Julianna Barbassa- AP/Seattlepi, 02/21/2012
The Grande Rio samba school parades during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday Feb. 21, 2012. Photo: Victor R. Caivano / AP
The Carnival band kicked off according to tradition: Dozens of percussionists struck their bass drums, sending a low rumble like a sustained thunderclap echoing among the skyscrapers of Rio’s downtown. Tambourines answered lightly, tinkling over the drummers’ resounding call. Dancers responded with a roar, throwing up their hands, feet leaping to the frenetic beat.
For years, the samba’s staccato rhythm has been the backdrop for songs celebrating the debauchery that marks this city’s five-day street party. This time, however, the lyrics came with a surprising twist.
“We are the people of the Lord, a holy nation,” the revelers sang. “We are here to proclaim the marvels of he who has called us from the darkest depths to his glorious light, and to glorify the name of Jesus.”
