Tradições e histórias locais: as esperanças nas bandeiras do divino em São Luiz do Paraitinga (São Paulo/Brasil)

The celebrations in praise of the Holy Spirit show connections with Lusitanian Catholicism, but they present peculiar attributes that span the sacred and the profane, as in other popular commemorations recognized as intangible cultural heritage. The analysis of meticulous collective activities expressed in the culture and in the religiosity of the common people calls attention to the perception of the peculiarities of these rituals and the clashes among the community members that participate in them. Although they are celebrated in several regions throughout Brazil, the festivals which stand out are held in Sao Luiz do Paraitinga in the State of Sao Paulo.