Thursday, February 11, 1999
Mardi Gras Madness
FUN: Los Angeles’
version of the Brazilian fiesta unites its ethnically diverse
community through music and dancing
at the Palladium
By Vanessa VanderZanden
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
Do you hear the calm, South American waves lapping on the shore?
Can you feel the sticky warm droplets of sweat cling to your tanned
body? Are you tempted to swipe the bright-colored beads and
feathers off the dancing masses that swarm all around you?
If you have answered yes to any of the above, stay chill. You
are not hallucinating, but merely experiencing the energy of
Carnaval. This Saturday, the Brazilian orgy of pre-Lent costumes,
dancing, music and debaucherous partying comes to the Hollywood
Palladium.
Already in its 18th year, the Los Angeles version of Brazil’s
unrestrained fiesta will unite the local Brazilian community with
all other ethnicities. Running from 8:30 in the evening until 3 in
the morning, the tropical natives will reveal the South American
way to celebrate the last days before Lent (when Catholics give up
an earthly pleasure for 40 days). Participants are encouraged to
don sensual costumes as they dance the night away.
Care of sponsor Korean Air, several trips to Brazil will be
awarded to the most creatively clad participants. However, just as
money is taken in from sponsors and event-goers to help throw the
event, part of the $35 general admission ticket will go to Project
Angel Food. This non-profit organization delivers 300,000 meals a
year to people with AIDS and others who otherwise would have no
access to food without the organization’s services.
With such well-meaning forces at work, it shouldn’t be difficult
to shake free of all worry this Saturday night at the Palladium. It
being the night before St. Valentine’s Day would only seem to aid
in feelings of care-free, wanton physical release. No matter how
racy it gets, however, it will most probably only mildly compare
with the languid nights in Brazil.
"Here, it only lasts one night, and in Rio, it’s four nights
straight," Carnaval dancer Ana Paula Simon relates, having just
changed out of her sparkling costume. "It’s very crazy – 10 times
crazier than it is at the Palladium, but the Palladium is the
closest Carnaval in L.A. that can compare to the South."
Boasting a large Brazilian community, Los Angeles would seem the
ideal location for a sister celebration to Brazil’s nation-wide
event. Yet, the difference in culture between the two countries
makes for a different experience. Five-year Los Angeles resident
Simon claims that more than the weather changes once one makes the
leap across equator lines.
"The people there are friendlier there than here, and there’s
just a different energy that I miss a lot," Simon explains.
"Especially in Carnaval time, everyone just allows themselves to be
themselves, really. They’re more free to express themselves."
Throughout Brazil, the holiday finds numerous routes of
observation. In dancer Andrezza Monroy’s state, the celebration
lasts for two weeks, with a pre-Carnaval week beginning the
festivities. And, while the holiday traditionally ends on Ash
Wednesday, Monroy claims that events often run through the
following Sunday in her hometown.
"I’ve been in L.A. for eight years. I was in Brazil for ’97, and
it was one of the best two weeks of my life," Monroy gushes. "I
mean, I didn’t want to stop. I had food poisoning when it was over.
I was on an IV for two days because I was so sick from drinking and
eating on the street."
With her only other previous Carnaval encounter as a child with
her parents in Brazil, the ’97 experience left quite an impression
on Monroy. Houses on the narrow hills of her historic hometown had
been rented out by visitors, and people gathered on the hilltops to
drink and dance. The sensual samba remains a dance unique to Rio,
as well as the skimpy outfits associated with it.
"Back home, we listen more to Brazilian reggae," Monroy
describes. "They have moving stages that people follow on the
beach. They’re like big trucks, and some have famous Brazilian
bands on them. If you buy their T-shirt, your can go and follow
that band."
Beyond the commercial aspect of the event, most agree that the
feeling of community evoked by the day makes it extremely
enjoyable. Monroy and her family have been attending the
Palladium’s version of Carnaval for all eight years that she’s been
here, except for her one trip back to Brazil and a pregnancy. Simon
feels similarly toward the importance of Carnaval.
"I grew up with Carnaval," Simon stresses. "It’s part of my
culture, and I wouldn’t miss that. It’s very important to me. I
just cannot live without it. I have to have that party once a year.
One night is fine, but if I could go to Carnaval and have four,
that would be even better."
Without organizer Maria Lucien, there wouldn’t even be one night
of celebration available for Los Angelenos. She began with a
downtown club called Samba Saldad, which soon led to her production
of Carnaval at the Palladium 12 years ago. Though she herself is
Portuguese, she accredits her nationality’s affinity with
Brazilians for her decision to host the "king of all parties."
"I understand and know the Brazilian culture," Lucien explains.
"I like to throw a good party, and there’s no bigger party than the
Carnaval. It’s one time in life every year that you can be free.
You think Halloween is nice? Carnaval is much better."
EVENT: "Brazil Carnaval ’99" takes place at the Hollywood
Palladium on Saturday. Tickets are $35 to $45, with special group
rates. For more information, call (323) 634-7811.Photos by BAHMAN
FARAHDEL/Daily Bruin
Brazil Carnaval ’99 will be held Saturday night at the Hollywood
Palladium. Proceeds from the concert will go to Project Angel Food
to provides food to thousands of AIDS patients.
Ula Group performs, as the dancers do the Brazilian samba.
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