Cai cai balão (fall fall balloon) - Joanópolis

A couple of weeks ago on a weekend trip to the country house we rent, we were greeted by huge lines of crepe paper and ropes hanging from the eucalyptus trees. Apparently a big balloon had come down the week before and I am not sure how the ropes and crepe will be cleaned from the trees. It was rather pretty but I think you can guess that the owner of the fazenda is not so happy. 

These balloons are enormous. Another one that fell in Jundiai in September measured 50 meters, and was carrying a flag that was 100 meters by 50 meters. It covered a school, messed up electric wires, and burned up five square kilometers (story here). Seems obvious why the owner of a tree farm would be upset, especially since it is currently dry season. The damage from a burn would be catastrophic. The owners of these balloons can be arrested and fined for their irresponsibility. Making, selling or flying these balloons is completely illegal as a crime against the environment (see laws, in Portuguese, here).

This stopped no one ever.

Here is an example of one of these balloons and flags:

And the title of my blog?

From a popular kids' song:

Cai, cai balão
Cai, cai balão Aqui na minha mão
Não cai, não
Não cai, não
Não cai, não
Cai na rua do sabão

From October 4 through October 13, I will not have access to internet. All blog posts for these dates are “pre-recorded” and I will not be able to respond to any comments until October 14.