Rio de Janeiro – The annual Carnaval celebrations in Brazil have officially begun, drawing millions of participants and an estimated economic impact of 6.25 billion reais in 2018, according to industry figures. The festivities, which traditionally culminate on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, have expanded in recent years to include extensive pre-Carnaval events, such as samba school rehearsals and street celebrations, particularly in the Northeast region.
While the peak of Carnaval is marked by the elaborate parades of samba schools in cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the celebration’s roots extend back to the 16th century with the arrival of Portuguese colonists and the introduction of the “entrudo” – a pre-Lenten festival involving playful water fights and food-based pranks. Over time, this tradition evolved, absorbing influences from African and Indigenous cultures, ultimately shaping the uniquely Brazilian Carnaval.
The modern Carnaval, as We see known today, began to take shape in the 19th century with the emergence of the first carnival blocks, and societies. A pivotal moment came in 1899 with the composition of “Ó Abre Alas” by Chiquinha Gonzaga, widely considered the first marchinha – a style of music synonymous with Carnaval. The formalization of samba as the central rhythm of Carnaval occurred with the founding of the first samba school, “Deixa Falar,” in Rio de Janeiro in 1929.
The scale of the Brazilian Carnaval has solidified its reputation as “The Greatest Indicate on Earth.” The industry supporting the event – encompassing the production of costumes, floats, and related materials – generated over 20,000 jobs in 2018 alone. The samba schools in the special group alone spend approximately 100 million reais on raw materials for their parades, excluding salaries and other services.
Carnaval celebrations vary significantly across Brazil’s regions. The North showcases unique indigenous and folkloric traditions, while the Northeast is renowned for its vibrant street celebrations and frevo music. The Southeast, particularly Rio de Janeiro, is famous for its samba school parades, and the South incorporates elements of European traditions. The Centro-Oeste region also hosts distinct Carnaval festivities, reflecting the cultural diversity of the area.
The Brazilian Carnaval officially takes place during the four days leading up to Ash Wednesday, approximately seven weeks before Easter. However, celebrations often begin well before this period, with pre-Carnaval events extending the festive atmosphere for weeks. The festivities typically conclude in the early hours of Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent.
