The burning sun on the asphalt, where human warmth lingers, costumed people dance to the same drumbeat once a year, disguising the differences that set them apart in daily life. Colours clash against the grey concrete of urban centres. Confetti, serpentine, party foam, and sparkles adorn the faces of citizens.
Brazil is globally known for Carnaval. The celebration, typically held forty days before Easter, usually takes place in February or March. However, its history spans several centuries.
It originated from the traditions of Egypt (Navigium Isidis) and the Roman Empire (Saturnalia and Lupercalia). During the Middle Ages, the prestigious Venice Carnival adapted these customs, influencing Europe, particularly the Iberian Peninsula. From there, they spread to the colonies, including Brazil.
In Portugal, “Entrudo” referred to the gigantic dolls made of wood and fabric used during Carnaval. In Brazil, "entrudo" was the first recorded Carnaval practice in Rio de Janeiro, and there were two types.
Familiar “entrudo” was a common custom among the elite, practiced at home with limões de cheiro—small wax balls filled with perfumed water. Enslaved Africans practiced popular 'entrudo,' painting their faces with flour and playing 'molhadela.' They splashed foul-smelling liquids and threw stale food at each other, which was deemed violent and offensive. Consequently, authorities criminalized and repressed it in the streets during the 19th century.
The elite, influenced by European aristocracy, celebrated with masquerade balls in theatres and clubs. High society even formed communities that could parade through the streets, incorporating French influences like serpentine, confetti, and bouquets. Meanwhile, the lower classes sought to create more socially acceptable versions of their festivities, leading to the creation of “cordão” and “rancho.” The former was a blend of religious aesthetics and popular expressions, such as “capoeira” and “Zé-Pereira,” while the latter was a more rural-style procession.
Another famous Carnaval in Brazil takes place in the Northeast. It is believed that the first Brazilian celebration was held in Pernambuco in 1553. In Bahia, afoxé and axé emerged, honouring and celebrating African culture. Meanwhile, in Recife, frevo and maracatu developed, along with the iconic giant dolls of Olinda.
These traditions, along with many others, have continuously evolved and merged into the diverse celebrations and rhythms we see today, from marchinhas to Carioca funk. The name marchinha traces back to military marches, as the beat resembles those fanfares. Although marchinhas first appeared in the 19th century, their popularity peaked between 1920 and 1960. Carmen Miranda, who made her debut during this period, is the voice behind many of the most famous ones.
A noteworthy point is that samba was incorporated into Brazilian Carnaval in the 1930s, thanks to former president Getúlio Vargas, who decriminalized the genre. Despite this change, racism persisted. Samba has since become an integral part of Brazilian identity and is now inextricably linked with Carnaval.
While Carioca Funk is gradually emerging from the shadows and even being considered for a special day on July 25th, it blends electronic beats from hip hop and afrobeat music with Candomblé drumming, rap poetry, and DJ skills. Despite its popularity in the charts, parties, and clubs, it continues to evolve and influence Brazilian music. This fusion creates repetitive beats combined with melody. The music often addresses everyday life in Carioca suburbs and favelas, highlighting their harsh realities and serving as a platform for socio-political issues. These developments reflect the diverse social groups and cultures that shape Brazil's rich heritage and identity.
Carnaval is about bringing Brazilians together in the same space and time, countering the social and political divisions they face daily. It fosters a sense of national pride through socio-cultural expressions, exemplified by the lyrics of samba-enredos and the parades of samba schools. However, beneath every light gram of serpentine, Brazil continues to grapple with weighty issues.
In the face of chaos, both within the country and abroad, Christ the Redeemer has always opened its arms to warmly welcome refugees, immigrants, and Muslims. It extends a hand to Brazilians who have migrated to affected areas and welcomes others back home. It offers comfort to Brazilians in times of tragedy and invites them to partake in a folia despite the sombre times. If happiness can be found in the darkest hours, Carnaval becomes a powerful symbol of resistance.
On the other side of the Atlantic is the Notting Hill Carnival, one of the world’s longest-running street parties. Held annually for over 50 years, it typically takes place on the last weekend of August. The festival's origins date back to January 30, 1959, as a response to the racial and intercultural tensions of the time among West Indians, Africans, Irish, and other nationalities in a congested area with poor communication. Claudia Jones is credited with planting the seeds for the Notting Hill Carnival in the UK. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant, community-led event rooted in Caribbean culture, with strong influences from the Windrush generation and a reflection of modern London’s diversity.
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