Carnival is a worldwide phenomenon, an outburst of tradition and joy that engulfs locals while providing photogenic entertainment for travelers lucky enough to crash the party. Carnival is the most popular holiday in Brazil and the only celebration of its size in the world. The event takes almost a year to organize and attracts tourists from all corners of the world. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is the statement of the pleasure of a diverse and happy people! It is a democratic celebration where revelers of all social classes, races, and ages get together for fun. It is an event that celebrates our culture and unites thousands of people under the sound of samba. During five days of revelry, the city exudes an enviable joy. Cariocas forget about their problems and obligations and are captivated by the gigantic spectacle of dance and magic. Crowds take to the streets to celebrate life, in an atmosphere of unity and happiness.
The carnival can trace its roots back to an ancient Greek festival held each spring to honor Dionysus, the god of wine. The Romans adopted the festival to honor two of their gods, Bacchanalia and Saturnalia. During the Roman festival, slaves and masters would exchange clothes and spend the day in drunken revelry. The Catholic Church later modified the carnival festival as a celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday. It grew into a last hurrah before Lent with its 40 days of trying to improve oneself through prayer and sacrifice. Rio de Janeiro’s celebration of carnival can be traced back to 1723, according to Ipanema.com. It came to Brazil along with Portuguese immigrants who called it the Entrudo. Entrudo was essentially a giant water fight with people setting out to soak others with water and limes. No one, even royalty, was immune from being drenched. It was eventually outlawed because the authorities didn’t like to see so many people losing control.
In the mid-19th century, Jose Nogueira de Azevedo was a shoemaker who marched through the streets on Carnival celebration Monday playing drums, tambourines and whistles. He welcomed anyone who wanted to join in his march. This eventually became Ze Pereira. The Grandes Sociedades debuted in 1855 as a parade for aristocrats. About 80 members of the upper class, including the emperor, would wear masks and elaborate costumes and parade through town to the beat of music. In 1870, characters were introduced to the festivities, who would perform according to the costume they were given; other participants began to wear oversized papier-mache masks.
In the mid-19th century, Jose Nogueira de Azevedo was a shoemaker who marched through the streets on Carnival celebration Monday playing drums, tambourines and whistles. He welcomed anyone who wanted to join in his march. This eventually became Ze Pereira. The Grandes Sociedades debuted in 1855 as a parade for aristocrats. About 80 members of the upper class, including the emperor, would wear masks and elaborate costumes and parade through town to the beat of music. In 1870, characters were introduced to the festivities, who would perform according to the costume they were given; other participants began to wear oversized papier-mache masks.
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