As we were dining, we noticed that many of the tables were filled with groups and families all wearing white t-shirts.  Many of the shirts were written on with sharpie markers stating the family or group name.  Some of the shirts were also inscribed with funny sayings and drawings.  

We also noticed that many of the shirts were covered in pink splotches; some even completely soaked to the color pink.  We asked our server why so many people were dressed this way.  

“Today is the festival de los borrachos,” he stated.

“Festival of the drunks,” I translated to the team. We found out that on the second Sunday of September the town of Melide celebrates the day of San Caralampio.  The streets fill with town’s people for the purpose of eating, drinking, dancing and celebrating with friends.  They do so while…

Throwing wine all over each other.  

“Let’s go,” we exclaimed!

After a long day of hiking, and a wonderful culinary experience for lunch, we should have rested and thrown our legs up for the day, but we decided to hit the party.

As we entered the town square we could feel the beat of the music, the joy of the people, and the party atmosphere.  We passed through the streets and met locals as well as other pilgrims from the Camino.  One of the men from our group, Greg, who stands at 6’7” and looks like one of the Greek God statues, caught the attention of many and our group soon became the center of attention, leading us to meet even more people.

Teenagers and children were passing by spraying wine all over everyone with big two liter bottles and squirt guns. Everywhere we walked wine was flowing, spraying, and covering the streets.

At the end of this crazy experience, we all stated how much we enjoyed the party and were happy we attended.  Here is why:

As we sat at the restaurant table deciding if we would attend, we almost decided not to.  We then realize that we happened to hike into a unique opportunity that may never present itself to us again.  We wanted to take advantage of this cultural experience and make the best of it!  We knew we would get soaked with wine, we knew we could have rested, but we decided to jump right into the party.  

We all left that experience so glad we attended.  To see how the locals live their lives, how they celebrate, and how they opened up their culture to us men who were only passing the place they call home, made for a very magical experience.

So why do I share all this?

There may be times in life, leadership, and business where you have a plan and direction, and out of the blue are presented with something out of your ordinary.  You may have the opportunity to attend an event, a new networking group, or step into new territory.  I would encourage you to take that step, and make that exploration. You never know what you may find!

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