January 29, 2002
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The most traditional popular celebration in Brazil, carnival, sinthetizes the country´s soul. For four days, the joyful feeling spread over the streets and squares from all parts of the country.
As carnival season opens, Brazilians start to make a kind of annual balance. It´s time to renew experiences. Itá also time to protest against corrupt politicians, to complain about the poverty and give creative suggestions to turn the country into a fair place to live in. However, a good mood is the spice of it all.
Religious ceremonies give the party a special flavor in Bahia. In Rio, samba schools are the main attraction. In Pernambuco, a single group gathers 1,5 million people in its lines. In São Paulo, the crowded and busiest city in the country, a modern samba stadium receives more and more schools.
For months, the samba schools and the small groups prepare meticulously their exhibitions. Luxury and beauty are elements in all parades and shows. The songs, the costumes and the ornaments interpretate either brazilian history or an important comment on the country´s recent issues.
At the beggining of the century, samba was taken by the rulling class as noisy, unpleasant and almost criminal way of statement. By the 50´s, however, there were changes on the relationship between samba, the government and the society representatives in Rio. Gradually they began to support the popular carnival parties. The samba school parades mesmerized the TV audiences and proved to be excellent business for the advertisers. At last, samba was accepted as genuine and cultural statement.
And where will Shy spend those nice scorching hot days? Honestly, dear reader… Anywhere far from any hectic pace, and close to any tv set where the displays can be seen…
Comments (11)
I think Shy you will dance at the Carnaval . No ?
Michel
I totally agree. I love things like that, but even if I go, I tend to stay on the sidelines. I think I’d much rather enjoy the sights from the comfort of my own home. Besides, you get to see things from all sorts of angles on the TV, rather that just one angle and with someone’s head blocking half your view (especially if you’re short like me).
~Meta~
Wow.. sounds like what the Brits would call a ‘jolly good time’
sounds festive & lots of fun, shy!! thanks for sharing the info w/ us.. found that really informative & very interesting!
i’ve yet to step on south american soil.. & i hear so many beautiful things about it. [sigh] i’ve gotta save up, & visit your country at some point, during this lifetime.
hope all is well, btw.. best regards, & props to you!
-eric
I love visiting you site because I learn so much interesting things about your country. I would love to go there one day. I hear it is the most beautiful country in South America. One day I will visit São Paulo. Have a great day……
everyone wants to hear my cat sneeze. maybe i ought to record it on tape. lol.
giggle is good for the health. so, keep on giggling when you see billy/pippin. i see him everyday. i have his pictures in my room. i’m nuts.
Like your new colors..You have fun and stay cool..Have a great day..
if i remember correctly, red and black was the colour scheme of the “very first” xanga site u had. right?
but i still prefer ur earlier white and blue… hahahha. however, guess this is more carnaval colours!!
cool,
love sid.
aw yeah, party time
Carnival.
Went once. Beautiful.
But i’m sure its changed since the 60′s.
: )
I enjoy hearing about other countries and their cultures and heratidges.
Thanks for sharing