1. CARNAVALCARNAVAL PowerPoint designed by Danielle Griffin, 2006

2. What is Carnaval? Carnaval is:  public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus and public street party  the annual pre-Lenten festival; most people in the U.S. know it as Mardi Gras  celebrated as a last indulgence of pleasures that Catholics must give up for 40 days of fasting during Lent, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday  the word Carnival is derived from Latin, meaning take away or goodbye to flesh, and strict Catholics will give up meat eating during Lent.

3. CARNAVAL! CARNEVALE! CARNIVAL! The festival has many names in different countries. It is: Carnaval in Brazil and Mexico Carnevale in Italy Carnival in other countries Carnival Madri Gras in US & France

4. Where? Brazil: Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Click here to learn more about Brazil

5. Why? A Little History About Carnaval Started hundreds of years ago in Europe as festival to welcome spring In 9 th century Christianity spread through Europe and before Lent they baked cakes & doughnuts & held parties. They called it carnival because it was the last time before Lent they could eat what they wanted. The first records of Carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro date back to 1723. Immigrants from the Portugal introduced here the Entrudo (The idea was basically getting everybody soaked wet. and limes.). African ex-slaves introduced Samba to Brazil and started samba schools. Now, samba schools are the main attraction at Carnaval. Celebrates 3 main cultures of Brazil: indigenous, European, and African

6. When?  Takes place every year  February or March before Lent  February is summer in Brazil  4 days and 5 nights  Ends on Ash Wednesday  Children participate during the day  Next year CARNAVAL is February 17, 2007

7. Who? Costumed parents and children join in the parades during the day Everyone participates People around the world visit Rio for Carnaval Neighborhoods organize into groups called samba “schools’ and perform

8. How is Carnaval celebrated in Rio? Best part is the Samba Schools Parade Giant puppets & clowns walking on tall stilt Brass bands play Street performers

9. Samba Parade Each Samba School is made up of a group of people from different neighborhoods May be 3,000-5,000 dancers & musicians in one school 14 schools take part in it Dancers and musicians train all year to be in Samba parade During Carnaval, judges vote for best school

10. Sambadome: Home to the Samba Parade The Concentration Getting dress for parade Sambadome The Concentration Waiting to perform The Concentration Getting floats ready Av. Marquês de Sapucaí Street

11. PowerPoint designed by Danielle Griffin, 2006