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* * * The Carnival History * * *
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Carnaval, like Mardi Gras, originated from various pagan spring festivals. During the Middle Ages, these tended to be wild parties until tamed, in Europe, by both the Reformation and the Counter - Reformation. But not even the heavy hand of the Inquisition could squelch Carnaval in the Portuguese Colony, where it came to acquire Indian costumes and African rhythms. Some speculate that the word carnaval derives from the latin (carne vale) meaning (goodbye meat), owing to the 40 days of abstinence (from meat and other worldly pleasures) that lent entails. To compensate for the deprivation ahead, they rack up sins in advance with wild parties in honor of King Momo, the king of Carnaval.
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* * * Carnival in Rio de Janeiro * * *
Colorful, outrageous, hedonistic - words do little justice to the bacchanalian spectacle that lends Rio so much notoriety. Visitors arrive in droves to join Cariocas (residents of Rio) as they drink, dance, celebrate and chalk up a few sins before ash Wednesday brings it all to a close. Carnaval officially lasts from the Friday to the Tuesday precedind lent, but revelry begins well in advance. Rehearsals at the escolas de samba (samba shcools) start around September.
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Cariocas celebrate Carnaval in every from and fashion. Nightclubs and bars throw special costmed events, while formal balls draw an elegantly dressed (or costumed) crowd. Parks and plazas (Largo do machado, Arcos da Lapa, Praça General Osorio) often host free live concerts on Carnaval weekend. The common denominators among them all are music, dancing and celebration. Bandas, also called blocos, are another good way to celebrate a la Carioca. These consist of a procession of drummers and vocalists followed by anyone who wants to dance through the streets of Rio de janeiro. Many encourage people to dress up - drag is popular (among gays and straights alike). |
The parade through the famous Sambodromo is the culmination of Carnaval, on Sunday and Monday nights. its a spectacle that features thousands of costumed dancers, elaborate floats and exuberant fans cheering on their favorite schools. Although there is a lot going on around town, dont expect the Carnaval to come to you. Many visitors show up with the expectation that the party will be all around them. Not so; you have to seek it out. See below to get some ideas on how to celebrate King Momos return. To get more informations during the Carnaval, check the Veja insert, Veja Rio magazine (sold on sunday in newsstands). |
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* * * Sights and Activities : Carnival on the streets * * *
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Attending a banda is one of the best ways to celebrate carnaval. bandas also called blocos de rua, consist of procession of drummers and singing, followed by anyone who wants to dance through the streets. to join in, all you have to do is show up. Note taht some bandas ask you to march in one of their colors. Many sell shirts on the spot (US$ 10) or you can just show up in the right colors.
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* * * Carnival Balls * * *
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