The people ask a lot and I will return to Carnival, says Magda Cotrofe at the Baile do Copa
Carnival icon Magda Cotrofe expresses her longing for the traditional Carnival experience while discussing her potential return to the Sapucaí parades after a few years of focusing on gala balls.
Magda Cotrofe, a celebrated figure from Rio's beaches and Carnival parades in the 1980s, attended the prestigious Baile de Gala at the Copacabana Palace, where she reunited with another icon, Roberta Close. The two, dressed in yellow to match the event's Brazil theme, reminisced about the past, exchanging compliments and warmth in the bustling atmosphere. Cotrofe's presence sparked discussions about the evolution of Carnival, which she feels has grown excessively large and impersonal, contrasting sharply with the intimate celebrations of her heyday.
Expressing a sense of nostalgia, Cotrofe described the current Carnival scene as overly commercialized, with massive camarotes accommodating thousands, which diminishes the personal connections and joyful spirit of the festival. She fondly recalled the days of smaller, cozier gatherings where she enjoyed finer wines and camaraderie among friends. However, despite her mixed feelings, she reflected on her recent experiences, attending several gala events during the Carnival season, which she cherished as a different but still festive alternative.
With a flood of invitations to return to the iconic Sapucaí parades, Cotrofe highlighted that fans miss her presence on the float and are eager for her comeback. Her ambition to reclaim her place in the spotlight reveals a deep-rooted connection to the Carnival traditions that many hold dear, and it emphasizes the ongoing cultural significance of Carnival in Brazil, where history and nostalgia intertwine with contemporary celebrations.