英闻天下——265 Carnivals Celebrated in Brazil, Colombia
英语课
Thousands of people took to the streets for carnival 1 celebrations in Brazil and Colombia.
In Rio de Janeiro, an estimated 80 thousand people gathered along an avenue near the iconic Ipanema Beach for a colorful street party and parade.
Around 60 musicians performed at the 'Banda de Ipanema' event.
This year, the party's organizers honored the late Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer along with nine Samba composers.
Claudio Pinheiro is a parade organizer.
"The jongo is extremely important to Brazilian popular music because it is the source of Samba."
Organized by clubs or neighborhood associations, the street parties draw participants from all walks of life and social classes.
Meanwhile, in the Colombian city of Barranquilla, along the Caribbean Sea coast, people gathered for the traditional 'Battle of Flowers' Carnival parade.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was among the spectators.
"We've come to the Battle of Flowers parade. This battle replaces the battle of the arms."
The Barranquilla's Carnival was declared a "Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" in 2003 by UNESCO.