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 SOUTH
AMERICA’S CARNAVAL
The
carnival is a celebration that is seen throughout South
America, with festivities somewhat unique from country to
country. For
four days, starting on a Saturday and ending on Fat Tuesday
(Mardi Gras), you will have the most amazing time
imaginable. As
an example, in Rio de Janeiro, the carnival occurs at the
peak time during the summer months.
Literally thousands of people come from around the
globe to watch and participate in the festivities.
Although
the origin of this carnival is unknown, most experts agree
the event started as some type of pagan celebration
somewhere in Greece or Rome. Carnival balls were introduced from Italy in the late 19th
century although they were at their most popular from 1930
through the 1950s. In
fact, two of the most famous of these balls include those
held at the Municipal Theater and the Copacabana Palace.
In
addition, during the 1930s the Samba Parade began where it
eventually settled at the Sambodrome in the downtown area,
in 1984. The
Samba is of West African heritage that consists of rhythmic
beating of the drums that get your feet moving and soon,
dancing. All
along the parade route will be Escola dancers displaying
their talent to the beat of the Samba drums.
Although
the Samba Parade is a major part of the carnival
festivities, there are many other things going on.
For instance, you can get involved with Banda de
Ipanema, which was founded in 1964 and draws in more than
15,000 people. When
celebrating the carnival in Brazil, the Portuguese tradition
is called Entrudo, which involves throwing flower and mud at
unsuspecting spectators.
The streets are flooded with all types of colorful
parades, some that compete against each other.
Remember,
different countries and cities have their own unique style
of the carnival. Take Salvador for example, there the music is provided by
groups known as Trios Electricos.
The sound and volume is so intense that it can almost
be deafening. Then
in Recife, the music style is called Frevo, and in Bahia,
you hear music that sounds more like religious tunes called
Afoxe.
If
you plan to go watch the proceedings of the Carnival while
in South America, we highly recommend that you dress in
comfortable clothing and most importantly, blend in.
Remember, if you look like a tourist, you will have
flour and mud thrown on you.
Therefore, the more casual you can dress the better.
Additionally, because the crowds are so large, there
are unfortunately some pickpockets so keep anything of value
at home or at the hotel.
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