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The mischievous and clever one-legged boy who loves to cause trouble.

Saci

Who is saci-perere?

Did you know?

  • São Paulo state law 11.669/2004 establishes 31 October as ‘Dia do Saci’ (Saci's day).

 

  • He grants wishes if someone traps him or steals his magic cap.

 

  • It's traditionally used to explain strange or unlucky events in rural life.

 

  • His legend mixes Indigenous, African, and European influences.

Saci is one of the most well-known tricksters in Brazilian folklore. He is usually described as a small black boy with only one leg, who always wears a red cap and often carries a pipe. He moves quickly through the forests and fields by hopping on his single leg, appearing suddenly and disappearing just as fast.

The red cap he wears is believed to be magical and gives him special powers. With it, Saci can disappear, reappear, and create small whirlwinds that spin through the forest and countryside. Many people say that when a dust whirlwind appears, the Saci may be inside it.

He is famous for his mischievous behavior. He enjoys playing tricks on people and animals, hiding objects, scaring horses, tangling their manes and tails, souring milk, and disturbing travelers passing through the countryside. His laughter and whistles are sometimes heard in the woods, announcing his presence.

Although he can cause trouble, Saci is rarely considered truly evil. Most of his tricks are playful and meant to confuse or amuse himself rather than seriously harm anyone.

According to the legend, the only way to capture Saci is to trap the whirlwind where he appears and steal his red cap. Without the cap, he loses his magical powers and can be controlled.

Because of his tricks, mysterious appearances, and playful personality, Saci became one of the most iconic and recognizable characters in Brazilian folklore.

legend and origins

“In a Saci fight, every kick is a flying kick.”

Saci is associated with a popular saying, a humorous expression used to describe exaggerated or chaotic situations.

- Popular saying

The popular saying is shown below.

Additional interpretations

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1995, by Cooperativa Abayomi

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1974, by Abraão Bezerra Batista

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2001, by Márcio Trigo and Roberto Talma from Sítio do Picapau Amarelo

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1959, by Ziraldo

“Em briga de saci, todo chute é voadora.”

- ditado popular

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