ππ»πΊπ§π· Rio Carnaval - time to dance in the street!
Yes Carn-a-val! "Carne Vale" is "farewell to meat" - You may call it Ash Wednesday, Mardi Gras or Pancake Day. Brazil calls it Party Week! February 17 to 22 - 2023. Let's celebrate!
Weβve all heard of Rio Carnaval and its famous street parades, but what is the real meaning and story of this vibrant and exciting holiday? Letβs take a look at the history and meaning of Rio Carnaval, while we listen to some classic samba music, sample some Brazilian cuisine and watch some classic movies. π
πΉ Letβs start with the tunes!
π§π· An introduction
This month is a kinda double celebration! Welcome to Rio Carnaval π§π·π! But did you know that this is a celebration for the beginning of Lent merged with Entrudo - a Portuguese celebration?!
Having a European root, there is a links to Roman, Greek and pagan festivals around this time of year. As such, masquerade balls and dances weβre adapted and reclaimed, mixing with the customs of the population of Brazil.
Initially, mixing with a Portuguese festival called Entrudo, the Carnaval was more of a playful riot! Throwing lemons, flour bombs and water, everyone was a target.
Time and influences from African and South American cultural elements, as well as the birth of samba, has lead this to be truly iconic and dramatically large celebration!
Samba is a combination of music and dance styles that Afro-Brazilians brought to the devastated ghettos around Rio. Over time, it became the national dance and musical style. During the 1930s, samba began to spread to other parts of the world and is now a popular Latin dance style around the globe.
π There is also a King and Queen!
King Momo and Queen of Carnaval are figures of Brazilian folklore who are traditionally chosen to lead the Rio de Janeiro Carnival celebrations. The king is crowned with a paper mache headdress and sceptre, and he officially kicks off the festivities by opening the carnival with a proclamation and ends them with a closing speech.
Watch this for 5 mins and you will be astounded to the effort and intricacy required. The parade is largely made of Samba Schools competing to be the best!
π₯ The food
Not strictly a food festival (there are more important things to be doing!) there are still plenty of delicious things to pick up. A classic dish thatβs perfect to serve up at your own Carnaval celebration is Feijoada. This black bean stew with pork or beef is delicious and hearty, and sure to please a crowd. π₯ This month though I am giving two other suggestions:
COXINHAS
Basically Giant Croquettes. Delicious!
BRIGADEIROS
4 indulgent ingredients mixed into chocolatey goodness. What can go wrong!?
πΏ Movie time
I am not embarrassed to say I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would for a kids movie. Youβll be surprised by how many voices you recognise!
For the more serious and impactful, Black Orpheus. It inspired Arcade Fire, Obama and won an Oscar way back in 1960!