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At Olinda’s carnival, the masks made by João Dias Vilela Filho can be seen everywhere – a tradition that’s been passed down the generations. “The masks used to be made by my grandfather, Julião Dias Vilela. My father learned with him and became known by the same name, Julião das Máscaras (of Masks). I learned with my father and I’m known as Julião Filho (Son). That’s the story.”
Julião Filho says he works with masks because he’s stubborn. Some days he works as an art instructor in Olinda, teaching school children how to use paper and scraps to make toys. “I was born in Olinda in 1960. Back in my grandfather’s day there were no masks like today’s. There were only traditional ones, Pierrot and Colombina. People used to paint their faces. My father started making masks and then went on to make toys. He was the first one to make a mask of the Lady of the Day (folkloric figure). Today Julião Filho makes masks all year long. “People collect them. I make whatever comes into my head. I use paper, glue and water based paint. I don’t use newspaper because of the ink. My favourites are the rooster, the bear and the donkey, which I make for children. My son is 7 years old and has been playing with masks since he was 3. He was born dancing frevo. The tradition is guaranteed to continue.” |
