Yes, it is true! I stumbled upon an intriguing tale from a local explaining why the older generation of Lacobrigenses refuses to utter the word ‘May’!
In the days before political correctness, there was a festival in Lagos featuring a young man deemed ‘dumb’ or ‘crazy’ in the rather harsh world of yesteryear. This unfortunate soul was dressed as ‘May’, a character who rode a donkey laden with the land’s golden treasures. The locals pinned gold, jewels, necklaces and various valuables onto his cloak, using him to parade around Lagos, showcasing their wealth. This peculiar tradition may well trace its roots back to a pagan ritual intended to attract prosperity to the town, though its origins have become a mystery over time.
However, one year, the man who was thought to be ‘retarded’ proved to be far cleverer than anyone realised! As the townsfolk revelled in their wealth and supposed superiority, the man on the donkey bided his time. Once the festivities were in full swing, bolstered by wine, medronhos, and amarguinhas, he quite literally rode off into the sunset with the town’s wealth.
The people watched in disbelief and exclaimed, “quanto mais longe, mais loze!” (the further you go, the more you shine). The ‘foolish’ man never returned and undoubtedly had the last laugh.
From that day forward, the Lacobrigenses ceased to acknowledge the month of May, referring to it instead, in April, as ‘the month to come’ or ‘the month that got away’!
This somewhat bizarre local tale serves as a reminder that underestimating people can lead to unexpected consequences.
With thanks to Lagos tour guide Carla de Sousa for supplying the information.
