Waterfire

We drove into the smallest state and headed into the city of Providence.  We had an early dinner at the Olneyville NY System, known for their signature weiners with meat sauce, and onions. They were so delicious!  While we were there, the mayor and the police chief came in for dinner.

There is a special summer community arts event done on certain Saturday nights on the rivers in downtown called Waterfire. We headed downtown and parked near the capitol building and walked over to where they have the lighting ceremony and got a great spot on the river to watch the opening event.  While we were waiting, we enjoyed watching the gondolas going by.

First they had Portugese dancers in different age groups perform, which were fun to watch. Then came the Spoga, which was a fire dancer leading the way on a boat. He was twirling torches and was exciting to watch. He had special music which was blasted from speakers out in the middle of the river.

There were braziers filled with wood out in the water all along the river, which were ceremoniously lit by torches held by the city mayor, a senator, and a few other dignitaries in special boats which went around and lit the fires to some very eerie music. 

After all the fires were lit, they played festive music while the fires burned.

 We walked down along the river walkway to a park where they had blue stars hanging from the trees, and luminarias on the ground underneath.  It was called "Starry Starry Night". 

There were gargoyles and other living statues in the park. For $1 they would move and give you something.  I went up to the riddlemaker and got a riddle.

It was a really fun evening.  We enjoyed the fires, the music, and the festivities!