It is claimed that Brazilian carnivals delight and fascinate. It's true. In the world it is really difficult to find something similar, so sultry, funny and cordial, where you want to get again and again. Clockwork music, fiery rhythmic dances, a variety of colors, bright lights - all this is intertwined with sincere laughter and unbridled fun, creating a holiday that is known in every corner of the planet.
What is a carnival?
The Brazilian Carnival is a nationwide celebration that has been held continuously in Brazil since 1928. It begins to be celebrated in late February, 7 weeks before Easter.
The event differs not only from European carnivals, but also from other festivals held in Latin American countries that are similar in spirit. Today, Rio de Janeiro is called the capital of the Brazilian carnival, every year in February, Rio plunges into the abyss of real madness. To the sounds of incendiary samba, crowds of carefree people, dressed in sequins and feathers, succumb for several days to revelry. All residents of the country take part in the festival, in addition, these mass celebrations attract thousands of tourists in Rio. The carnival lasts four days, shops and government agencies are closing in all cities - the whole country is immersed in the extravaganza of the holiday show.
Colonists and Eden
The history of the Brazilian carnival is rooted in the distant past. It is believed that the beginning of mass festivities was laid by the ancient rituals of meeting spring, harvesting, and the beginning of sowing. Such holidays were a necessary element of psychological relaxation, since a person could afford to remove all the prohibitions of traditional morality. When ancient paganism was replaced by Christianity, carnivals became the only connecting link that connected man, preoccupied with the salvation of his soul, with his earthly essence. Nevertheless, carnivals in Europe were not large-scale, they only became such in the New World.
Actually, this is not surprising: while the Inquisition terrorized Europe, and bonfires with witches burned in its squares, Europeans discovered a true paradise far beyond the ocean. Endless open spaces with strange forests, unknown flowers and fruits, bright birds and, of course, peace-loving, smiling people. For the discoverers, Brazil seemed like a veritable garden of paradise, and the first colonists decided to celebrate the opening of this amazing corner. At the place where the celebration took place, the first street of the city of Rio de Janeiro was later created. Whether this holiday was a prerequisite for the development of the Brazilian carnival or not, history cannot unambiguously answer, because there are many other information about the founders of the famous festival.
Fun day
It is also believed that the history and traditions of the Brazilian carnival originate from the so-called Fun Day - entrudo. On this day, it was customary to fool each other, dousing with water, tossing raw eggs, corn and beans. The girls were aiming from the balconies at the guys that they liked, and this was perceived as flirting.
On such a day, a real booth was arranged on the streets: a fierce battle was fought between the townspeople. Those who did not have time to wedge themselves into the crowd poured water on the participants from the balconies. And all this madness was accompanied by cheerful songs and dances.
With the world on a string
Soon, African slaves joined the folk fun, bringing with them the traditions of the “black continent”. Later immigrants from Italy and France brought to Brazil the motives of the Venetian carnivals. In the nineteenth century, the Brazilian carnival has already absorbed some European traditions. Then for the first time at the festival parades of decorated cars, fairy-tale characters, colorful costumes and masks appeared.
The first costume ball was held in Brazil in 1840, and the first samba schools appeared in 1928, and soon this dance spread throughout the country and became an indispensable attribute of the carnival. In 1852, the Ze-Pereira tradition arose, when a group of people were walking along the street, and each of them was drumming. This noisy procession also became an indispensable element of the carnival.
In the 70s of the last century, former black slaves made some more changes to the carnival. The holiday acquired the features of the “Ranchos” - a procession of people dancing samba. In 1889, the first march song was written specifically for the carnival. In the literal translation it was called “Take action, I want to go through”, for incendiary samba it is impossible to come up with a better name. Over time, this holiday has absorbed many diverse traditions, turning into the most ambitious and fiery holiday of our time.
Location
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the carnival was supplemented with corso tuples, of which young people showered the audience with confetti and serpentine. In 1907, the “Avenida Central” was specially created in Rio - the arena in which the main celebratory action is now held annually. The first official parade took place in 1935 on June 11th Square.
In 1984, the construction of a unique three-story building “Sambadroma” was completed, on which 70 thousand spectators can enjoy the carnival spectacle.
Brazilian carnival: a description of the main traditions
The opening ceremony of the carnival begins at 7 pm. Mer Rio solemnly presents the keys to the city to the buffoon character - the owner of the holiday, King Ray-Momo. His role is played by the most well-fed man in the city. According to tradition, the carnival begins on Friday and ends on Wednesday. For these four days, the jester king becomes the full owner of the city and has many responsibilities, such as attending all kinds of balls and competitions, as well as he must visit Sambadrom and participate in dances with everyone. King Rey-Momo has the right to cancel or issue orders that the population readily obeys.
Although officially the carnival lasts only four days, unofficially they celebrate it for a week, or even more. Crowds of half-naked people flood the streets, so cars are completely useless on holidays.
A little nudity
Another law of the Brazilian festival: to strip! Of course, full nudity is prohibited by the rules, so viewers are content with spicy costumes. Some of them drive crazy not only tourists from modest Europe, but also local residents, whom, it would seem, are no longer surprising.
The carnival ends with a parade of samba schools. It lasts 3 nights in a row, spectators enthusiastically meet moving platforms, on which semi-naked beauties dance to the fiery sounds of samba. This action is accompanied by the roar of drums and explosions of fireworks.
Church and Judges
Every resident of Brazil considers himself a zealous Catholic, but once a year they all take an active part in the carnival. The Church does not consider this holiday a charitable deed, but does not prohibit, because even in the days of the carnival, masses of thousands are held at stadiums.
It is worth noting that not only the participants are involved in the show, but also the judges, who must impartially evaluate the performances. The jury consists of 40 people, each of them must evaluate the design of the platform, the completeness of the theme, costumes and makeup of the dancers, as well as the dance itself and selected music. The maximum score that a judge can set is 10.
From children to adults
On the first carnival day, the parade is opened by groups from children's samba schools. The event begins under the carnival march "Spread your wings", written in 1899. Each school performs an hour and a half. The first to show her skills is the one that scored the most awards throughout the year. First, the best school dancers perform (that is, her mentors, teachers), followed by students and musicians.
The culmination of the holiday comes on Sunday and Monday, when adult samba schools perform. Each column of the procession consists of 305 thousand participants, and all of them march organically and harmoniously. Obviously, long months of training do not go in vain.
During the main carnival events that take place at Sambadrom, balls and theme parties are held throughout the city. Especially popular are costume contests. Those who want to show off in their costume at the parade can pay $ 600 and become a full participant in the procession.
Photos of the Brazilian carnival indicate that this holiday is taking place not only in Rio: all the cities of the country are covered in crazy fun.