Brazilian Carnaval celebrates 35 years in Austin

Brilliant colors, flashing lights and thousands adorned in an array of exotic costumes while dancing to unstoppable samba beats, brought to life the heart and soul of Brazil in Austin's own Carnaval Brasileiro Feb. 4.

Now in its 35th year, Carnaval is recognized as one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of Brazil, attracting visitors from all over the country. Held at the Palmer Events Center, each year brings a different theme to the event, this year's being The Wizard of Oz.

Carnaval Brasileiro Austin originated in 1975, in an effort to bring Brazilian students in Austin an important piece of their homeland's festivities. This annual tradition embodies the free-spirited culture, love of dance and music Brazil is so famous for. Founder Michael Quinn put together the initial band along with two of his colleagues.

"I am a Brazilian music fanatic, and this gave me an opportunity to have Brazilian music live at least once a year," Quinn said. "The music is still what drives me and I get very emotional when we play. To me it is all about the music and living it."

Acadêmicos da Ópera, also known as the Austin Samba School, made their ninth appearance this year, with 130 members performing.

Founder of Acadêmicos da Ópera Robert Patterson said that the group began meeting eleven years ago at the Austin Lyric Opera with just a few students.

"Every year we get bigger and our members range anywhere from 20 to 65-years-old," he said. "Just like a real samba school, we have a love and appreciation for Brazilian culture, as well as a strong sense of community."

One of these members includes Brazilian-born and current Austin Community College student Patricia Justh, who has been dancing at the school for two years.

"We teach anybody who comes in; you don't have to know anything about samba or dance," Justh said. "Most of the students are not from Brazil and it doesn't matter."

The electrifying sounds of Beleza Brasil kept the crowd sambaing all night to their vivacious beats. The Brazilian band is comprised of seven members and is in its 10th year of attendance.

"We have a responsibility to deliver good Brazilian music," band leader Jorjão Silva said. "Everyone loves our music, we love performing and the crowd always enjoys themselves."

Making their debut performance this year was Capoeira Evolução, a local Brazilian martial arts academy. Martial arts instructor and former ACC student Alex Rodriguez, also known as Contra Mestre Metido, began with only five students and now has over 60.

Rodriguez said the group has helped with Carnaval security for the past four years.

"This year with the Wizardof Oz theme we were asked to perform as the flying monkeys and who better than capoeiristas?" Rodriguez said. "It was a great introduction for us and I hope to be a part of this show for years to come."

From its humble beginnings in Austin's Unitarian Church to the lavish music and dance celebration it is today, Carnaval Brasileiro Austin is an experience that leaves a lasting expression. Whether attending as a curious spectator or parading an extravagant costume, the sights and sounds are sure to thrill.