Boto

 

During June celebrations in the Amazon region, when a man is found to be wearing a hat, he would be asked to take the hat down and examine the top of his head to ensure he is not a pink boto, or a dolphin. If a girl turns pregnant with the father unknown to the community, people will say, “the father is the Boto”.

            In June, the local people celebrate Saint Anthony, Saint John and Saint Peter’s Days. The celebrations are held at night and the place is decorated with bonfires, fireworks, food, music and entertainment. The legend is that on the nights of the celebrations, the pink boto will transform into a handsome young man. He always wears a hat, as he is not completely transformed into a man. The hat covers the breathing hole at the top of his head. He will use all his charm to make the first pretty, young woman he meets to fall in love with him. He will then take her to the river and make her pregnant. After that, he will not return to visit the girl.