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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.
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.
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.
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
Torrevieja is one of the most important summer holiday spots in the province of Alicante, about 50 kilometres from the city of Alicante and making up what is known as the Costa Blanca in Spain. Torrevieja and the town of Pilar de la Horadada are in the southern tip, the last towns before you head into the province of Murcia.
When making holiday plans, if you are to arrive there by plane, the closest airport would be the one in Alicante called the Altet. It has great flight combinations with the rest of Europe, especially when flying in from England.
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The West Country Carnival has its origin in a bonfire at the Cornhill in Bridgwater. This was built from a large wooden boat, filled with about 100 tar barrels and whatever other flammable rubbish was available. It is said that this tradition ceased because of a lack of suitable old boats - and the revellers' determination to maintain the custom by turning to good boats as a source of fuel!
There is still a bonfire at the Cornhill each year - but using more sustainable fuel sources. Effigies of the conspirators were traditionally paraded through the streets before being cast onto
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Thousands of species of fish and other sea life abound in the Great Barrier Reef that spreads across the northern coast of Australia. The reef, composed of sea creatures from multi-colored fish to the living coral is the habitation of underwater animals and plants. No wonder scuba divers and snorkelers go over the top to marvel at this amazing environment. In the midst of this breathtaking beauty, however, the fiercely poisonous blue ringed octopus hides in the clear waters of the reef.
This octopus is tiny in size and has special glands
producing two types of poison that is secreted into its
saliva. On scenting danger, this dark yellow creature turns
into
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Many visitors to the UK choose London for their base when visiting the country. If you're planning to stay in the capital, then let's take a look at some other great locations that can easily be reached for a day trip.
The great thing about staying in London is that it truly is a city that never sleeps. With great entertainment, from musicals to plays, it's a place where you will rarely be short of things to do.
In the evenings, you'll find that England's capital city is a great place to enjoy the nightlife, with top quality restaurants, bars
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Can't wait to shop in Shanghai? Well then, which are the best places to shop in this consumption-crazy city in China?
Shanghai is well known for some of the best shopping experiences you'll find among major cities in China. When visiting Shanghai you'll surely pass through the city's two major commercial streets - upscale Nanjing Xi Lu (Nanjing West Road) and bustling Huaihai Lu (Huaihai Road).
But there's a lot more to shopping than these two obvious places. Indeed, you'll find streets big and small full of shopping centres. You'll be able to plan a full day of shopping if that's
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