Brazilians dancing away troubles of 2017 at Carnival parties

SAO PAULO – Amid a lackluster economy, a massive corruption investigation and increasing political polarization, Brazilians let off steam Saturday during the first full day of Carnival, a holiday long considered a safety valve for social and political tensions.

Known for elaborate – or skimpy – costumes and intense samba competitions, Carnival celebrations also frequently take on serious subjects. This year, for instance, women’s groups are highlighting the sexual harassment and unwelcome touching that many face during the celebrations and throughout the year on Brazil’s streets. Others have called attention to housing shortages or are criticizing politicians who have been accused of corruption.

But many see Carnival as a time to take a break from those weighty issues.

“Carnival transcends politics – it’s (a celebration) of the Brazilian people,” said Hector Batelli, a 30-year-old lawyer, who on Saturday was enjoying a Sao Paulo Carnival street party, known as a bloco. “So we put aside politics to have a party, to celebrate.”

Brazil has recently emerged from one of the worst recessions in its modern history, and the largest corruption investigation in Latin America has resulted in the prosecution and jailing of many of its business and political leaders, decimating its political class and undermining faith in its institutions.

That has led to deep political polarization and even the rise of radicalism ahead of this year’s elections. Presidential preference polls give a lead to former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has been convicted on corruption charges, but about whom Brazilians are split: About half want to see him in power again, while half want to see him in jail. In second place is far-right congressman Jair Bolsonaro, who glorifies the country’s 1964-85 dictatorship and has been ordered to pay fines for offensive comments.

The deep divide was reflected in plans for dueling blocos this year. A group called Right Sao Paulo planned a party named after a notorious organ of repression of the country’s former military regime, known as the Department of Political and Social Order, or DOPS. Others responded by planning parties that would denounce the regime.

In the end, a judge ruled the Bloco “Basement of the DOPS 2018” could not appear in public.

Rio de Janeiro, meanwhile, is experiencing a wave of violence, as drug gangs battle it out on the streets, often killing innocent passers-by with stray bullets. Authorities there are putting 17,000 security forces on the streets during its world-famous celebrations.

All these troubles make Carnival even more important, said Carolina Souza.

“Lots of people said, ‘I did nothing in 2017, I didn’t travel. So let’s go to a bloco!’ ” said Souza, a 21-year-old university student, adding that her mother was attending her very first street party to shake off the grimness of the past year.

Luciana De Paula, who was singing with her cousins on her way to a bloco, said Brazil may go through the bad and the good, but Carnival is always the same: an incredibly happy time.

“There is nothing better than this!” said the 32-year-old civil servant. “You feel totally light.”