Smoke Bubbles in Beija-Flor of Nilópolis Car Had the Smell of Lavender, Sacred Herb
The Beija-Flor de Nilópolis samba school incorporated lavender-scented smoke bubbles into their carnival parade, which are used in African religious traditions for spiritual cleansing and protection.
João Vitor Araújo, the carnival designer who orchestrated Beija-Flor de Nilópolis's parade this year, revealed that the smoke bubbles emitted from some of the floats contained lavender essence, a sacred herb celebrated in African-derived religions for its qualities of spiritual cleansing, peace, and protection. This innovative use of technology has been previously utilized by the school two years ago, aligning with their commitment to cultural representation and innovation during the festivities.
The bubbles, which initially appeared to be soap bubbles, were actually made of nitrogen. Upon bursting, they released the fragrant essence, enhancing the sensory experience of the parade. This year’s theme, depicting the 'Bembé do Mercado,' included rich references to African heritage, demonstrating the school’s dedication to honoring cultural traditions through its artistic expression.
One of the samba lyrics notably proclaimed, "this here [Sapucaí] will turn into macumba," highlighting the school's celebration of African spiritual customs and identity. This integration of aromatic elements not only added to the spectacle of the carnival but also served to deepen the cultural narrative being presented, reinforcing the connection between the visual spectacle and the spiritual themes embedded in the samba’s lyrics and the overall parade concept.