Unfortunately, the conservative whites did not approve of the blacks" dances because of their "sexual overtones". Even though the whites did not approve, the people continued to do their dances (http://www.burabura.net).
It is also noted that the origins of this festival date back to the ancient Greek spring festival in honor of Dionysus, the God of Wine. This celebration quickly evolved into a massive celebration of indulgences. This was one last "gasp" of music, food, and sex before Lent. Lenten season is a time of 40 days of personal reflection, abstinence, and fasting until Easter. How about it? "40 days of purging sins, preceded by a week of virtually every known sin" (www.afropop.org). .
The first "Baile de Carnival" took place in 1840(http://www.mystique-art.com). This is when masks, false beards, and mustaches were imported to Brazil to create imaginary costumes. At the beginning of 1852, drums and percussion were added to the festival. A group by the name of Ze Pereira under the leader ship of Jose Noguiera de Azevedo took the carnival to the streets. The dances that the African slaves once did in the streets of Brazil during the time of Entrudo brought about a Brazilian dance style known as Samba. .
" Samba was a generic term referring to West African-derived circle dances- Samba is danced to the exotic rhythms of Brazilian drums.
Rio's carnival is one of the world's most "lavish" and famous out of the countrywide festivals. The carnival is filled with hundreds of singers, dancers, and drummers. Brazil becomes a music and party wonderland. The carnival can be compared to, in a sense, the annual Mummers Parade in Philadelphia. The dancers and drummers both use fancy, elaborate, and awe striking costumes. These costumes, like the Mummers, go along with a specific theme. Sometimes the costumes are almost nothing but painted skin.
If the carnival is countrywide, and everybody, young and old participates, why is it acceptable for half naked women to walk the streets in front of little children? Remember that this culture is much different from the established culture that we have here in the United States.
