Monthly Newsletter - January 2009

The carnival tradition goes back to ancient times when Romans and Greeks used to celebrate the beginning of spring with a festival dedicated to the god of wine, Bacchus or Dionysus respectively. As the Catholic Church wanted to take control this event they transformed it into a celebration before Ash Wednesday, where there was more tolerance towards sins. The word “carnival” itself derives from the Latin carne vale, which means “farewell to the flesh” or “the pleasures of flesh.”

The Brazilian Carnival (Carnaval in Portuguese) originates from this European tradition but includes African traditions that came along with the black slaves brought to Brazil. Parading through the villages using feathers and masks for one’s embellishment is an African tradition which symbolized defeat over illnesses and personal problems, the achievement of spiritual growth and the rebirth of the spirit.

Carnaval is an important tradition that takes places all over Brazil; both small and big cities use it an expression of joy and celebration that comes from the bottom of every Brazilian heart. In the predominantly Catholic country of Brazil, it is celebrated four days before Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent. Carnaval was introduced in Brazil around 1840, when European polkas and waltzes were performed on the street. The most famous sound of the carnival nowadays, the samba, was not introduced until 1917

One of the most famous carnivals happens in Rio de Janeiro, where samba schools organize and broadcast one of the world’s most intense festivals. Samba schools are well financed samba clubs of neighbors who gather throughout the year to rehearse for this big event. Each year the samba schools prepare a new theme that they try to express through their costume design. The costumes that are present at the parade are brand-new and they will be used only for that specific year. Each samba school is represented by at least 3,000 members.

Every year the samba schools perform at the Sambodromo, the traditional meeting place for the Rio carnival since 1984. There are four long days of parades and the fourteen best samba schools perform during the last two nights of Carnaval in a show that lasts over 20 hours! Samba schools invest a considerate amount of money in preparing for the festival; however, the can not perform for more than 75 minutes at the Sambodromo. There they need to convince the audience that they are the best show in order take the title as winners. The most beloved samba schools will perform at the winners’ parade in a special presentation the Saturday after the end of Carnaval

Going to the Sambodromo for the samba schools’ show is not cheap, but its worth participating in one of the most famous shows on earth. There is a second option for those with a lower budget who find themselves in Rio: the Street Carnival! Though maybe not as fancy as the Sambodromo, this event is a pure expression of the life and passion of the Brazilian people. The streets are full of people who enjoy the show in all its glory. On the street carnivals there are new actors to replace the samba schools, called Bandas and Blocos. They follow a certain route and samba enthusiasts will follow them while singing and dancing to the most popular tunes.

Another great place to visit during festival time is Brazil’s Salvador, Bahia. This city, a Brazilian cultural center, closes approximately sixteen miles of streets to host the dancing of at least 2 million people to the beats of samba during the six days of Carnaval. The El Salvador Carnaval is less “touristy” as the one in Rio and allows you to take an active part in what the 2006 Guinness Book of World Record called the greatest party on earth! Either join the parade by following music trucks or find a spot in one of the camarotes. The camarotes are lounges which travel around the carnival’s route and allow you to take a closer look at all passing parties. Remember, you can always join the rest of the people to just dance and enjoy yourself on the streets!

If this article has tempted you to be part of the fascinating carnivals organized this year in Brazil, we would be excited to help you to plan your trip. Contact Diego Garcia Santa Maria at diego@brazilforless.com to plan your own Brazilian Carnaval extravaganza.

By
Cristina Daus

If you have any questions regarding his article, please write to her at cristina@peruforless.com.

Sources:

History of Carnival in Brazil
All About Carnival in Rio
Carnival in Salvador, Brazil
Samba Schools

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