História do Carnaval

Summary

This video lesson delves into the history and significance of Carnival in Brazil, exploring its origins, cultural evolution, and modern celebrations. The Carnival began as a pagan festival in Southern Europe, evolving into a key event tied to religious observances like Lent. In Brazil, Carnival has become a major cultural and economic event, with vibrant festivities including samba parades, street parties, and massive celebrations across various states. The video highlights the diverse Carnival traditions in Rio de Janeiro, Pernambuco, Bahia, and São Paulo, showcasing how the holiday has evolved into one of the world's most famous celebrations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Carnival is the biggest popular festival in Brazil, originating as a pagan celebration in southern Europe.
• 😀 The word 'Carnival' comes from Latin terms meaning 'to remove meat,' linked to the period of Lent.
• 😀 Carnival's date is determined based on Easter, following the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox.
• 😀 The Carnival tradition spread to the Americas during European colonization and evolved over time.
• 😀 Carnival in Brazil is a global spectacle, attracting millions of tourists and participants each year.
• 😀 In Rio de Janeiro, Carnival preparations begin months in advance with rehearsals, street parties, and official samba school events.
• 😀 Pernambuco’s Carnival features unique traditions, including frevo music, giant puppets, and vibrant street parades.
• 😀 The Carnival in Bahia is one of the most energetic in the world, with major carnival circuits in Salvador, featuring trios elétricos and popular singers.
• 😀 São Paulo’s Carnival is similar to Rio’s, with samba school parades taking place in a purpose-built Sambadrome designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
• 😀 Carnival in Brazil includes various forms of celebrations, such as samba schools, blocos, and street parties, all reflecting the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
• 😀 The carnival's history dates back to the 11th century in Europe, and it became widely popular during the Renaissance, especially in Italy with masquerade balls.

Q & A

What is the origin of the word 'Carnaval'?

The word 'Carnaval' comes from the Latin terms 'carne levare', meaning 'to remove the meat'. This relates to the period of Lent in Catholicism when people abstain from certain foods, including meat.

How long does the Carnival celebration last?

Carnival celebrations typically last from Saturday to Tuesday, with the festivities concluding on Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent.

How does the date of Carnival change every year?

Carnival's date is determined based on the date of Easter, which is calculated using the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. Seven Sundays prior to Easter determines the Carnival date.

What were the early forms of Carnival celebrations like?

Carnival celebrations started as pagan festivities in Southern Europe, particularly in Italy, with traditions like masked balls in Venice. It was a way to indulge before the restrictions of Lent.

How did Carnival come to Brazil?

Carnival arrived in Brazil during the colonial period, introduced by the Portuguese. It began with festivals in Rio de Janeiro where slaves painted their faces and threw flour and water balls at people.

How has Carnival evolved in Brazil since its colonial beginnings?

Carnival in Brazil evolved significantly, with different phases including elite balls, the creation of samba schools, and the rise of street Carnival parties. It became deeply embedded in Brazilian culture and has grown into the largest and most famous carnival celebration in the world.

What is the role of samba schools in Rio de Janeiro's Carnival?

Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro play a central role in organizing and performing during Carnival. They start preparing for the event as early as September, with rehearsals and street events, culminating in grand parades at the Sambadrome.

What is the significance of the Galo da Madrugada bloc in Pernambuco's Carnival?

The Galo da Madrugada bloc is one of the major attractions of Pernambuco's Carnival. It is known for its lively and colorful parades through the streets of Recife and Olinda, drawing thousands of participants every year.

What are the main features of Carnival in Salvador, Bahia?

Carnival in Salvador, Bahia, is renowned for its energetic atmosphere and vibrant street parades. It features over 150 organized blocos (groups) that perform on trio elétricos (sound trucks), and it is one of the largest and most popular Carnival celebrations in the world.

How does the Carnival in São Paulo differ from Rio de Janeiro's?

Carnival in São Paulo is similar to Rio's but is held on a different schedule to avoid conflict. It features grand parades at the Sambódromo, with two main groups: the 'special group' and 'access group', showcasing the city's samba schools.