{ Beija-Flor Samba School at the Sambadrome in Rio, Brazil}
via @stefany_dentista
Are you aware that the biggest party of the year is happening as we speak all over Brazil!? It's Carnival time! A week long party with samba school parades, music, street parties and elaborate balls when Brazilians simply stop everything and just basque undisturbed in delirious happiness. What is "delirious happiness"? It is a capability to let go of any problems or issues and to concentrate solely on being happy in that moment. It is an amazing skill that Brazilians possess and we all should learn. Let's go and take a peak...
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{ The elaborate floats, Beija-Flor at the Sambadrome }
via @kadudantas
In Rio de Janeiro, in the famous Sambadrome, Samba schools parade for two nights, showing off their elaborate floats, singing, dancing and going wild together with the crowd. The parade usually starts in the evening and goes till just about sunrise.
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{ Street scene, Salvador de Bahia }
via @claudio_vasconcellos
In Salvador de Bahia and other cities the carnival is more 'grounded' where the spectators actually take part of the procession following their chosen samba school. Outside of Rio the celebrations have more of a street party feel.
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{ Deliriously happy in Salvador de Bahia! }
via @prizinha_
Whether you're in Rio or Salvador the way it works is you buy a ticket for the duration of the carnival which gets you a spot in a "Camarote" or team if you will. Your camarote organizers takes care of everything such as security, designated area to watch the processions, after parties, open bar and cold buffet. You also wear the same outfits to stay distinguished from other groups. A full access ticket for the entire week of the carnival can run you about $600-$800. I wasn't kidding when I said "undisturbed" happiness, you don't have to think of anything except having fun for a whole week straight!
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{ Equally delirious in Rio! }
via @amandacapellani
I had a special chance to learn about this delirious happiness when I visited Rio with a good friend of mine who is Brazilian. There is nothing like sampling it first hand and I highly recommend it for everyone young and old-er. It's not about partying non stop and going crazy, it's about being able to turn off all your "troubles" and just get happy for the sake of being happy and alive. It's one magical skill! It does take practice if you're not used to it. Brazilians practice it weekly, and they've even designated a special day for it, it's called "sexta-feira" or Friday... Once Friday comes, nothing else exists except getting together for a barbecue, meeting at the beach, and simply enjoying time with friends and family. Not a bad guide for a weekend.
Learn more about the carnival vocabulary.
Perhaps plan to visit in person next year?
And don't forget, there is probably a Brazilian Carnival celebration happening right in your own city!
• • • LESSONS LEARNED #54 • • •
Learn to be deliriously happy and you'll learn how to notice the blue horizon above your challenges.