Brazilian Carnaval 2013
TORONTO – FEBRUARY 9TH – PARAMOUNT CONFERENCE AND EVENT VENUE
By Danielle Marinho
Appreciated by Brazilians, Canadians, and people from all over the world. According to a famous Brazilian composer, Dorival Caymmi, in one of his famous songs, “those who don’t like samba, good people they can’t be, since they must be head numb or feet sick.” The largest and most popular celebration in the world is Carnival, allowing people to dress up in costumes and head to trendy parties to dance and celebrate.
Carnival is a three to four day holiday (the date varies every year), occurring 47 days before Easter. This year, the Carnival in Brazil begins on February 8th and goes on until the 12th. Carnival has its origins dated back to ancient Greece and Roman times. Later, it was incorporated into the Catholic liturgical calendar, culminating on Ash Wednesday. By the Catholic Calendar, Carnival is then celebrated seven Sundays before Easter Sunday. Carnival occurs in various parts of the world such as Venice, New Orleans, Nice, and Rio de Janeiro. Rio meanwhile, is known as the biggest Carnival in the world, according to the Guinness World Records.
Not only Rio, however, is particularly known worldwide for the celebration. Other states in Brazil such as Sao Paulo, Bahia and Pernambuco are all crammed with people in various parades. Recife for example, is known for having the largest block of Carnival in the world, called “Galo da Madrugada” (Dawn’s Rooster). Carnival in Salvador has its“foliões” (carnival enthusiastic goers) host the world’s largest street party – blocking kilometers wide of streets in a weeklong celebration.
2,500 party-goers in Toronto – FEBRUARY 9th – Paramount Conference and Event Venue
Brazilian Carnival 2013 will pay tribute to Rio de Janeiro. According to Angela Mesquita, responsible for the Brazilian Carnival in Toronto, with the proximity of the FIFA World Soccer Cup and the Olympic Games in Brazil, it is an excellent opportunity to promote and encourage tourism to Brazil.
The idea of organizing this event in the Toronto community came through by the Brazil Remittance office, a place where people mingle and get to share their needs when it comes to their beloved cities in Brazil. Due to the demand, Angela Mesquita owner of Brazil Remittance, who has been living in Toronto since 1987, decided to arrange in 2006 Toronto’s first Carnival Festival. At that time, 350 people attended the festivities. “By listening to everyone, we look to help with their needs”, explains Angela, who will count on Luis de Castro’s help to produce the 2013 Carnival celebration.
In 2007, the event received 800 people. And in each of the following years, the number of attendees has been growing constantly. In 2008 and 2009, around 900 people attended; in 2010, 1,200 people; in 2011, almost 1,350 attendees, and in 2012 more than 1,500 people were present at the party. In 2013 however, the estimated attendance is 2,500 participants and the party’s theme will be Rio de Janeiro’s culture and samba. Performances include Grupo de Pagode N’ativade; Banda Bracatum; Cibelle Iglesias; The Migration Dance; The Connection Dancers and Batucada Carioca.
Service: Brazilian Carnival – February 9th – 7:00 pm to 2:a.m. – 222 Rowntree Dairy Rd. – Vaughan
More information: (416) 726-7642 or brasilremittance@bellnet.ca
There will be free transportation, including three available buses between 8:00pm and 2:00am, as well as free parking.
