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To understand the origins, we must go back to the Greek festivals in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine. During these festivals the greeks used to drink all day, sing choruses, and represent plays. -
The Romans decided to adopt this tradition in honor of their deities Bacchus and Saturnalia.
P.S:Bacchus is also god of wine -
This tradition evolved in Italy, and thanks to Catholicism the term Carnival arises. Carnival comes from Carne Vale which can be translated to "put away meat". The carnival was the signal for the beginning of the Catholic Lent and the followers used to enjoy and listen to music. The carnival began to expand through Europe until it reached to Portugal.
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When Brazil became a Portuguese colony, they adopted the traditional carnival. Additionally, African slaves were brought by the Portuguese. The slaves never forgot their culture and include it on the first carnival ever in 1723. The masks and costumes are incorporations from the slaves, as well as the meaning of the parade: ward off bad spirits. That's why feathers are important because they are related to the rise of spirits. There was no samba at these festivals. -
After slavery was abolished in Brazil, Africans started to locate in the south of the country. This zone became the epicenter of an iconic element of the carnival: SAMBA.
Samba comes from African drumming music but with Brazilian instruments like agogô. The samba fever quickly spread throughout Brazil. -
During the 1920's, samba became popular and people who loved this music started creating groups. In 1928, the fist samba school was formed. When more schools were opened, a contest during the parade was created. The first Carnival with samba took place in 1932, in Rio de Janeiro, and it was the first official carnival. -
During military dictatorship in Brazil, Carnival became the opportunity to protest against the government and the constant oppression. This is the moment in where Carnival stopped being a festival to become the voice of the nation.
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Carnival is more than a cultural expression. Its roots lie on the spiritual and religious elements, the iconic samba, masks, and costumes represent the artistic. However, Carnival is a reflection of Brazil's history perfectly captured. Carnival is the voice of society, the memories from the past that will endure into the future.