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Ever wondered what it's like to party non-stop for days during summer? Well, if you're thinking about the Brazilian Carnival, then you're in for a wild ride!
Carnival is a traditional popular celebration held in different parts of the world, and it is traditionally linked to Catholicism, as it precedes Lent. The word comes from the Latin "carnis levale", which means "to remove the flesh". This meaning is related to the fasting during Lent and to the control of worldly pleasures, demonstrating an attempt by the Catholic Church to control the desires of the faithful.
The roots of Brazil’s Carnival can be traced back to the Portuguese colonial era. It was a time of celebration before the solemn period of Lent. Over the centuries, Carnival evolved and incorporated indigenous and African influences, giving birth to the vibrant and diverse party we have today.
Carnaval, as spelled in Portuguese, is celebrated in February or March throughout Brazil, but some cities stand out for their unique festivities:
Rio de Janeiro: The undisputed queen of Carnaval. The city comes alive with extravagant parades, incredible floats, and thousands of dancers. But don’t worry if you don’t like crowded stands and high prices: there is something for everyone in Rio, as free neighborhood parties happen everywhere and are very friendly to visitors.
Salvador: Known for its street parties and Afro-Brazilian rhythms, Salvador's Carnival is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic experience.
Olinda: This historic city in Pernambuco is famous for its colorful costumes and giant puppets. The energy is high on its crowded hills!
São Paulo: The largest city in Brazil also throws a massive Carnival party, following in the footsteps of Rio. Each year the festivities are a bit better, and some people claim that the music, luxurious costumes and choreography levels are already similar.
Samba schools are carnaval's most important institutions and they exist all over Brazil, but the most famous ones are still in Rio. These organizations spend months preparing elaborate costumes, floats, and choreographies for the annual parade. Legendary samba schools like Portela, Mangueira, and Salgueiro have produced some of the greatest sambas and dancers in history. Besides samba masters such as Cartola, Noel Rosa and Candeia, famous Brazilian artists like Chico Buarque, Marisa Monte, Martinho da Vila and Paulinho da Viola are very involved with samba schools and carnaval.
Brazil's Carnaval is more than just a party; it's a global phenomenon. Millions of people attend the parades in person, and even more watch it on TV. Celebrities from around the world are often spotted in the crowds, soaking up the atmosphere.
Why is it so special?
The Music: Samba and other Brazilian rhythms such as Frevo create an infectious energy that's impossible to resist.
The Costumes: The elaborate costumes, often made with feathers, sequins, and beads, are a sight to behold.
The People: Brazilians love to party, and Carnaval is the ultimate expression of their joie de vivre.
The Atmosphere: The energy and excitement are simply contagious.
So, start planning your trip now if you want to experience the magic of Brazil's Carnival!
Photo: Portela's beautiful float captivates the crowds back in 2014 - Por Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil
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