Rio Carnival is headed to the JAS Cafe on Feb. 23-24 with Brazilian artists the Vinicious Gomes Trio and special guest Jamile. Before you head to the show learn a little more about the history of Carnival and the music it celebrates here at the JAS Cafe Corner!
The first Carnival was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1723. The custom is believed to have originated in Greece, but was adapted by the Roman Catholic Church and Portugal to celebrate the beginning of the season of Lent. However, what evolved is a mass celebration of indulgences in music, dance, food and drink, something which the Church did not have in mind.
Over time, the festival acquired ways of manifesting itself, such as in the use of masks and costumes. The emergence of carnival societies created by the monarch elite also contributed to the popularization of the party among the poor.
In 1840, the very first Rio masquerade took place, and polka and waltz took center stage. Later in the beginning of the 20th century the Samba and Batucada rhythms classically associated with Rio carnival were introduced by Afro-Brazilians, who brought the eclectic mix of music, song and dance styles with them to the impoverished slums surrounding Rio after the abolition of slavery in 1888.
Today, Samba is a true component of Brazil’s cultural heritage. From the poorest slums to the richest haciendas, samba spread quickly through the city. Even today, samba is sung in the ghetto shack as well as the high-class mansions and truly brings the Brazilian people together regardless of economic class. Samba lies at the heart of their culture.
Carnival revelries became significant in asserting the concept of a mixed-race nation and are intertwined with the idea and image of Brazil as a construct. Moved by communal feeling, these festivals have been acclaimed for their supposed ability to bring together distinct social groups in a playful manner. It is considered the biggest carnival in the world, with two million people per day in the streets.