Feb 12 • 08:30 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

'Everyone wears masks': why costumes, fetishes, and repressed experiences are freed during Carnival, according to experts

The article discusses how Carnival in Brazil serves as a liberating experience for individuals to express themselves through costumes and various forms of sexuality that are often repressed in everyday life.

In Brazil, Carnival is a unique cultural festival that allows people to shed their daily identities and embrace their true selves, even if just for a few days. Amidst the colorful costumes and lively celebrations, many revelers explore aspects of their sexuality and desires that are typically hidden throughout the year. The atmosphere of permissiveness and freedom around Carnival creates a space where individuals feel liberated to express themselves as they wish without the constraints of societal expectations.

Experts interviewed by G1 clarify that the phenomenon during Carnival does not result in the creation of new fetishes or desires; rather, it brings those that already exist to the forefront. With a multitude of costumes, glitter, and flamboyant displays, revelers openly showcase their identities, exploring different sexual orientations and preferences. They highlight that while orientation and fetishes may intersect, they should not be conflated as they represent different aspects of personal experience.

The statement from a prominent figure in the industry underscores the notion that everyone wears metaphorical masks in life, signifying how societal norms often compel individuals to conceal parts of themselves. Therefore, during Carnival, there is a profound cultural release where individuals celebrate their authentic selves among a community that supports this expression, and the event becomes more than just a party; it is a liberating ritual for many.

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