Carnival at Cat's

Carnival in Brazil is a vibrant, annual festival held before Lent that features music, parades, parties, and cultural expression. It is a national holiday known for its samba parades in the Sambodromo (Rio's samba stadium) and street parties called blocos. The celebration combines European traditions with rich Afro-Brazilian influences, culminating in the world's largest festival and a time of great community and creativity for people across the country.  

The cat's cradle transformed into a vibrant wonderland of playful festivity. A vibe that can make anyone dance. Especially after a few caipirinhas!

Caipirinha (Brazilian Portuguese) is a Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, lime, and ice. The drink is prepared by mixing the fruit and the sugar together, then adding the liquor. Known and consumed nationally and internationally, caipirinha is one of the most famous components of Brazilian cuisine, being the most popular national recipe worldwide and often considered the best drink in the country and one of the best cocktails/drinks in the world, having reached third place in 2024.

Due to its importance and popularity, the caipirinha was declared Brazilian Cultural Heritage in 2003; in 2019, it was considered Intangible Heritage of Rio de Janeiro.

Timing and Purpose 

• Carnival takes place the Friday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and abstinence before Easter.

• The word "Carnival" comes from the Latin carnelevare, meaning "to remove meat," highlighting its historical connection to a final feast before the Lenten fast.

Key Elements

• Samba Parades:

  In cities like Rio de Janeiro, large samba schools compete in extravagant parades at the Sambodromo stadium, featuring elaborate costumes, floats, and music. 

• Street Parties (Blocos):

  These informal, public parties are a central part of the celebration, where people gather to dance to music in the streets. 

• Music and Dance:

  Samba is the heart of the music, with parades and street parties full of energetic rhythms. 

• Costumes:

  Participants wear creative and diverse costumes, allowing for a form of fashionable self-expression during the festive period. 

Cultural Significance

• Carnival is an important part of Brazilian culture, representing a time of freedom, joy, and cultural unity. 

• It blends European traditions with indigenous folklore and African cultural influences, creating a unique and iconic Brazilian festival. 

• The celebrations attract millions of visitors from around the world, drawn to experience "The Greatest Show on Earth".