Carnival and Latin American Events

The main thing that Carnival in Bahia had with the events we read about was that there was a mix of cultures. However, the cultures that were mixed were different and the reasons were different also.  In Carnival there was a mix of South American, Native American, and even African influences because those cultures are prominate in Brazil.  It is a part of Brazilian culture.  The events we read about usually mixed different country's cultures together, in order to show unity among the latinos in America.  There seemed a stark difference between the events we read about and Carnival.  The events in America were a concerted effort to bring people of different nationalities together.  There was a blend that would have made it hard to differentiate the cultures, they were all just latino.  For instance for cinco de mayo in one of the events there were several cultures other than Mexican featured.  They were trying to create a sense of community.  Carnival is a result of community, not an attempt for community.  The cultures there are Brazilian and nothing else, they are already united, and no one is trying to force them to unite, and they are confusing their culture with any other.  The events we read about seemed more contrived, while the Carnival was natural.  There was no greater plot behind it, the point is to just have fun.