Tanabata Festival in Sao Paulo

July 16 and 17th was a day of gala ceremonies and parties staged by children in São Paulo, Brazil, in the neighborhood of freedom in observance of the Tanabata Festival. This ancient festival dates back centuries to a popular belief in ancient China that two lovely stars - Kenguy and Shokugo which are set apart on either side of the Milky Way are supposed to have their joyous reunion during one of the nights.This gaily bedecked street in Sao Paulo is typical of the festive mood . Bamboo trees are thickly decorated with colored paper, streamers and other glittering oddities. (Photo by Cris Faga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)