The first known settlers in Portugal were groups of wandering Celts. They brought their pagan religions and festivals with them. When the Romans arrived around 210 BC, they called it Lusitania. Christianity arrived in what would eventually become Portugal around the end of the first century A.D. The people of Lusitania had their own religion. When they embraced Christianity, they added it to a number of their existing festivals.
Although most of the Portuguese festivals revolve around honoring the saints, Carnaval has roots mostly in the pagan religions of the settlers along with some Christian traditions. Those early roots included fertility rituals for good harvests.
There is a lot of tomfoolery going on as well as parades and parties. The idea behind it is for people to get the urge to sin out of their system. If you are interested in reading more, you can go here. It is the Portuguese version of Nola’s Mardi Gras, celebrated over the three days before Lent (and penitence) kick in.
That first year – well, it was interesting. Many Portuguese enjoy watching Rio’s Carnaval on the TV. I have to admit that in many ways I lived a fairly sheltered life growing up in Fundamentalism. That first year of watching select portions of Rio’s televised (and uninhibited) parades was quite a revelation – in more ways than one. The Portuguese parades were more conservative, possibly due to the significantly cooler temperatures.
So, are you ready to join the party in March of 2014?
Haha, the parade looks hilarious! But I’m not sure if it’s something the professor would do… How about you?
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I never did, of course. I have celebrated Shrove Tuesday, though.
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What’s Shrove Tuesday?
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Shrove Tues·day
SHrōv/
noun
1.
the day before Ash Wednesday. Though named for its former religious significance, it is chiefly marked by feasting and celebration, which traditionally preceded the observance of the Lenten fast.
It’s a lot less rowdy than Carnaval. It used to be that people were required to use up or otherwise do something to get all of the fat out of the house in preparation for Ash Wednesday and the following season of Lent. Some churches have a pancake and sausage dinner. The Amish make fastnachts, which are doughnuts.
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Very interesting!
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Didn’t the commandant on F-Troop use that phrase regularly?
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He stole it from the professor!
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Oh, well then.
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Loved the parade link, But that poor scantily clad feather girl didn’t get nearly enough air time. Just sayin’….
Another great installment!
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I’m glad you liked it. Maybe I should take the link down? 😀 Thank you for taking time to comment.
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It looks like a blast. I loved the mini-history lesson, too. Loved that it is celebrated prior to Lent. Yes, of course it is! 🙂
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Thank you for commenting! Yes, of course it is before Lent.
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Thx for the like on my Smarts and S-esteem post. My husband dreams of going to Carnival there. Off he goes tonight to teach Samba drumming to Samba dancers.
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You are welcome. He wants to go to Portugal? It’s a beautiful country with wonderful people.
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He’s been around the Portuguese-speaking for over 10 yrs, teaching Brazilian Samba drums and performing out here. Full-blooded Korean man. =) My boy performed the Samba on stage at a local elementary school when he turned 5. He could do it with his eyes shut.
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Awesome! I wish I could see him perform.
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