By Priscila Marques
The festival of Carnival began hundreds of years ago in Italy. It was held in the days immediately before Lent, and became a farewell to luxuries during a season of religious discipline in preparation for Christ’s death and resurrection. This practice was adopted by many cultures, including the French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Now it’s time to talk about our Carnaval Brasileiro: “The Greatest Show on Earth”. To say Carnaval is the most greatly anticipated holiday in the country would be an understatement. Millions of Brasileiros (Brazilians) and tourists alike will tell you that the year can only begin after the Carnival festivities, when passion meets talent and great music, and the entire country stops its day to come together in celebration.
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Every year the Samba schools in Rio and São Paulo pick a theme, and from there they rehearse and prepare amazing costumes and floats. It’s a year-long project that only lasts four days, but it’s all worth it when you see dreams come to life in the beautiful show.
In northeastern Brazil the party is a little different. Instead of just watching like in Rio and São Paulo, the crowd gets to follow the floats. Each float has its own name and a big group of followers, and it’s a big street party in summer time.
This year Carnaval will happen February 8 to 12. It’s a big preparation that attracts millions of Brazilians and tourists to the big celebration. It also remarks the beginning of the year, because like we say in Brazil, the year only starts after Carnaval!
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