'Bring
your love and find your love at Brazil Carnaval' ran this provocative advertisement for what has long been called the greatest show on earth. What more
encouragement do you need?
Putting
our pre-lent chocolate binges firmly in the shade, Brazil has got partying down
to a fine art.
Word
has it that it all began with the ancient spring rites of the Romans and Greeks.
The impulse was so strong that even the middle-ages energy of the catholic church
failed to stamp out the Bacchanalian romps.
Then,
when the Portuguese came to Brazil the Negro slaves took to it with gusto, throwing
flour, water and any thing else they could get their hands on. Not to mention
dressing up in their master's wigs and old shirts.
|
Today
the frenzied egg and stink-bomb throwing has eased off but in the weeks leading
up to Lent, the whole of Brazil still becomes more than a little unglued. Offices
close, work ceases and the roads fill up as thousands of cars load up with people,
beer and meat and head for the city, whilst the officials brace themselves.
Samba
schools hit the streets of Rio de Janeiro, ever wilder, ever more glamorous as
they compete for the coveted Carnaval prize. Themed floats push through the crowded
streets, capturing the mood of a host of different subjects, from the agony of
the still recent military dictatorship to the madcap mayhem of circuses.
Then,
when the Portuguese came to Brazil the Negro slaves took to it with gusto, throwing
flour, water and any thing else they could get their hands on. Not to mention
dressing up in their master's wigs and old shirts...
|
|
It's Carnaval Time - Brazilian Style
