Brazilian carnivals are said to delight and fascinate. It's true. It is really difficult to find something similar in the world, so sultry, cheerful and welcoming, where you want to go again and again. Clockwork music, incendiary rhythmic dances, a variety of colors, bright lights - all this is intertwined with sincere laughter and unrestrained fun, creating a holiday that is known in every corner of the planet.
What is carnival?
Brazilian Carnival is a national holiday that has been constantly held in Brazil since 1928. It begins to be celebrated at the end of February, 7 weeks before Easter.
The event differs not only from European carnivals, but also from other holidays that are held in congenial Latin American countries. 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 an incendiary samba, a crowd of carefree people dressed in sequins and feathers,a few days of reckless fun. All residents of the country take part in the holiday, in addition, these mass festivities attract thousands of tourists to Rio. The carnival lasts four days, shops and government offices are closed in all cities - the whole country is immersed in the extravaganza of a festive 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 lift all the prohibitions of traditional morality. When ancient paganism was replaced by Christianity, carnivals became the only link that connected a person concerned about the salvation of his soul and his earthly essence. And yet, carnivals in Europe were not large-scale, they only became so in the New World.
Actually, this is not surprising: while Europe was terrorized by the Inquisition, and bonfires with witches were burning on its squares, Europeans discovered a real paradise far beyond the ocean. Endless expanses of earth with outlandish forests, unknown flowers and fruits, bright birds and, of course, peaceful, smiling people. For the discoverers, Brazil seemed like a real Garden of Eden, and the first colonists decided to celebrate the discovery of this amazing corner. At the place where the holiday was held, the first street of the city of Rio de Janeiro was later created. Was this holiday a prerequisite for the developmentBrazilian carnival or not, history cannot unequivocally answer, because there are many other information about the founders of the famous festival.
Funny day
It is also believed that the history and traditions of the Brazilian carnival originate from the so-called Funny Day - entrudo. On this day, it was customary to fool each other, douse each other with water, sprinkle with raw eggs, corn and beans. The girls took aim from the balconies at the guys they liked, and it was perceived as flirting.
On such a day, a real farce 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 from the balconies over the participants of the event. And all this madness was accompanied by cheerful songs and dances.
Together with the world
Soon, African slaves joined the folk fun, bringing with them the traditions of the "black continent". Later, immigrants from Italy and France brought the motives of the Venetian carnivals to Brazil. In the 19th century, the Brazilian carnival has already absorbed some European traditions. Then, for the first time, parades of decorated cars, fairy-tale characters, bright costumes and masks appeared at the festival.
In 1840, the first costume ball was held in Brazil, and in 1928 the first samba schools appeared, soon this dance spread throughout the country and became an indispensable attribute of the carnival. In 1852, the tradition of "ze-pereira" arose, when a group of people walk down the street, andeach of them beats the drum. This noisy procession has also become an indispensable element of the carnival.
In the 70s of the last century, former black slaves made a few more changes to the carnival. The holiday acquired the features of "Ranchos" - a procession of people dancing samba. In 1889, the first march song was written specifically for the carnival. In literal translation, it was called “Step aside, I want to pass”, it is impossible to come up with better names for the incendiary samba. With the passage of time, this holiday has absorbed many different traditions, turning into the largest and most incendiary holiday of our time.
Venue
At the beginning of the 20th century, the carnival was supplemented by corso corteges, of which young people showered spectators with confetti and streamers. In 1907, Avenida Central was specially created in Rio - the arena, where the main festive action is now held annually. The first official parade took place in 1935 at 11th June Square.
In 1984, the construction of a unique three-story building "Sambadrome" was completed, where 70 thousand spectators can enjoy the carnival spectacle.
Brazilian carnival: a description of the main traditions
The opening ceremony of the carnival starts at 7 pm. Mer Rio solemnly hands over the keys to the city to the jester's character - the host of the holiday, King Rei-Momo. His role is played by the most well-fed man in the city. Traditionally, the carnival starts on Friday and ends on Wednesday. For these four days the jester king becomeshe is the full owner of the city and he has many responsibilities, such as attending all kinds of balls and competitions, and he must also visit the Sambadrome and participate in dances with everyone. King Rei-Momo has the power to overrule or issue orders that the populace readily obeys.
Although officially the carnival lasts only four days, unofficially it is celebrated for a week or even more. Crowds of scantily clad people fill the streets, so cars are completely useless on holidays.
A little nudity
Another law of the Brazilian festival: get naked! Of course, full nudity is forbidden by the rules, so the audience is content with racy costumes. Some of them drive crazy not only tourists from modest Europe, but also local residents, who, it would seem, cannot be surprised by anything.
The carnival ends with a parade of samba schools. It lasts 3 nights in a row, the audience enthusiastically meets moving platforms on which half-naked beauties dance to the incendiary sounds of samba. This action is accompanied by the roar of drums and explosions of fireworks.
Church and Judges
Every Brazilian considers himself a devout 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 forbid it, since even during the carnival days thousands of masses are held in stadiums.
It is worth noting that not only participants are involved in the show, but also judges who must impartiallyevaluate performances. The jury consists of 40 people, each of them must evaluate the design of the platform, the completeness of the theme, costumes and make-up of the dancers, as well as the dance itself and the selected music. The maximum score that a judge can give is 10.
From children to adults
On the first carnival day, groups from children's samba schools open the parade. The event begins with the carnival march "Spread Your Wings", written in 1899. Each school performs for an hour and a half. The first to show her skills is the one that has won the most awards throughout the year. First, the best dancers of the schools perform (that is, her mentors, teachers), after them come the students and musicians.
The climax 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 are not in vain.
During the main carnival events that take place at the Sambadrome, balls and themed parties are held throughout the city. Costume contests are especially popular. 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 show that this holiday takes place not only in Rio: all the cities of the country are covered in crazy fun.
