**The Headless Procession of Serra Branca** Have you ever heard the chilling tale of the headless procession that wanders through the sertão in Northeast Brazil? In a small settlement called Serra Branca, Pernambuco, a tragic event unfolded long ago. A priest and many devoted parishioners tragically lost their lives, buried beneath a landslide during a pilgrimage. Since that fateful day, whispers of ghostly figures have echoed through the community during each minguante moon, creating a sense of mystery and fear among the locals. One such local, Seu Antero, was a seasoned vaqueiro who brushed aside tales of the supernatural. He was a man of reason, grounded in reality. However, one moonlit night, curiosity got the better of him. Following the eerie hymns floating through the air, he ventured down that notorious dirt road, feeling an inexplicable draw. Suddenly, before him appeared a procession of headless figures, all draped in white, their candles illuminating the darkness. As one figure turned to face him, the flame of the candle extinguished, sending shivers down his spine. Today, the residents of Serra Branca offer a caution: if you ever hear the haunting melody of a midnight mass in the caatinga, remember to never look back. It just might be the headless procession, forever wandering in search of peace.