Entrudo

José Afonso's song 'Entrudo' captures the essence of a traditional Portuguese festival known as Entrudo, which is celebrated before Lent. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and a longing for simpler times, where the chaos and joy of the festival disrupt the daily routines, symbolized by the 'chocalheiro' (rattler) who doesn't let the young girls sit in the sun. This imagery reflects the playful and mischievous nature of the festival, where social norms are temporarily upended, and people indulge in revelry and merriment.

The repeated desire to go to the 'monte' (mountain) signifies a yearning for solitude and peace, away from the prying eyes of society. The mountain represents a place of refuge and tranquility, where one can find true contentment. This longing for escape can be seen as a metaphor for the human need to find a sanctuary from the pressures and expectations of everyday life. The repetition of the phrase 'que no monte é que estou bem' (that in the mountain is where I am well) emphasizes this deep-seated desire for personal freedom and inner peace.

The final verses of the song describe whitewashed houses and a wedding couple with a branch of orange blossom, a traditional symbol of purity and fertility. This imagery ties back to the themes of renewal and new beginnings, which are central to the celebration of Entrudo. The act of whitewashing the houses can be seen as a metaphor for cleansing and starting anew, much like the festival itself, which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Through these vivid and evocative lyrics, José Afonso paints a picture of a world where tradition, nature, and human emotion intertwine, creating a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and personal reflection.