Brazil is a Repulic. The Population is over 170 million People. The offical language is Portugese. Braisilia is the Capital City. At least 70% of the People are Roman Cathlic. The Majority, (55% come from Europe), 6 % come from Africa and 38% are a mixture of while and blace People that are called Muattos.
I have been to three Cities in Brazil. I wrote a review on Rio already so I would like to tell you a bit about the Carnival that will be celebrated this year from March 1st - 11th and the two other places I visited.
THE HISTORY:
’’Carnival originates from calibrations held by the Ancient Greeks and Romans. The Greeks honoured Dionysus, (the god of wine), during this spring Festival. The Romans continued with the tradition, (except Slaves and Masters), by exchanging clothes and sometimes each other! When Portugal conquered this area of South America they brought the Carnival Festival with them.’’
Carnival can go on for up to 11 days. The Workers put up temporary grandstands along the main arteries. The Parades go on day and night. The People dancing on the Floats are from the various Dance Schools.
On ever Street you can buy Costumers, Masks, Noisemakers and walk around drinking Beer.
THE OTHER TWO PLACES I VISITED:
1) OLINDA is a little Port City on the Atlantic Ocean. This was South America’s first Capital Cities and has one of Brazil’s best Colonial Buildings, (many are now Museums).
The Museu do Mamulenco houses antique puppets, including the town’s representative character, the giant ceramic-and-silk puppet, Dona (Lady) of Olinda. The Museu de Arte Contemporanea displays permanent and temporary exhibitions of contemporary art in a building that was an 18th- century jail. It was originally used by the Catholic Church during the Inquisition.
Alto da Se (Cathedral Heights) in Olinda is one of the highest peaks along the rocky coastline. It is a great spot to enjoy views of the Atlantic, buy wooden sculptures from local artists and listen in on jam sessions by local musicians. The backdrop to the scene is Olinda’s oldest building, the Igreja de Se church, built in 1537.
2) SALVADOR is a Historical City, (about a 14-hour drive south of Olinda). Salvador is the Capital City of the State of Bahia, (it has a very African flavour).
Surrounding the Square are Churches and Government Buildings, (many are almost 500 years old).
The Bahians love their Fetes, (Festivals), and during the Year, (each Sundays and Tuesdays), there is a ’’Party’’ to celebrate something.
Terriera de Jesus is the main Square in the Old City. It is the place to go every evening to be part of the Fete that is being celebrated that day.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS:
I wouldn’t go back during Carnival again, (we were in Rio during that time), Olinda or Salvador only because I’ve seen them.
I would love to see Brazila, the Amazon River and Sao Paulo.
If you haven’t seen Brazil yet and can afford to go I highly recommend this Country to you.
Comments are always welcome and ratings don’t matter.
- I hope I spelled the Portugese names correctly.
©LL2003