Sambafestivals
The samba began with the early slave trade as these African cultural dances were introduced to Brazil and many other countries of the international community. Old traditions of the samba were a part of African religious rites and ceremonies and from there emerged a gradual evolution of the samba, the samba music and the festivities surrounding it.
Festivalthemes
With each festival comes intricate planning, and one of the first decisions to be made regarding an upcoming festival is its theme. Themes can range from issues regarding politics, personal feelings, higher education, or just prayers to God. There is no limit to what the theme can represent, however it is not uncommon that if the theme touches the sensitivity of the local government, that theme could be banned and another one must be chosen. Once the theme is chosen, attention is given to the details of the costuming and the peripheral festivities that will accompany the mystical dancing and lively music. Costumes are often decorated with beautiful bright colored intricate designs, and feathers frequently adorn ornate headdresses which are believed to represent the rising above our human-based problems, frustrations, pain, illness and heartbreak. Shells and beads strung on strings and grasses woven together or left to sway with the movement of the body were used along with bones and colorful natural stones. Masks were worn on which were painted ornate designs representing the symbols of the culture. Brightly colored paint was used as makeup as per African tradition. Modern-day dancers are often known to adorn themselves in body paint alone without the use of the aforementioned materials.
