The world famous Carnaval Brasileiro began in Austin around 1975. At the time, it seemed strange that a mid-sized Texas town would host a festival straight out of Brazil. Once one knows the history of this event, it becomes clear why, and how, it ended up in Austin Texas.
It all began around 1975 on the University of Texas campus in Austin. At that time there were many Brazilian scholarship students taking a six week long intensive English course. Faced with the prospect of a February without CARNAVAL and their native traditions, they decided to hold their own festival. Carnival 1975 took place in a small room at Austin's Unitarian Church. The rest, as they say, is history.
Carnival, in Brazil derives from the medieval Christian rituals in Europe held just prior to the forty days of Lent. It is a nationwide event in Brazil and involves all social classes dancing and mingling together for almost an entire week. This annual festival, labeled the, “Festival of Flesh,” was further enriched in Brazil by African music, including the rhythmic beats of the samba.
The event, in Austin, lasts one day and takes place in the middle of winter. After 1975, the festival took off and local residents found themselves immersed in the festivities associated with the Carnival. Brazilian music, all sung in Portuguese with Brazilian instruments, could be heard throughout the city.
Now labeled, “The Best Public Bash in Texas,” this transplanted tradition has stuck. Modern occurrences of Carnival Brasileiro tend to involve residents and tourists experiencing spicy Brazilian culture at its best. Music and dancing are alive within the streets of Austin.
Another major component of the Carnival festivities involves dressing up, either in a costume or with body paint. Carnival in Brazil is very visual. The festivities in Austin reflect this tradition. The ongoing Conga line must been seen to be appreciated. Or better yet, visit Austin during Carnival and take part yourself!
From a small a small gathering in a one room building on a university campus in 1975 to an event enjoyed by the entire city, Carnaval Brasileir has captured the hearts of Austin. In large part, the reason this event is so successful within this small southern town, is that the atmosphere in Austin is accepting, open and diverse. For a unique cultural tradition deep in the heart of Texas, experience Carnaval Brasileiro!
|
