Brazil Can Wait

This post might hurt you more than it hurts me, but if you’ve been following me then you know in the words of Ray J, “I don’t care.”🤷🏿‍♀️. It might cause some debate, because it’s going against a popular opinion. My goal is never to hurt feelings, but to educate. Also this is my opinion, so argue with yourself.🙃

When most of society thinks of carnival; they think of Brazil then Trinidad. I am not talking about people who are submerged into the carnival culture. I am talking about the people who may be oblivious to carnival and whose knowledge is relegated to what they see in movies and on television. Still even those who have knowledge of carnival might consider Brazil a mecca of sorts. I am not that person. Even after getting into a heated debate with a Brazilian man at work who couldn’t understand why I was going to carnival in Trinidad instead of Brazil; Brazil can wait.

First a brief history of carnival in Brazil. The story will be familiar. It’s centered around lenten season and is a large celebration prior to Lent. During lent it is customary for people to fast and abstain from worldly activities and meat. Carnival is like one last big party before the holy season.*Fun fact Carne Vale translates to “Goodbye to meat” which evolved into carnival.* Like many places, the celebration started small and included people dancing and parading in the streets. Many embracing their spirituality by paying homage to ancestors.

Here’s where Brazil splits off from other carnivals and why I am underwhelmed at the idea of attending. In the early 20th century Samba groups and clubs started forming due to the increasing popularity of samba. Samba is associated with Brazil like Soca or Calypso is associated with Trinidad. These groups used to come together and compete against each other. They eventually became the Samba schools of today. In 1932 the first Samba School parade took place. Today the top 13 Samba schools compete during carnival. These schools are the best of the best. Having practiced their coordinated routines all year in hopes to be named the top school.

The Samba schools compete at the carnivals in Rio, Sao Paulo, Bahia etc. Basically wherever you go these are selected people performing very specific and rehearsed routines on the float. Foreigners or people not in the schools are allowed to purchase costumes and be a part of the Ground Wing. This means you’re on the ground on the side of the float. In my opinion these costumes pale in comparison to those on the float. The main attraction is the samba school.

Visitors are also encouraged to dress in colorful costumes and dance at street parties. You can dress up in just about anything you want to at these less formal parties. They kind of remind me of j’ouvert in that they are informal free for alls with no judging.

There are elaborate expensive balls you can attend in Copacabana and other locations. You might spot celebrities at these events.

This all seems fun, however this is not really being a part of the band to me. You’re on the sidelines in a toned down costume and it gives me the feeling of being an afterthought. I like being in a band with other everyday people dancing and drinking without a care. Putting on my beautiful costume, being a star of the show and getting ready to cross the stage. This just doesn’t seem to be the vibe in Brazil.

So that’s why I’m in no rush to attend carnival in Brazil. Feel free to leave any comments or ask questions. Thanks for reading. 💗