Crashing the Biggest Party in the World: Welcome to Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro

The only thing standing between me and the other side of the street was a raging 300-person block party. I took a breath and dove in.

The samba music swimming through the humid air hugged my skin, welcoming me to the party. I was a fish out of water in my green romper ensemble amongst the fish nets, neon crop tops, nipple tassels, tulle skirts, and Brazilian cut briefs. Most bodies sported more glitter than cloth. There were plenty of animal costumes. I spied a couple families dressed up like the Flintstones. A few wizards. Even someone with an ET head rising off his shoulder. Nurses. Cops. Ballerinas. Nuns. Devils. You name the costume; it was probably in the crowd.

The marvelous spectacle for the eyes couldn’t manage to mask the assault of beer covered trash to the nose. I zig zagged through the grooving bodies, admonishing myself for not knowing how to say “excuse me” in Portuguese. My arm fell casualty to a Caipirinha. The shirtless man in a speedo and glittery “Adam and Eve” leaf inspired skirt didn’t seem too bothered.

I eventually was spit out on the other side completely coated in glitter and sweat. Awe buzzed through my blood.

Welcome to Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro.

The untethered freedom of expression was astounding. Everyone, from baby to grandma, was simply living. No judgement. No restraints. No stress. I was witnessing the raw essence of each individual, and it was exhilarating.  

In the United States, we extol our freedom of speech, yet our tongues are shackled to success and expectations. What will people think if I say X? How will I be seen if I wear Y? How will my audience on social media react if I post Z? Every thought takes the hot seat before being given the red or green to culminate as words or actions.

On the one hand, taking raw thoughts and editing them before pressing send is important for maintaining community and succeeding in your endeavors—the ability to curb instinct and impulse has served homo sapiens well. But are we increasingly outsourcing the editing process to capitalism? It feels as if actions and words must be crafted to achieve monetary wealth, notoriety, follows, and likes. The concept of “I” drifts second place to “who I think I should be.”

The unapologetic expression and celebration of self at Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro was spectacular.

Curbing expression to meet perceived expectations and accomplish society’s definition of success is the perfect recipe for waking up at 80 years old and wondering where the years went.

Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro was a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated. And I intend on doing just that.