Carnival is celebrated in many cities around the world and also in cities and towns throughout Brazil. But it is in Rio de Janeiro that it is considered the carnival capital of the world since it is not only the biggest carnival, but it is also a point of reference that controls all the other carnivals since it is very artistic and full of partying.
Carnival is celebrated in Brazil every year 46 days before the Easter party. ‘Carnival’ is derived from the word ‘carnelevare’ which means something like: ‘the removal of meat’. The roots of the festival are believed to be in the Catholic tradition where Roman Catholics abstained from meat and alcohol on some days to drive away bad energy from their lives.
The party and joy of Carnival in Brazil
The Brazilian Carnival as it is known today is believed to have originated in the European dominated era. Followers of the Roman Catholic Church danced, had fun, drank alcohol, and had sex just before Lent, when the period of abstinence from alcohol and other sins began. At that time people exchanged clothes and enjoyed wild dances where everything was allowed.
In Rio de Janeiro thousands of people gather at the Sambadrome stadium in the city where masks, costumes, dance and music are guaranteed. Samba is still the most frequent form of dance at Brazilian carnival parties. There are important parades with incredible costumes and decorated floats that pass through the stadium being followed by thousands of people and hundreds of others who join the parade.
There is another important city in the Brazilian Carnival: Salvador de Bahía. Here the different carnival is celebrated since thousands of people gather in the streets from very early and dance through the city until night. In this city the carnival festivities also last a week or so. The carnival in Brazil is organized by many samba schools in the country that are involved in services by and for the community.