The Carnaval is the mother of all traditional Brazilian festivals. It is during the Carnaval that most of the country shuts down for a day full of entertainment and celebration. The day is marked on each calendar year in the country as a public holiday and is usually celebrated for five days prior to Ash Wednesday. The Carnaval is celebrated in most towns and cities around the country though the most popular one is held in Rio de Janeiro. The Rio celebration attracts over a million visitors from out of town and is a major tourist attraction.

Origins of the Carnaval:

The Carnaval is a tribute to the Country’s rich history and culture. The event originally started out as a religiously inspired procession because of the Catholic religion widely practiced in the country.

The Carnaval was brought into the country by European migrants. In Europe, it was celebrated as the beginning of lent. In Brazil, it was turned into a sometimes violent game where fruits and water were used to pelt marchers.

During the late periods of the 19th century, African Slave influences led to the development of a more colorful procession with costumes, music and the Samba. Samba schools are set up in local communities for the main purpose of performing at the Carnaval.