To Latin America for Emotions!

An Unexpected Twist
In a paradoxical twist, a whole constellation of modern festivals in South and Central America emerged not because of, but rather in spite of, the vivid chapters of history. Over 700 years ago, in the distant year of 1296, the Senate of Venice declared the last day before Lent a public festivity. In the Orthodox tradition, this corresponds to the Maslenitsa week (Butter Lady). But it is of no importance in this context, as both celebrations have a common goal—to give vent to emotions and remind everyone that “life on Earth is fleeting.” A

Curious Conundrum
Historians still debate when enlightened Europeans first began celebrating carnivals. One legend runs that this tradition emerged in 996 to praise with songs and dances the victory of brave young men who rescued and returned Venetian maidens kid-napped by pirates. Another story is rooted in history: in 1094, Venice and Byzantium sealed a trade alliance, which was marked by joyous festivities. A third, perhaps less plausible, hypothesis suggests that carnivals in Venice appeared after its citizens triumphed over the Patriarch of Aquileia in 1162. What to believe is up to you.

None the less, by the first half of the 14th century, the carnival tradition of the Mediterranean coast had evolved into a cultural phenomenon, destined to “go viral worldwide”—first to France, then Germany, and centuries later, manifesting in a wholly new and unexpected form, thousands of nautical miles away across other regions.

In celebration of life!
So why do we say that carnivals in today’s Latin America emerged not because of, but rather in spite of, history? It’s worth recalling that the colonization of the continent unfolded amidst a brutal century-long war waged by European invaders against indigenous peoples. A distinctive feature of that era was the large-scale assimilation of conquerors with local tribes, giving rise to a new ethnic group—the Creoles. The agrarian nature of colonial relations brought about plantations for sugarcane, bananas, coffee, and other crops, cultivated by African slaves. They, too, played a significant role in the ethno-genesis of Latin Americans.

Fun Fact
Despite the social vulnerability of Creoles and the even lower status of enslaved Africans, plantation owners allowed workers, after a year of grueling labor, to “vent off,” which imbued the burgeoning carnival tradition of the late 16th and early 17th centuries with a social context, overshadowing its religious origins.

Festivities accompanied by songs, dances, and masquerades, allowed people to shed the hierarchical constraints imposed by the Catholic Church, at least for a while. Amidst common merriment, social roles could reverse: the poor became equals to the rich, as reminiscent of the Roman Saturnalia. This factor infused Latin American carnivals with new features, such as vibrant and somewhat flamboyant costumes, which were meant to “emphasize” the short-lived yet “elevated” status of the enslaved, allowing them to revel in a few days of true living.

Latin American carnivals, thus, absorbed elements of European Catholic faith, indigenous rituals, and African spirit—all despite the invaders’ attempts to eradicate foreign cultures. Today, eight out of twenty independent Latin American nations host annual carnivals, each with its unique features. Let’s delve into some of the most vigorous ones.

BRAZIL
Leading our list is the world’s largest Portuguese-speaking nation, renowned for what is arguably the most famous carnival tradition on the planet. So iconic is this celebration that residents of the Eastern Hemisphere instinctively associate Brazil with the annual festivals in Rio de Janeiro, which draw over two million participants each year. Yet, few are aware that Brazil’s car-nival spirit extends far beyond Rio, encompassing cities like Bahia, Pernambuco, São Paulo, Espírito Santo, and Minas Gerais.

No wonder that during the festival season, inbound tourism surges significantly. As a matter of fact, the carnival week generates over BRL 7 billion (some USD 1.4 billion) in revenue for various sectors of the country’s economy, including hotel industry, dining, and transport. Cities like São Paulo and Salvador al-so attract vast crowds, and smaller towns host unrivalled festivities that often exude an even more authentic charm.

URUGAY
The Carnival of Montevideo is renowned as the longest-running! Depending on the year, weather conditions, and perhaps other factors, the Uruguayan festival of dance, music, and flashy costumes can stretch over 50 days! Generally, the festivities kick off in February.

Uruguay’s carnival tradition traces its roots to the pre-Columbian era, when theatrical performances blended religious and civic rituals. Over the centuries, the Uruguayan carnival has evolved into a modern dance parade, featuring various comparsas and street performer groups who drum and dance in parades like the “Desfile Inaugurational del Carnaval” and “Desfile de Llamadas.”

Another remarkable feature of Montevideo’s carnival is the “murga,” a special show format where Uruguayan artists, dancers, and comedians perform in public spaces across the city on designated stages. Murga is infused with satire and humour, as performers often make fun of current events and come down on popular films, songs, and artworks.

BOLIVIA
The Carnival of Oruro, inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2001, is truly a jewel in Bolivia’s crown!

Like other Latin American festivals, the Oruro Carnival emerged amidst the colonization epoch, yet its bedrock ideas trace back to ancient times. So, the event now serves a dual purpose: to honor the Catholic Virgin of Socavón and pay tribute to local animistic traditions. It is believed that the raucous public revelry (or rather, “popular frenzy”) will help appease evil spirits. Unlike the more regimented carnivals of Brazil, the Oruro Festival is always replete with surprises: participants and guests might spontaneously douse each other with water pistols or spray foam into the crowd! This is meant to loosen up a bit and draw everyone into the collective fun and merriment, just as it was centuries ago.

COLOMBIA
For nearly 500 years, the little town of Pasto in the southwest of Colombia has been the principal magnet for the country’s carnivals. Well, perhaps “little town” is slightly underestimated… The recent census reported more than 400,000 residents, a consider-able number of whom participate in hosting and organizing the Blacks and Whites’ Carnival each year.

This festival, deeply rooted in the cults of the Moon and Sun, serves as an act of reverence for ancestral memory and the region’s agrarian culture. Apart from traditional parades of musicians in lavish, authentic costumes, the celebration also attracts adherents of Latin American syncretism. The Blacks and Whites’ Carnival somewhat symbolizes a cradle of new ethnicities in the Caribbean.

The Pasto Festival offers a genuine sense of the Latin American spirit, sharing happiness and bright emotions with the locals.