Travel Group November 24, 2022

Doing Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

Presented by: Uri Ascher (Professor Emeritus Computer Science) and Nurit Barkan-Ascher

Carnival in Rio is more than just the big splashy parades occasionally shown on TV. Carnival is about participating in some dream-like reality where being excessive, ludicrous and unreal is the norm. It is one of the best excuses to let your guard down, to get in touch with your younger self, to humorously abandon everydayness and liberate your inner burlesque. It is best appreciated when considered a "participation sport".
The big parade spectacles are indeed amazing and the colours, dancing, and organization are incredible. The preparation is complex and the costumes are very elaborate. It is a year-long "second economy". 
To us, even more important is the Carnaval da rua (street carnival), because of its component of participation. This phase takes several weeks and is somehow very "organic". There are numerous groups made up of drummers, vocalists, sometimes a brass section, what have you. They parade playing mostly samba and are joined by hoards of revellers.

These many aspects of Carnival in Rio will be illustrated with photographs.

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