36th Annual Brazilian Carnaval Celebration

Tuesday, 31 January 2012 19:20

Carnaval is one of the most important Brazilian traditions. For approximately 40 days before Lent, people dressed in vibrant costumes, floats with extravagant decorations and loud samba music fill up the streets of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Bahia and other cities around the country. The Brazilian community of Tucson has celebrated Carnaval for 36 years, in a much smaller scale. For one night in February, Brazilians and other Tucsonans put on their costumes, and dance the night away to the rhythms of Brazil.

"A long time ago, a professor at the University of Arizona, named Nivea Parsons, started planning some Carnaval events in several different places in Tucson," said Helena Bushroe, a member of the Clube Brasil, a community of, mostly, Brazilian women who get together to keep up with their language and the Brazilian culture. "She was an amazing soul, and did so much for the Brazilian culture here."

On the night of Saturday, Feb. 18, locals are invited to come and celebrate the 36th annual Carnaval celebration at El Parador Mexican Restaurant.

"In 2004, Rafael Moreno and Bill Martinez, who played music here at the time, approached me about having Carnaval at El Parador," said Loretta Carlson, one of the owners of El Parador.

Every year after that, El Parador has been the venue of choice to celebrate this Brazilian tradition.

"At El Parador there is so much connection with the Brazilian culture," said Bushroe. "There is some level of quality to the place. It really meshes with the Brazilian spirit of life."

Both Carlson and Bushroe constantly mention a man named Bill Martinez. Martinez has been involved with Brazilian music for a long time, says Bushroe. He started promoting Carnaval in Tucson alongside Carola Murphy approximately eight years ago.

"Bill has been busy with several projects,” said Bushroe. "He hasn't had much time to promote Carnaval this year, so he asked for the help of the Clube Brasil, which I am a member of."

Martinez is a member of the local band, Sambalaco. The group started out in 2001. Since then, they have performed Brazilian music at various venues and events around Tucson like Tucson Meet Yourself and at the UA Centennial Hall. Many members of the band, constantly, travel to Brazil to learn more about the local music. The group will perform at Carnaval 2012. They are no amateurs to the event. Sambalaco has performed at Carnaval for seven or eight years.

Carnaval is relatively new to the Tucson scene. But the Brazilian tradition has been around for approximately 400 years.

When the Portuguese colonized Brazil, one of the religious traditions they brought with them was Carnaval. The Portuguese version of Carnaval didn't involve vibrant costumes and loud music. But when it was brought to Brazil, this tradition got mixed with the African and indigenous influence of the country, says Bushroe.

Samba schools (escolas de samba) from around the country prepare for Carnaval close to a year in advance. They build floats, sew costumes and have dance and band rehearsals to perform at the biggest party in Brazil.

Here's a taste of Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro last year. The video talks about the importance of the tradition and talks a little bit about its history.

"Brazilians are very energetic," says Bushroe. "Maybe because our society has so many problems, like poverty. The feeling is that Brazilians have to compensate for these problems, and you might as well have fun while you can."

Carnaval is a celebration of life, and it is not exclusive to Brazilians. The tradition has been introduced to cities all around the world, including Tucson. In past years, the event has attracted more than 500 guests.

Starting on Feb. 1, tickets for Carnaval 2012  can be purchased at Antigone Books on Fourth Avenue for $10. Tickets will also be sold at the door the day of the event for $12, or $10 for those who show up dressed in a Carnaval costume.The event is for people 21 and over.

"All profits from ticket sales will go toward funding and promoting future community building events, and supporting the true Brazilian culture in Tucson," says Bushroe. 

There will be a costume competition for the best three costumes of the night. Also, the bar will serve caipirinhas, one of Brazil's favorite cocktails.

"We want everyone, Brazilians and Brazilians at heart, to come to the event," says Bushroe. "Loretta at El Parador has given us a lot of support, and we will tear down the house on Feb. 18!"

El Parador Restaurant is located on 2744 E. Broadway Blvd.

Written by Maria Taracena You are reading 36th Annual Brazilian Carnaval Celebration articles