Origins of Carnival

The true origins of Carnival remains a matter of debate around the world. Many Historians, however, have named the birth place of the Carnival tradition in Africa. The following are a selection of quotes that discuss this colorful theatre tradition and attempt to spread light on its origins and rituals from the African Culture.

“The African style of street theatre called for costumed bands and for the merry-making focus to be outdoors.” 

“Carnival celebrates the body, the senses, and the unofficial, uncanonized relations among human beings that nonetheless exist…alongside the official.”

“Carnival is understood to refer generically to concrete cultural manifestations that occur periodically in numerous related forms”

“everywhere in the new world where there is Carnival, you find the creative presence of an African genius.”

“…an undisputed African engine propels this form of cultural expression.”

The tradition of Carnival uses masking rituals as well as other cultural traditions. “The wearer of the mask or costume thus becomes invested with the rights, abilities, and capacities of a person.”

“The relationship between bodies, masks, and vestments permits a series of symbolic and dramatic operations unavailable in everyday life.”

“Carnival is always telling you something, it’s a language –if you can understand the language than you can read carnival.” Clary Salandy

“Carnival will not solve all the social probelms of mankind, but for a short period each year it can uplift our spirits, regale our sense, and remind us of our common humanity…”

I hope that this brief look at the Carnival tradition, as influenced by the African Culture, has given you some insight on the many theatre traditions that can be seen around the world.

 

 Sources:

Remedi, Gustavo. Carnival Theatre:Uruguay’s Popular Performers and National Culture.Minneapolis, MN, USA: University of Minneapolis Press, 2004. p138/140.  http:/site.ebrary.com/lib/ucfv/Doc?id=10151224&ppg=157 

 Danow, David K. The Spirit of Carnival:Magical Realism and the Grotesque. The University Press of Kentucky:Lexington, Kentucky, 1995

 Felner, Mira and Claudia Orenstein. The World of Theatre: Tradition and Innovation. Pearson Education: Toronto, 2006