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Carnival! in Rio, Bahia and Pernambuco

Although Carnival has almost universal appeal wherever the Roman Catholic Church has a substantial presence, the level and extent of celebration varies enormously, ranging from hugely popular, highly developed, commercially supported, tourist-inspired events down to small celebrations within a locality which may only involve a few small villages or a small town.

Some of these events are Carnival in its traditional sense, but many have elements of local folklore integrated. The event in Sydney is a Gay & Lesbian Carnival. Some are promoted as Mardi Gras, although not necessarily limiting themselves to the day before Ash Wednesday. Most start two weeks before Ash Wednesday.

Probably the most famous Carnival celebrations take place in Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro

The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro was established in the 1830’s when traditional French-style balls and masquerade parties were introduced. With the passage of time African and American-Indian influences had a substantial impact on the celebrations.

Rio Carnival each year elects a "Fat Man" to act as Rei Momo or "king" of the Carnival for its duration.

To improve the quality of the dancing, there are famous samba schools who perform in the Sambadrome, which is itself one of the world’s major tourist attractions. The samba schools are highly professional and competitive and operate throughout the year preparing people for the celebrations.

One of the features of Rio’s Carnival is the Blocos – groups of people from a particular neighbourhood with their own band, percussion group, entertainers, dancers and lots of supporters who enhance the presentation. Each Blocos usually has costumes to a particular theme, or they celebrate Carnival in an individual or special manner.

Blocos who have attended samba schools often give local demonstrations throughout Carnival.

Bahia

In Bahia, Carnival is different from that in Rio de Janeiro, being a regional event (Rio is seen as International). Bahia has a much more diverse range of music, plus subtle variations on themes such as the samba, of which there are numerous styles and interpretations.

Bahia’s Carnival roots were established in the 1880’s by a black population, and the event has very strong African-Yoruba influences. In the early days, the dancing in the street and the presentation was seen as primitive by the (pre-dominantly white) elite, but despite being banned, the celebrations continued.

Today, four main types of Carnival celebrations have developed in Bahia:

"Indian" groups were inspired by the US orientated Western Movies;
"Trios Electricos" are typified by an adapted lorry with giant loudspeakers, with musicians performing songs with local connections and styles. Their supporters follow the vehicle singing and dancing;
"Afoxes" play music which typifies the religion called Candomble;
"Blocos Afro" play music which is mean to inspire pride in their African Heritage, usually influenced by the independent movements in Africa and the US Black Pride movement.

Pernambuco

In Pernambuco which is located in North East Brazil there are quite unique Carnival celebrations. The most famous one is in Recife (the regional capital) but the celebrations in Olinda are equally impressive. Both are typified by "Frevo," a locally inspired form of music.

The Carnivals in Rio and Bahia both encourage competitions between parading groups and performers. That is not evident in Permanbuco. Groups dance and play side by side and improvise and co-operate with others

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