Brazil’s Rio Carnival 2023 kicks off: Why is the ‘world’s biggest party’ held?
Brazil’s Rio Carnival 2023 kicked off on February 17. Often described as the “world’s biggest party”, it is expected to be attended by more than 40 million people this year
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While Rio in Brazil certainly seems to have one of the biggest and brightest celebrations, the carnival is not unique to the region
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This period lasts up to the Easter holiday, the day when it is believed that Jesus Christ rose from the dead after his crucifixion
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The Rio celebration begins just a week before ‘Ash Wednesday’ and parties begin in December.
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The 40-day period for fasting and abstinence is in imitation of the story of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness, where the devil tempted him many times.
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The ‘carnival’ concept has its origins even earlier – beginning with the Pagans in Egypt to “usher out winter” and welcome Spring. With the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great
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With the European colonisation of South America, traditions combined to result in the grand celebrations we see today in Brazil.
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It added that around 50 countries celebrate their versions of the festival. In India, Goa also witnesses this festival, which was introduced after the Portuguese arrival.
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According to the Goa Department of Tourism, in the pre-Christian era, Carnival marked the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
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Rio is not the only city to have its celebrations, with various Brazilian towns having their own parades. In many Latino Carnivals, one highlight is the crowning of a King Momo, usually “a large gentleman” who leads the carnival parade.