If the most important carnival is held in Rio de Janeiro, most locals claims that the most original and traditional one takes place in Salvador de Bahia (MAP). So here is the plan: taking a flight during the middle of the party and switch city.
Salvador is quite a big city, yet the hystorical center, Pelourinho, preserved the lovely typical Portuguese colonial architecture.
Here carnival is held on the road. The tiny little alleys of the city center got crowded since the beginning of the day, when the small group of parades begin to sing and dance along the streets. They transmit such an euphory that all people are involved to the dances, or to support the percussion rithm with any kind of tool.
During the afternoon the parade start on the main streets, with "blocos" and truck. The city becomes extremely crowded and it is said to be also quite dangerous. The continously survelliance of thousands of military police squads help prevents dangers and annoyances. Besides, they are so cute with such a uniform that they seem to be taking part to the show
The party continues till late in the night, from Pelourinho to the "Barra", the district close to the beach. Nothing changes: streams of people walking, singing. kissing, dancing... besides all warnings and concerns, the show continues in a peaceful and harmonious way till the end.
There is also some time for a radio interview, my haircut seems to be the topic of the conversation. I'll send my message with my poor portuguese, who know if anybody understood with such a chaos.
Even with people screaming singing and making noice, a little chile grasp my attention: he is supposed to sell beers and sodas to customer but he's not... can anyone blame him?
That's the end of one of the most impressive show held in the world. A whole week where there are no rules, where almost an entire (huge) country suspends all activities and go celebrating on the streets, from dusk to dawn...