Feb 15 • 18:45 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Leaders of Bembé do Mercado arrive in Rio for Beija-Flor parade

Leaders from Bembé do Mercado have arrived in Rio de Janeiro to participate in the Beija-Flor parade.

Approximately 40 representatives from Bembé do Mercado have landed in Rio de Janeiro to participate in the upcoming Beija-Flor de Nilópolis parade, taking place at Sapucaí on Monday. This notable group includes significant leaders such as Pai Pote, who serves as the president of Bembé do Mercado, and Ana Rita Machado, an important figure within the institution. The presence of these leaders aims to highlight the ancestral, faith-based, and Afro-Brazilian traditional aspects of the parade's narrative.

The group will be showcased on the last float of Beija-Flor, which emphasizes the historical and cultural significance of their involvement in the parade. They were greeted by Bruno Laurato, the enredista (theme creator) for Beija-Flor, who acknowledged the importance of the Bembé's traditions and its contribution to the overall theme of the parade. This year's enredo, titled "Bembé," pays homage to a ceremony that has been celebrated for over 130 years in Santo Amaro da Purificação in Bahia, known as the largest candomblé festival.

The integration of Bembé do Mercado into the Beija-Flor parade reflects the ongoing celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture within Brazilian society, further intertwining historical traditions with contemporary festivities. This parade serves not only as entertainment but also as a platform for cultural education, inviting a broader audience to appreciate the rich diversity of Brazil's heritage.

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