This is a place people from all over Brasil and the world come to find a laid back, relaxed holiday area. Although I think a great many of that crowd came primarily to see this noisy, happy and colourful annual celebration, to be a part of the festive side of it all. Indeed, most of it is held at such a volume, how could you be unaware of it. I like the noise and bustle of Brasil, I like its brashness, but there were nights over the course of those few days and nights, when even I have regretted the fact I had no cotton wool or earplugs handy. The partying can go in u til early in the morning. Even loving the music and life as I do, it can get very loud. It's my feeling that even with such aids, I could easily have been deafened. Especially at those times there was a DJ instead of a live band. They seem to believe that the louder they are, the better it makes them, but the majority of the oepeople loved it all. DJ music can be so loud, it literally vibrates your heart...a bit scary I thought. I wasn't sure if it might increase my circulation, or stop my heart altogether.
I guess I'm a music Virgin as far as outside music venues of this kind go. But that's Brasil, if you want the same sort of music venue you find at home, especially in Europe, you won't find it here. Come to Brasil if you're young at heart, or if you want something different. Or, if you're jaded and want to feel enervated, stirred back to life. Enjoy the music on the beaches, along the sea front and around the town. Everywhere you smile, you'll have two back. Don't miss the carnival, take care of your hearing, your sleep and your belongings, but experience it. Most of the people are having so much fun, the atmosphere so great, you can't help but enjoy it too. 
One of the more religious ceremonies. Floating this boat on the sea to bring good luck.
But, as my first full Carnival, I have enjoyed it immensely. As well as been amused at some of the 'way out' characters taking part. You have to admire the musicality of the bands, along with how much hard work it's taken to get to that point. The bands and dancers practice for months, the costumes can take all year to make. Especially, in bigger Rio de Janeiro, where it's almost an industry...but also a labour of love. Then there are the variety of costumes, or is the briefness of them, little scraps of this and that and lots of smooth flesh. Drums pounding everywhere, with the choreography, and great imagination of the dance encouraging us all to participate. Or, even if like me, just to have fun as a spectator . Possibly you may have seen the tv programs, showing how a whole year of work goes into the many exceptional costumes especially, as well as the music and dancing.
One of the dancing, drumming groups this year...paulinas, was excellent.
Of course the people all dance here. It's as if they grew up knowing how to dance. Even as they stroll by, taking the evening air, if they hear music, they can't help but shake their stuff...I love to see it. To see the ordinary looking parents, with a child, or having put on some weight, suddenly clasping their partner and breaking into a sexy dance. Often the child will try his own version, right in the street, it's normal. Even my little grandson gives a pretty good impression of a bump and grind routine, wearing a big grin. At seven years old he can really shake his maraccas, without any embarrassment. Yes, some of the small children who take part are really amazing, no one minds if they are clearly learning, no pressure on them at all. They like children in Brasil, I don't see any child being slapped or shouted at around the supermarket, in fact they don't go to the supermarket. You don't see snarling, stressed out parents as I have seen in London. Perhaps the children are left a little too free to wander here, but it's how it used to be when I was young...children wander off, exploring, discovering, making good childhood memories.....oh that the world was still like that.
Overall it's laid back in Bahia, the place to take it easy, to relax. With the coast line of beautiful beaches, blue tranquil seas, scattered with beach bars and restaurants. Yes, it's also noisy, colourful and full of fun.... so, what's not to like. If you get the chance come visit and enjoy the Carnival days for yourself. I guarantee if you do, you will be backs again. It's joyful and quite addictive.
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