The carnival festivities in Ouro Preto, a historic city in Minas Gerais, Brazil, have transformed the area into a colorful and lively celebration. This year's event, which features traditional Marchinhas, giant dolls, and other cultural expressions, emphasizes the intersection of history and celebration. Participants, including long-standing community groups like the Zé Pereira dos Lacaios, showcase the importance of preserving cultural traditions through music, dance, and vibrant costumes.

Local residents express the need for investments in youth participation to keep cultural traditions alive, with educator Arlete Aparecida Batista highlighting the crucial role of engaging children in these festive activities. As she enjoys the carnival alongside her grandson, she stresses that without young involvement, the future of the community's cherished traditions could diminish.

In addition to the celebration in Ouro Preto, the carnival includes elements from Portuguese traditions like the battle between Moors and Christians in nearby Bonfim, adding layers of historical richness and cultural diversity to the overall event. The joyful atmosphere filled with music, costumes, and community spirit underscores the vitality of Brazil's cultural heritage, particularly in regions rich in history like Minas Gerais.