Performed in “Let’s Do It and The Rise of Samba”
Brazilian Carnaval has origins in the old Portuguese pre-lent celebration know as the entrudo. People celebrated by throwing little balls of wax filled with perfumed water at each other. The first procession with adorned floats was in 1850, and in 1856 costumed revelers took to the streets. Until 1899, no songs were written expressly for Carnaval, and people danced to music of European inspiration.
In 1917, the Samba appeared officially. Automobile parades were held in downtown Rio de Janeiro with tons of paper confetti and streamers, and people went to the beach in elaborate paper costumes. In the last few decades, the parade has become the greatest attraction of Carnaval in Brazil and is decidedly luxurious and gigantic. Continue reading »
