Two weeks ago London celebrated 60 years of carnival.
This biggest cultural event in Europe is celebrated annually at the end of August. The biggest in the world happens in Brazil during February. I have personally participated in both- and other smaller ones, eg, Cologne in Germany.
Not many nations in Africa observe carnival except for the Portuguese speaking who are influenced by Brazilian Samba style parades and percussion. Kenya does (Mombasa Carnival, November) and Nigeria (Calabar Carnival, December).
Carnival has the ability to surpass all human creations including: Flamboyant clothing, body painting, music, dance and theatrical displays. Enormous, Carnival allows everyone to join, eat, dance, enjoy.
When I was in Brazil, I played in the bahia carnival (5 days). The famous Rio De Janeiro carnival is more of a “spectacle” and you pay to watch. Various schools of Samba and art compete for three days. My experience in the Bahia carnival (north east of Brazil) enabled me to perform with hundreds of other musicians.
In London, it is Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Samba is usually reserved for families. Throughout the years I have played with Samba bands or just African drumming. Last month I had the most fun which may Hessen on social media channels.
And what exactly is carnival?
In 2001, I took part in a play by Swiss director and theatre artist, Kosta Andrea Sekulic. We did, Carne Vale, which elaborated in part the essence and history of this very European tradition that is now a global party.
Carne in Latin means “meat” and “vale” is farewell. From a religious point of view this has origins in European medieval Pagan and Christian celebrations. Folks abstained from eating meat in preparation to a 40 day fasting period (Lent), before Easter.
That history, however now, means something else.
In Brazil carnival is a celebration of culture – whereas in London it was pushed by blacks especially from the Caribbean) to express struggles against oppression.
Subsequently? Racial connotations.
No wonder there is hissed criticisms that carnival is violence, disorder and debauchery. Debauchery means excessive physical pleasures including drinking, drugs and promiscuous sex.
True ornot, carnival is the most outstanding party on the planet seeing humans at their most creative and joyful.
