First woman to direct the opening of Salvador's Carnival, Larissa Luz reveals the behind-the-scenes of the festival
Larissa Luz makes history as the first female director of the opening ceremony for Salvador's Carnival, sharing her excitement and challenges in creating the event.
Larissa Luz has made history as the first woman to direct the opening ceremony of the renowned Carnival in Salvador, Brazil, which is set to kick off on Thursday, February 12. With this year's theme celebrating samba, a genre deeply rooted in Brazilian culture, Larissa expressed her enthusiasm for highlighting the importance of this rhythm, especially in Bahia. She faced the challenge of condensing a rich narrative into a 1-hour and 40-minute performance, but was able to successfully create a structured show that resonated with audiences.
In preparation for this momentous occasion, Larissa engaged in extensive research and creative planning, reflecting on the history of samba and its significance in the cultural landscape of Brazil. Her collaboration with Salvador Turismo (Saltur), the municipal entity responsible for organizing the event, was key to bringing her vision to life. Following a presentation of her ideas to Isaac Edington, the president of Saltur, the project garnered immediate support, paving the way for her inaugural directorial role.
Larissa's achievement is notable not only for representing gender milestones within the Carnival community but also for serving as a platform to celebrate and educate the public about samba's legacy. With her leadership, the opening show aims to captivate the audience while honoring the vibrant cultural traditions that define Salvador's Carnival.