Carnival in Brazil is one of the world’s most stunning, sensual experiences. Rooted in a mix of African, Brazilian and European culture, this gigantic multicultural happening is a significant element of Brazilian identity and joie de vivre. One annual highlight in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro is the parade of the samba schools: a spectacle of beauty and rhythm, and at the same time a keenly fought contest – the schools’ performances are assessed on the basis of a wide variety of artistic criteria, with the winner being announced after the carnival.
An Inspiring Theme for the Parade
Among the top samba schools is “Rosas de Ouro”, which has won the competition six times and is seen as the one of the most innovative schools anywhere in Brazil. To tackle a theme for the annual carnival procession is nothing unusual for Rosas de Ouro, yet on occasion the topics are truly controversial. In 2006 the school devoted its performances to the crimes committed against the black Africans who had once arrived in the country as slaves – “A Diáspora Africana - Um Crime Contra a Raça Humana”. In 2007 the focus was on the beginnings of life – from protozoa to the conquest of space, from the Big Bang to the destruction of the rainforest. In 2008, by contrast, the idea was to be less political, and instead sensual through and through.
A Successful Creative Cooperation
Having encountered Aparecida Cavalcante, Symrise’s Application, Sensory and Market Research Manager, school president Angelina Basilio was so thrilled by the world of fragrances that she made the topic the slogan for her show. Symrise staffers started to tackle their somewhat unusual task, introducing the samba school’s creative team to the art of perfumery and its history, and then assisting its artists and musicians to implementing a creative scheme for the show. The result was a true riot of colors, perfectly accompanied by entrancing samba rhythms, and a highly creditable fourth place in the competition for samba schools.
How is the scent of carnival?
The acme, indeed the essence, of this joint initiative was a perfume specially devised for the school and its performance. Symrise perfumer Magali Lara created the fragrance “Rain on me” that was also used as spray during the school’s parade. A fragrance with fresh top notes characteristic of a carnival in Brazil, with magical floral nuances in the middle note, and exotic woods and a hint of honey, intended to stand for Brazil’s teeming cultures, in the bottom note. So Carnival 2008 in Sao Paulo became a feast for all the senses – harmonious, full of energy, equally a feast for eyes, ears and those with a finely developed sense of smell.
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