Whatever happens, happen

When we woke up in the morning of the first day of the festival - Friday March 29 - we did not know what to expect from it. First activity of the day was an educational mushroom walk to the Rio Pirai at 8:00. Fruit and cuñapes were prepared on a table outside of La Quinta.  Just before 8, questions loomed in our heads: "How will the festival unfold? How many participants will join? Will the people of San Jose embrace the activities?”

Welcoming back many of last year's volunteers and witnessing the increasing interest from new participants filled us with confidence in the event's allure. Collaborating with like-minded individuals eager to showcase their art and culture to the public was an enriching experience. Having connected with both familiar and new faces, made the festival feel like a success even before it began.

 With the agenda finalized, our focus shifted to spreading the word far and wide. In the week leading up to the festival, we utilized various channels - radio, church, school, posters in community hubs, social media, and door-to-door visits - to ensure everyone in San Jose - and further - knew about the happenings. Receiving feedback during our door-to-door visits that many households were already aware of the festival, thanks to - unknown to us -  posts in the neighborhood's WhatsApp group, reassured us that our promotional efforts had been effective.

So all we could do now, was wait.