the virus The mayor of Santos and the National Health Agency (ANVISA) sent 110 health professionals to conduct immunizations not only to the 4,500 people who disembarked but also to a similar number of passengers who later embarked on MSC Seaview the cruise ship docked in Santos with 13 suspected cases of rubella MSC Seaview is sailing according to the scheduled voyages and guests are allowed to go ashore in the ports According to announcement onboard MSC Seaview blood samples taken from two crew members on February 19 were negative for Rubeola and positive for Sarapo According to this finding ANVISA send a request asking whether the vaccination of the 236 missing crew has been completed Ship’s supervisors were notified that this is very important measure in order to protect the crew ANVISA informed MSC Seaview that due to this problem crew members were not allowed to disembark in Porto Belo on February 19 MSC Seaview crew were allowed shoreside access a new announcement was sent from Human Resources to all heads of departments saying  kindly inform that all crew members will Not be allowed to go ashore in Port od Porto Belo 22.02.2019 Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.” Crew Center is a website run by ex-crew members sharing their experiences and Insights about life and work on cruise ships. You can also read the Latest Cruise News, Ship Itinerary, or take a peak at the Crew Galleries. Please read our Privacy Policy Crew Center is not associated with any Cruise Line. You can contact us or send us an anonymous tip at crewcritic007@gmail.com