Brazilian Carnival
Brazil is known for its massive and colorful annual Carnival that falls four days before Ash Wednesday each year. Brazil’s Carnival has often been called the largest in the world. However, it should be noted that Carnival varies greatly from region to region in Brazil. There are four major styles of Carnival through out Brazil.
The first major style of Carnival in Brazil is Rio de Janeiro style. In fact, the modern concept of Brazilian Carnival originated in Rio de Janeiro in 1641. Bloc parades are a large part of Rio Carnival. These were pageant like groups that paraded through the city avenues performing on instruments and dancing. Today, these are called blocos or blocks and they consist of a group of people who dress in costumes, or sometimes special shirts that sport themes and/or logos. These blocks are generally associated with specific neighborhoods, and they usually include a percussion and music group as well as an entourage of revelers. Today, there are more than 100 bloc parade groups in Rio’s Carnival. They can be performed by both large and small groups, and they also often note their neighborhood and social statue. They will gather in a square before the show, then parade different sections of the city, usually near the beach.
Bahia is another major style of Carnival in Brazil. There are a few major differences between Carnival in Bahia, which is located in Brazil’s Northeast Region, and the Carnivals held in Rio de Janeiro. One major difference is the musical styles. In Bahia there are many rhythms like samba, samba-reggae, axe, and others, and they are performed on a truck that is equipped with giant speakers. Huge numbers of people follow the trucks singing and dancing. There are also “Indian” groups that were inspired by Western movies. These groups will dress up as Native Americans and adopt Native American names. These groups also inspired a renewed pride in Brazil’s African heritage.
In the North Eastern state of Pernambuco, there are unique Carnivals that represent Recife and Olinda, two prominent cities in the region. One thing that separates them from other styles of Carnival is they rhythms used primarily frevo and maracatu. Their parade, Galo da Madrugada is the biggest carnival parade in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Here, there are no group competitions, only group dance and instrument performances. Some of these groups strongly manifest the country’s African influence.
The final major style of Carnival in Brazil is Minas Gerais. Minas has many historical cities, like Ouro Preto, Mariana and Diamantina, and these cities hold some of the country’s most important Carnival parades. Another major parade in the region takes place in Pompeu. The block parades here usually have more fantasy related themes. There are also many street dancing festivals and balls.
The diversity of Carnival styles available in Brazil are a true to testament to the cultural diversity of Brazil. The Carnival styles demonstrate the influences of many different cultures upon Brazil.