Carnival in Brazil

Austin Cotterell and Sierra Welsh

1. What is the purpose of/reason for celebrating the holiday? Celebration prior to fasting
season of Lent.
2. When/where/how did the holiday originate? The roots of the festival are believed to be in
the tradition of Roman Catholics when they abstained from meat and alcohol on certain days as a
method to drive away bad things from their life. The Carnival in Brazil as we know it today is
believed to have originated during the European dominated era. Back then, followers of the
Roman Catholic Church would indulge in last day of dance, fun, alcohol and sex just before the
start of Lent, which is a period of abstinence from alcohol and other sins.
3. Where is the holiday celebrated today beside your chosen country? Celebrations and
parades are held throughout the country of South America, most notably in the city of Rio de
Janeiro and the Brazilian states of Bahia and Pernambuco. Carnival celebrations vary in length
and content, depending on the area.
4. Who celebrates the holiday? Is it a particular religion or group of people? Majority of the
people are Catholics, but being a huge event known around the world others fly to brazil to
partake in the festivities
5. When is the holiday celebrated? Does it change from year to year? Its held between the
Friday afternoon and Ash Wednesday at noon, which marks the beginning of Lent, the forty-day
period before Easter. They days do change, but still always the same concept.
6. What are the customs associated with the holiday? How is the holiday celebrated?
Make sure you include: songs, costumes, food, drink, gift giving traditions, etc. Often wearing
masks and colorful costumes, they dance to the beats of drums and music, Samba being the
most prevalent form of dancing here.
Sources:
http://www.calendarlabs.com/holidays/brazil/carnival.php
https://carnivalservice.com/rio-carnival/dates
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Carnival
http://www.rio-de-janeiro-travel-information.com/2013-rio-carnival.html