The Carnival is celebrated in Brazil every
year, 46 days before the Easter festival.
Carnival is derived from the word
carnelevare, wich literally translates to
“removal of meat”. The roots of the festival
are believed to be in the tradition of Roman
Catholics when they abstained from meat and
alcohol on certain days as a method to drive
away bad things from their life.
The Carnival in Brazil as we know it today is believed to have
originated during the European dominated
era. Back then, followers of the Roman
Catholic Church would indulge in last day of
dance, fun, alcohol and sex just before the
start of Lent, which is a period of
abstinence from alcohol and other sins. Back
then, people would exchange clothes and
indulge in wild dancing, and it also
sometimes coincided with exchange of slaves.
Carnivals are celebrated in many
countries but the one in Brazil is most
famous. Different cities of Brazil have
their own way of celebrating this week long
festival of revelry and fun. However, the
most famous carnival is that of Rio De
Janeiro. Thousands of people throng the
Sambodromo stadium in the city. Often
wearing masks and colorful costumes, they
dance to the beats of drums and music, Samba
being the most prevalent form of dancing
here.
A major parade with beautifully dressed
samba dancers atop a decorated moving
vehicle goes through the stadium as hundreds
of people keep joining the parade as the
parade makes its way.
Another city which is famous for its
Carnival in Brazil is Salvador de Bahia. The
original capital in Brazil, carnival is
celebrated a little differently here. Street
carnival is celebrated in this city rather
than having a stadium as a venue for the
parade. Thousands of people throng the
streets from early dawn and dance their way
through the city till late evenings.
Carnival in Salvador also lasts a little
longer than in Rio.
Carnival in Brazil is a major holiday
when people shut shops and come out on the
streets to celebrate life. The festival is
organized by various samba schools in the
country which are also involved in various
community services. Even people with two
left feet can be seen enjoying this festival
in its full splendor. |
