Next Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, and Carnival. The day marks the last day of before the start of Lent, a season of fasting. In modern times, that's translated to drinking, dancing, costumes, parades or at least good specials at your local bar. And the celebrations have already started.
The festival and its excesses are huge deal in places as widespread as New Orleans, Venice and Rio de Janiero so it's no wonder that it has made it's way into our pop culture. Here's a short starter pack of references.
Films:
1. Orfeu Negro (Black Orpheus)
This Academy Awarding winning film is a modern retelling of the tragic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set during Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. It's notable for featuring the music of two Brazilian greats: Antônio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfá. You can view the trailer here:
2. Easy Rider
In this classic road movie from the late 60s, characters played by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper ride eastward with the goal of arriving in New Orleans in time for Mardi Gras. Though most of the movie takes place during the trip and not in New Orleans, the Mardi Gras scenes were filmed during an actual Mardi Gras celebration and, like the entire film, the authenticity resonates.
3. The Princess and The Frog
In a completely different vein from Easy Rider, we have this recent Disney flick. The movie is set entirely in New Orleans and primarily takes place during the last three days of Mardi Gras. A return to classic Disney animation and princess stories, this film retells "The Frog Prince" while incorporating New Orleans standards like jazz, voodoo and of course Mardi Gras.
Honorable Mentions: The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Venice Carnival), Moonraker (Rio Carnaval)
Music:
1. "Magalenha (Capoeira do Brasil)" - Sergio Mendes
Reaching great worldwide popularity in the 60s, Sergio Mendes brought Brazilian bossa nova (a jazz deriative of samba) to the masses. His most famous single "Mas Que Nada"was re-recorded with The Black Eyed Peas in 2006, but my personal favorite is "Magalenha" because I can't help dancing when the drums kick in.
2. "É Carnaval" - Daniela Mercury
Mercury is one of the best known female Brazilian singers with a career spanning over 20 years. Her music has been classified as Axé, a style which combines Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean elements, and has a strong association with the celebrations in Salvador do Bahia. Her song "É Carnaval" was released in 2010 and is the perfect soundtrack for the revelry.
3. "The Gift" - Annie Lennox
Unlike the two other tunes, Annie Lennox's song from her 1992 album Diva won't make your party playlist. However, the music video for this subdued track features Lennox decked out in full Carnival regalia shot against the gorgeous backdrop of Piazza San Marco and other Venetian locations.
Honorable Mention: "Street Parade" - Earl King (A New Orleans classic)
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