“African Goddess” perfectly describes this beautiful lady. Decked in dramatic dress that turned heads and stopped traffic at the Bringer Air Cargo display stand.
      Katya Santos, a Brazilian girl with a Russian name, was more than happy and not just a bit proud to bring traditional Brazilian garb to a Miami trade show.
      “My dress represents the African heritage and honors the large population of people throughout Brazil that can trace their origins from Africa,” she said.
      “When it is Carnival time in my country, you can see various native dress from Portugal, Africa, and other countries from where people came to Brazil generations ago.
      “I am from a small town about two hours from the center of Rio de Janiero,” she said.
      About that Russian name, Katya explains:
      “Brazil is a very religious country. “
      “Every day my mother and our family listen to a religious program on the radio and to a pastor who prays for people in need, and of course for us as well.
      “When the pastor’s wife became pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl, she named her ‘Katya.’
      “That started a craze and everybody—including my dear, sweet mother—named their girls Katya.
      “The name is now considered traditional in communities throughout Brazil.
      “The best part for me is the fun seeing a double-take when someone, especially a Russian, hears my name,” Katya smiled.
Geoffrey