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Carnaval 2013
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Carnaval Background
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is famous throughout the world for the splendor and extravagance of Carnaval, which reaches its spectacular climax in the week before Good Friday. This popular event attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators from all over the world.
The celebration of Carnaval draws upon many cultural traditions and combines them in a unique and fantastic way in what we see as Carnaval today. The celebration itself draws upon two major influences, European and African. In Europe, Italian carnivals have been going on since the late 13th century. In the European tradition, a carnival celebration would be held a week before lent in which public festivities would be held. The people would wear masks, have elaborate balls, and indulge themselves before the fasting of lent. In the African traditions, a celebration was held around the same time period to celebrate the coming spring and the renewal of life. Many tribes would were elaborate customs adored with feathers to represent the ability of people to overcoming human problems and illness as well as a spiritual growth. Dancing around in circles and through the streets was used to drive away evil spirits and to renew the spiritual wards of the village.
Today, modern Carnaval draws upon all of these elements to create a beautiful and unique fusion of culture and dance that attracts people from all over the world. Today it is seen as a celebration of life and an expression of freedom seen in all aspects of Carnaval. From the rhythmic beats of Samba to the elaborate and exotic costumes, Carnaval has become one of the most successful fusion of multiple cultures that the world has ever seen.
Although the Carnaval is celebrated throughout the country, in Rio de Janeiro, Bahia and Recife it has developed into a gigantic tourist attraction. Bahia was the birthplace of samba and the afoxés, devotees of Afro-Brazilian cults, who parade through the streets in groups. Currently, modern competitors like the trios elétricos (trucks carrying groups of musicians and singers) have insinuated themselves into the processions, Pernambuco frevo music, and the maracatu (a procession mingling theatrical and musical elements) play an important part. It is in Rio, however, that the celebrations are the most lavished and spectacular parades and celebrations take place.
The celebration of Carnaval draws upon many cultural traditions and combines them in a unique and fantastic way in what we see as Carnaval today. The celebration itself draws upon two major influences, European and African. In Europe, Italian carnivals have been going on since the late 13th century. In the European tradition, a carnival celebration would be held a week before lent in which public festivities would be held. The people would wear masks, have elaborate balls, and indulge themselves before the fasting of lent. In the African traditions, a celebration was held around the same time period to celebrate the coming spring and the renewal of life. Many tribes would were elaborate customs adored with feathers to represent the ability of people to overcoming human problems and illness as well as a spiritual growth. Dancing around in circles and through the streets was used to drive away evil spirits and to renew the spiritual wards of the village.
Today, modern Carnaval draws upon all of these elements to create a beautiful and unique fusion of culture and dance that attracts people from all over the world. Today it is seen as a celebration of life and an expression of freedom seen in all aspects of Carnaval. From the rhythmic beats of Samba to the elaborate and exotic costumes, Carnaval has become one of the most successful fusion of multiple cultures that the world has ever seen.
Although the Carnaval is celebrated throughout the country, in Rio de Janeiro, Bahia and Recife it has developed into a gigantic tourist attraction. Bahia was the birthplace of samba and the afoxés, devotees of Afro-Brazilian cults, who parade through the streets in groups. Currently, modern competitors like the trios elétricos (trucks carrying groups of musicians and singers) have insinuated themselves into the processions, Pernambuco frevo music, and the maracatu (a procession mingling theatrical and musical elements) play an important part. It is in Rio, however, that the celebrations are the most lavished and spectacular parades and celebrations take place.
Volunteers Needed
Brazilian Center is recruiting volunteers for Carnaval 2013.
If you are interested please contact our office 916-837-7344 or email adriane@adrianedance.com.
Thank you!
If you are interested please contact our office 916-837-7344 or email adriane@adrianedance.com.
Thank you!
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