Spanish club had yet another fiesta last Tuesday to celebrate the holiday, Carnaval. Carnaval is a weeks-long festival, which takes place right before Ash Wednesday. Historically, this holiday is to celebrate the start of Lent, and the word Carnaval is often connected to the phrase “farewell to meat” (Carne Vale).
This holiday is celebrated in many countries, including Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Panama, and Trinidad & Tobago, but most popular in Brazil. If you’ve ever seen the movie Rio, you might not have realized that the film’s parade scenes take place during Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Samba Parade, one of the highlights of Brazilian Carnaval.
To start the club meeting, students headed to Sra. Connelly’s room right after dismissal to begin with a presentation about Carnaval’s purpose and history. We learned about traditions such as Samba Parades and Schools, street parties, regional music styles, vibrant costumes, festive foods, and even satirical performances.
After the presentation, students grabbed snacks and chatted with friends before playing a Kahoot to test what they had learned. Then, everyone decorated masks with feathers and pom-poms similarly to the colorful costumes worn during Carnaval. Some students also decorated and made fans.
Spanish Club can’t wait for the next celebration, and we hope you’ll join us. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience Hispanic culture and have fun with friends.
