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Baianas Wing Brazil Carnival
Baianas Wing Brazil Carnival
Some of the Baianas, having more than 90 years old, still show
plenty of vigor and charisma, as they are reverenced by public and
samba-school members themselves.
The Baianas are respected not only by their age and costume
distinctness, but principally because of the ritualistic folklore they
symbolize. In this section of BrazilCarnival.com.br, we will briefly
describe the unmistakable element of the „Baianas‟ at the Brazilian
Carnival culture.
Carnival historians note the origins of the Baianas are dated before
the samba-schools existed. They probably came from days Brazil
was still a colony from Portugal, when the “Taieiras”, black women
dressed up as Baianas, formed a special guard in honor in the Nossa
Senhora do Rosário and Saint Benedict (King‟s Day - January 6th)
processions.
Below, the energy and pride of a Baiana wing member, swirling with
a richly produced characteristic costume.
At the photo above by Agencia FOTO BR, we can see the magical dance of the
Baianas: Credits: Alexandre Vidal, Ari Versiani, Fernando Azevedo, Levy Ribeiro, Luiz
Alvarenga.
Slowly, the Baianas figure gained more and more respect and
authority by Samba-School directors. According to testimonials
of Caetano, Tia Vicentina, and Doralice, three elders from
traditional Portela Samba-School, the Baianas „formed voice
choirs and had influence in the choice of the best sambas that
would be sung in the rehearsal courts‟. Isnard and Candeia
(authors of the book called Escola de Samba) also point into
this direction: “Paulo da Portela (one of the founders of Portela
Samba-School - all time winner of Rio de Janeiro Carnaval
contests) listened to the Baianas choir before defining the
sambas to be sung in the parades”. Again, the Baianas
represented not only the image of respect, but of wisdom too.
Still on the origins of this quintessential element of the
Brazilian Carnaval, we could find historical notations in
Brazilian Literature. Manuel Antônio de Almeida, a great
Brazilian author of the 19th century, described in his book
„Memoirs of a Militia Sergeant‟, the presence of the Baianas in
religious festivals in 1930´s :
Above, tia (aunt) Ciata and Tia ( Aunt ) JoSefa , two of the first
Carnival Baianas and samba promoters in Rio. These elderly Baianas
were respected and organized musical soirees in the early 1900´s.
The first samba music was recorded at her house.
• The Baianas costumes are typical, have a class of its own, and
do not need to be linked to theme. They may be made in the colors
of the school, or not. Their costumes resembles early 20th century
“samba aunts”