senegal
03-05-2011, 08:02 PM
http://www.picmik.net/images/875rio_carnival_2007_4.jpg (http://www.picmik.net/view.php?filename=875rio_carnival_2007_4.jpg)
Rio Carnival is an annual festival held forty-six days before Easter. On certain days of Lent, Roman Catholics and some other Christians traditionally abstained from the consumption of meat and poultry, hence the term "carnival," from carnelevare, "to remove (literally, "raise") meat. Carnival celebrations are believed to have roots in the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which, adapted to Christianity, became a farewell to bad things in a season of religious discipline to practice repentance and prepare for Christ's death and resurrection.
Rhythm, participation, and costumes vary from one region of Brazil to another. In the southeastern cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, huge organized parades are led by samba schools. Those official parades are meant to be watched by the public, while minor parades ("blocos") allowing public participation can be found in other cities. The northeastern cities of Salvador, Porto Seguro and Recife have organized groups parading through streets, and public interacts directly with them. This carnival is heavily influenced by African-Brazilian culture. Crowds follow the trio elétricos floats through the city streets. Also in northeast, Olinda carnival features unique characteristics, part influenced by Venice Carnival mixed with cultural depictions of local folklore.
Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become an event of huge proportions. The country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense, day and night, mainly in coastal cities. The consumption of beer accounts for 80% of annual consumption[citation needed] and tourism receives 70% of annual visitors. The government distributes condoms and launches awareness campaigns at this time to prevent the spread of AIDS.
Rio Carnival 2011 started on Saturday, March 5th and ends on Tuesday, March 8th.
Events:
Saturday, March 5th
09.30 Street Band Cordão do Bola Preta (Downtown)
16.00 Banda de Ipanema meets at Praça General Osório, Ipanema
19.00 Official Costume Competition in Hotel Gloria
20.00 Street Band Competition in Av. Rio Branco, Centro (Downtown)
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in the Access Group
23.00 The Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace Hotel
Sunday, March 6th
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in the Special Group
Monday, March 7th
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in the Special Group
Tuesday, March 8th
16.00 Banda de Ipanema marches for the last time
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in Group "B"
23.00 Gay Costume Ball in Rio Scala
Tomorrow I'll fly to Rio de Janeiro to spend two magic days on Brazilian land.
I'm so excited! :)
I'll post some photos when I get back.
Let the party begin!!!!!:partytime
Rio Carnival is an annual festival held forty-six days before Easter. On certain days of Lent, Roman Catholics and some other Christians traditionally abstained from the consumption of meat and poultry, hence the term "carnival," from carnelevare, "to remove (literally, "raise") meat. Carnival celebrations are believed to have roots in the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which, adapted to Christianity, became a farewell to bad things in a season of religious discipline to practice repentance and prepare for Christ's death and resurrection.
Rhythm, participation, and costumes vary from one region of Brazil to another. In the southeastern cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, huge organized parades are led by samba schools. Those official parades are meant to be watched by the public, while minor parades ("blocos") allowing public participation can be found in other cities. The northeastern cities of Salvador, Porto Seguro and Recife have organized groups parading through streets, and public interacts directly with them. This carnival is heavily influenced by African-Brazilian culture. Crowds follow the trio elétricos floats through the city streets. Also in northeast, Olinda carnival features unique characteristics, part influenced by Venice Carnival mixed with cultural depictions of local folklore.
Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become an event of huge proportions. The country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense, day and night, mainly in coastal cities. The consumption of beer accounts for 80% of annual consumption[citation needed] and tourism receives 70% of annual visitors. The government distributes condoms and launches awareness campaigns at this time to prevent the spread of AIDS.
Rio Carnival 2011 started on Saturday, March 5th and ends on Tuesday, March 8th.
Events:
Saturday, March 5th
09.30 Street Band Cordão do Bola Preta (Downtown)
16.00 Banda de Ipanema meets at Praça General Osório, Ipanema
19.00 Official Costume Competition in Hotel Gloria
20.00 Street Band Competition in Av. Rio Branco, Centro (Downtown)
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in the Access Group
23.00 The Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace Hotel
Sunday, March 6th
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in the Special Group
Monday, March 7th
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in the Special Group
Tuesday, March 8th
16.00 Banda de Ipanema marches for the last time
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in Group "B"
23.00 Gay Costume Ball in Rio Scala
Tomorrow I'll fly to Rio de Janeiro to spend two magic days on Brazilian land.
I'm so excited! :)
I'll post some photos when I get back.
Let the party begin!!!!!:partytime