Brazil: Why 'Carmelite Nuns' joins the Carnival
According to The Telegraph, the famous Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has a particularly 'Carmelite' feel to it. To the beat of drums and tambourines, hundreds of revellers from around the world dressed up as Carmelite nuns and other characters on Friday 28 February to celebrate the first day of Carnival.
Tourists and residents alike joined in the fun as musicians and performers, dressed in brightly-coloured outfits, entertained the crowds during the 'Carmelitas bloc' party.
Founded in 1991, the event was named after a local Carmelite convent in Rio's bohemian Santa Teresa neighbourhood. According to an urban legend, one of the nuns escaped to go and party with Carnival revellers.
Costumes ranged from King Kong to Bible figure Eve, however the Carmelite nun proved the most popular. Click here to visit the Carmelite website which has a link to video footage of the parade: www.carmelite.org/index.php?nuc=news&item=1074&func=view&id=40