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SAMBA DOG |
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 Boys from the Olodum Creative School march down a street playing drums and trumpets. © David Muenker |
Sonya and Marcelo dashed through the steep, narrow streets of the historic center of Salvador, Brazil. Around a corner, they nearly plowed into a band of boys playing their instruments.
"That's the marching band from the Olodum Creative School. See? Their drums are striped with the bright colors of Olodum. It's one of our most popular music groups," Marcelo explained. "They must be practicing for Carnival."
"What's Carnival?"
"It's Brazil's greatest festival! During the four days before Ash Wednesday, everyone celebrates with music and dance. It's only a few days away," his friend added.
Marcelo led Sonya through the historic district of Salvador, which Portuguese explorers founded in 1549. Beautiful colonial houses were painted bright blue, pink, green and yellow. People gathered and chatted in the large plazas.
 Sonya's buddy, Marcelo, was born in Salvador. © David Muenker |
They stepped inside the Church of Saint Francis. Sonya's eyes bulged with awe. The walls were covered with shiny gold.
"There's a ton of gold on the walls," her buddy whispered.
Outside on the plaza, Marcelo stretched his arms wide and beamed. "Salvador is the heart of Brazil. Samba, capoeira and acaraje all originated here."
 Pastel colonial houses line the steep streets of Pelourinho © David Muenker |
"Samba is a type of music and dance. Capoeira was a way of fighting, but now it's a sport. And acaraje is a yummy type of food." Marcelo explained. "Don't worry. I'll show you what each of them is while we tour Salvador. But first, here's Pelourinho Square."
"It has a sad history. This is where African slaves were sold to owners of sugar cane plantations."
"Pelourinho is the Portuguese word for pillory. That's the post that slaves were tied to while people bid to buy them," Marcelo continued. "My ancestors were sold here as slaves."
"That's cruel!" Sonya growled.
"Yeah, slavery was a terrible thing. Slave owners controlled everything my ancestors did. Brazil finally abolished slavery in the 1800s."
"Like the United States and other countries did," Sonya added.
"Right. My ancestors contributed lots of wonderful things to Brazil's culture - especially music, foods and dance. They are a big part of our lives today."
 Sonya checks out the festive Carnival statues. © Ravay Snow 2006 |
"They're beautiful."
"They're decorations for Carnival. You'll see real people dressed in similar costumes during the festival. They'll dance the samba."
"And capoeira? When will I see that?" Sonya asked.
"How about tomorrow afternoon? I know a place where kids practice the martial art of capoeira every day."
"Cool! Will they teach me?"
"Are you brave enough to try it?" Marcelo grinned. In a flash, he did a capoeira kick that stopped within inches of Sonya's nose.
Sonya squared her shoulders and stood tall. "Try me!"
To be continued…
In the next issue, Sonya learns capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art.
Note: This story is fiction based on fact.
Go to Sonya's Picks for links to websites about Brazil.
Read a non-fiction article about Carnival in Salvador, Brazil.
Test your understanding of words used in this story with the Word Match game.
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Photographs ©2005-2008 David Muenker. Text ©2005-2008 Rose Muenker. Illustrations ©2005-2008 Ravay Snow Any use without express written permission is illegal and punishable by law. All rights reserved. Site designed and developed by Josh Bergman. |
