"The Greatest Show On Earth"

 

Cocaine Princess here.

I love this time of year because 2 major celebrations happen before Ash Wednesday:

 Mardi Gras that occurs annually in New Orleans and Carnival in the amazing city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Both are based on a French Catholic tradition of having a big feast and ball before the season of Lent. Mardi Gras in New Orleans was brought there by early French explorers in the 1700s. Eventually it blended with Creole customs in Louisiana. Carnival was also brought to Rio by the French but it wasn't until 1850. Carnival blends African and native cultures in with the Catholic celebration before Lent.


Mardi Gras and Carnival share many characteristics. Both festivals are about letting go of inhibitions before the piety of the most serious season of the Christian calendar. They involve huge floats parading through vibrant cities. There is lots of dancing, reveling and dressing in lavish costumes. There are kings and queens from various groups who march in the parades and host balls for both Mardi Gras and Carnival.

One important aspect of the Brazilian Carnival is the parade. Samba schools from around the city take part in the Carnival parade at the Sambadrone.The first parade begins on the Sunday before Lent with the first 6 samba schools performing. Each school has over 400 participants and has 70 to 85 minutes to perform to the delight of 90,000 spectators while showing off their jaw dropping, luxurious and flamboyant costumes. The show starts at 9pm and goes throughout the night, ending only with sunlight the next day at around 8am.

I had the pleasure of attending the Carnival in Rio a few years back. According to The Guinness Book of World Records 2010, it is the biggest and most popular party on the planet or as the locals simply call it, "The "Greatest Show on Earth." The highlight for me was attending the Copacabana Palace Luxury Ball at the famous Copacabana Palace.

Those Are My Hands!

 My Hotel Room Key
 

 

Me At The Copa Ball

The party began at sunset and ended at sunrise. Truly, it was an exhilarating experience that lives up to the title of "The Greatest Show On Earth." The city of Rio is a magnificent one. It is a passionate city that oozes with sensuality not just during the season of Carnival but all year long.

In honor of this day I have posted 2 drinkies:

"Classic N'awlins Hurricane"

"This is the Classic N'awlins Hurricane. Drink through a straw from the bottom first. It starts out calm, but it gets stormy towards the end!"


INGREDIENTS:
* 1/2 cup ice
* 2 fluid ounces light rum
* 2 fluid ounces passion fruit flavored syrup
* 1 cup lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
* 1 ounce lime juice
* 1 fluid ounce 151 proof rum 


DIRECTIONS:
In a shaker, combine ice, light rum, passion fruit syrup, lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage and lime juice. Shake well and pour mixture into a Hurricane or other large specialty glass. Float the 151 proof rum on top of the drink.

 "The Caipirinha"

The Caipirinha is the national drink of Brazil. Although it is more difficult to find, it's important to choose a premium cachaça for this cocktail in particular because the drink is not heavily flavored and a cheaper brand can ruin an otherwise perfect Caipirinha.


INGREDIENTS:
* 1 Lime, Quartered
* 2 Tsp Fine Sugar
* 2 oz Cachaca


DIRECTIONS:
1. Place the lime wedges and sugar into an old-fashioned glass.
2. Muddle well to create a paste.
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
4. Pour in the cachaca.
5. Stir well.

*Note: Keep the sugar mixed in the drink by stirring often.

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My loyal and dear readers,

 

 

XOXOXOXO,

Cocaine Princess