Carnaval: Debauchery at its Best

Well, Carnaval ended this past Wednesday and all I can say is: I have never so many straight men in womens clothing! Hahaha. Carnaval in Salvador is arguably the biggest party in the world. Imagine 3 different parts of town with live music, endless beer and alchohol, millions of people kissing, dancing, jumping, fighting and all of this happening from noon to 8am everyday for a week. Seriously, I could hear the bands passing from my apartment and the music didn't stop until about 8 am and would start at around noon. Spring break's got nothing on Bahian Carnaval. And of course it hadn't rained for weeks but as soon as Carnaval week hit, the rain just wouldn't stop. Nothing like a wet, drunk, dirty, sweaty, people making out with each other. Mmmm. And I should add that if thats too intense for you, you may want to check out Rio's Carnaval. Rio's carnaval is like golf, a spectator sport( not a bad spectators sport considering the beautiful costumes, music and infamous brazilian mulattas),

while Bahian carnaval, your playing in the big game. However, beyond the Debauchery, there is a lot of beauty behind Carnaval. The costumes, the traditional afro-brazilian blocos (or bands), and the history. It was a great experience that I can't wait to repeat a second time around. If you are booking your tickets to Carnaval 2010 already (which you should be), here are some of my favorite artists and music to help you get ready for your trip:

Ile Aiye: The leader of Afro-blocos that fought for Afro-Brazilian representation and a conquered a space in Bahian Carnaval. Beautiful Costumes. A Beautiful message of racial consciousness and equality. Beautiful Dancing. Simply Beautiful.



Ivete Sangalo: The Queen of Axé music or as I like to call her, the Brazilian Beyoncé. That bitch is fierce. One of the most popular singers in Brazil, with about a million hit songs including this years most popular song of Carnaval, she can def put on a show!




Olodum: Following behind Ile Aiyes footsteps, Olodum is another afro-bloco known for creating the Samba Reggae music style. Got a passion for percussion? Olodum is the place to be with hundreds of drummers and international fame, Olodum is a good time.




Timbalada: Arguably the best band to go out with for Carnaval, Timbalada is my favorite. Great music, great drumming, don't get trampled in the crowd of Timbaleiros dancing, jumping & running. Put on your tribal paint and buy your tickets early because Timbalada is that shit. period.



Parangole: Looking for the down to earth scene in Bahia. Thats pagode. Pagode is kind of like a Bahian hip hop. The lyrics are usually pointless, or about sex and the music makes you wanna shake your ass. Parangole is one of my faves as well. They are straight hood or what we would say "from the streets". Translation in Portugues: "Favela ê Favela. Eu sou Favela!"



Chiclete com Banana: Another super popular Axé band led by a funny looking, old ass singer. However, I must admit Chiclete is a lot fun. Their songs are catchy. They have a large following too with richer Bahians ( the chicleteiros/ chicleteiras). You'll spend more money to see them, but you'll def have a great time.



Psirico: Another pagode band, Psirico is new but def came out with a bang. They had the most popular song at last years Carnaval. "Eu te quero toooda; te quero todinha!" Danceable and fun. Turn them up and practice bouncing your butt to the beat.