CARNAVAL de OLINDA - Olinda, Brazil
Carnaval was introduced to Brazil by the Portuguese colonists and was known as the entrudo (the opening) that consisted of raucous water fights and throwing of flour, soot, mud, and other substances. Wealthy citizens in the towns of Olinda began to sponsor lavish costume balls and elaborate street parades with floats and pedestrian orchestras.
Today, the Carnaval de Olinda features lively music and dances unique to this region of Brazil. Frevo music (from the Portuguese word ferver - to boil) evolved as Afro-Brazilians transformed European brass band marching tunes into syncopated rhythms with improvised fanfares and solos. The accompanying dance, known as the Passo, grew out of acrobatic displays by groups of young black men who carried long knives to threaten other gangs as part of their performance.
The Maracatu Nation carnival clubs began in the early 19th century when plantation owners organized their African slaves into "nations" according to their tribal origins. The processions were accompanied by drummers playing African polyrhythms, known as maracatus.
Bonecos Gigantes (giant puppets) are a major feature of Carnival in Olinda. Dozens of these huge figures parade along the cobblestone streets. The large papier-mâché head and torso of the puppet attaches to a frame worn on the shoulders of a young man. He looks out through a small peephole in the front of the skirt or pantaloons as he dances and spins, giving the figure life. Most of these puppets represent historical, comical, or satirical figures known by the people of Olinda.
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