Carnival doesn’t just happen in Rio
One of the three or four things that seems inextricably tied to outsiders’ perceptions of Rio de Janiero, Brazil is carnival. The reverse is also true; mention carnival and one automatically thinks of Rio. Well, I recently found out that carnival happens in many places throughout South America. Especially in the southern parts of South America.
It was a stroke of luck that I happened to be in Montevideo at the start of carnival season. Carnival is actually a series of shows and parades which take place nighly. Basically, think of a state or county fair that typically runs for a week or two each year. Carnival operates on more or less the same principle.
Very scantily-clad young women dancing in elaborate costumes is the most common association many people have with carnival. The reality is far more nuanced. When I went to the opening night parade in Montevideo, there were toddlers… high school marching bands… old men… the entire spectrum of humanity was on display. All of them dancing and celebrating.
It was beautiful to see.
