April 2025: Carnaval in Central PA

Two drummers are performing, lit by bright green spotlights. At left is a man in T-shirt and ball cap, playing a snare drum with drumsticks. Behind him, in the center of the photo is a shorter man, playing a drum with his hands. — The drummers of Brazilian Vibes

In our Spotlight series, we take a closer look into the kaleidoscope of traditional arts in Central Pennsylvania and the work of artists featured in our Folk Artists Gallery. In this article, folklorist Amy Skillman describes a Brazilian Carnaval celebration held in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2025.

Carnaval comes to Harrisburg!

Poster for the Carnaval 2026 event. At right is a full-face mask, white with bright red full lips and slender red eyebrows. At bottom left is a picture of the band Brazilian Vibes. The text mentions live music and Brazilian food.

In early March, I had the opportunity to attend an event touted as the first Brazilian Carnaval celebration in Harrisburg. It was hosted by Karma Entertainment and organized by Mônica Teles and Pedro Antonetty, two artists in our Folk Artists Gallery who are members of the musical ensemble Brazilian Vibes.

If you have heard Brazilian Vibes, you know this was a vibrant dance party! Around 60 people enjoyed the infectious samba beat. A few were even wearing feathered masks — feathers being a common component of Carnaval costuming.

A montage of performers. At left, a man beats a drum with his hands. At center, a woman with long dreadlock braids and a feather head-dress dances and sings. At right, a man plays electric guitar. Jewel-tone colors predominate.

A week-long celebration

In Brazil, Carnaval is a week full of street parties, elaborate parades, colorfully intricate costumes, and the infectious rhythms of samba music. It is one of many similar celebrations around the world that signal the start of Lent. During the 40 days of Lent —from Ash Wednesday to Easter — Christians abstain from meat and sweets, and traditionally give up something important to them. The word “carnaval” (spelled “carnival” in America) comes from the Latin phrase “carne levare,” meaning ‘to remove meat’.

A montage of photos from the event. At left, a purple mask decoration with balloons. Next, a woman wearing a feather head-dress is silhouetted agasint brightly-colored balloons. Next, a woman holds a toddler on her hip while chatting with friends. Next, four people dance by balloon decorations.

A "last hurrah" before Lent

Celebrations like these happen all around the world. They are a time to let go of inhibitions, to indulge in food, dance and music, and to enjoy oneself before the 40 days of fasting and self-restraint begin. Many Americans are familiar with Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and folks here in Central PA may be familiar with Fasnacht Day.

While there is no single point of origin, all of these celebrations have roots in pre‑Christian observances of springtime, welcoming its sense of abundant fertility and renewal. It is believed that, as early Christianity spread through the world, pre‑Christian festivals were re-interpreted as Christian holy days, or holidays. By the Middle Ages, Carnaval was a part of Pre-Lenten celebrations across Europe.

A large mylar balloon in the shape of a mask that would cover a person's eyes. It features jewel-tone graphics against black. It is displayed in front of a mass of balloons in similar colors.

Carnaval blurs the borders of reality, allowing people to temporarily become what they could not otherwise be.

The fun of Carnaval

Wherever you are in the world, Carnaval celebrations are an utter escape from ordinary life. Wearing costumes and masks, people enjoy some anonymity and freedom from social norms. Role reversals are not uncommon. In some cultures the celebrations might include skits that poke fun at political figures.

In parts of the Caribbean, festivals evolved into celebrations of emancipation from slavery. At the heart of Carnaval in Brazil is samba music, based on African rhythms brought to Brazil by enslaved people. Samba’s eclectic mix of African and European music, song and dance symbolizes the broad roots of modern Brazilian culture.

The biggest Carnaval celebration in Brazil, held in Rio de Janiero, has become an extravagant competition between samba schools to determine who has the best costumes, the best moves, and the best rhythms. But smaller community celebrations happen both in Brazil and in diaspora. We are grateful to Mônica Teles and Pedro Antonetty for keeping these traditions alive and sharing them with us in Central Pennsylvania.

Enjoy Carnaval next year!

In 2026, Ash Wednesday will fall on February 18, so keep your eyes open for Carnaval activities in our region between February 11 and 17, 2026. Perhaps we’ll meet on the dance floor. I’ll be wearing my feather mask!

Photo by Amy Skillman