Brazilian Batucada at the New York Halloween Parade
By Jeff Zeth
For years, expat Brazilians have referred to it as "New York’s Carnaval", and with good reason: with a lineup of over 40 bands, a live audience of two million people, and another million watching on television, the Halloween Parade has become at least as big as Carnaval in Rio or Salvador — and Brazilian culture is always strongly represented.
Three of the traditional Brazilian baterias usually featured are returning to the West Village on Friday. The oldest and largest of these, Manhattan Samba , will be pounding out their signature Rio-style batucada, as they’ve been doing for eighteen years. You’ll know them by their customary red tops and white pants.
In addition, Samba New York , which has been featured on the CBS Early Show and many of New York City’s popular music venues, will be bringing the rhythms of Rio to the November Manhattan streets as well. Look for their bright maize-colored T-shirts and tightly scripted choreography.
Last but definitely not least, Maracatu New York is a one-of-a-kind New York percussion ensemble who’ll be bringing the even more exotic sounds of Brazil’s Northeast to the party, combined with New Orleans Second Line Rhythms. This will be their 6th year in the parade, and they’ll be departing from tradition by having their members choose their own costumes, instead of a uniform T-shirt.
So if Brazil Day left you craving even more Brazilian street culture and you just can’t wait until next year, don’t miss this one. The party starts at 7:00 at 6th Avenue South of Spring Street (above Canal) and will go uptown along 6th Avenue, terminating at W. 21st Street at around 11pm — all too early by Brazilian Carnaval standards.
The theme this year is ghosts, and the combined energy of these three groups will surely make a noise loud enough to wake the dead.
By Jeff Zeth / BrazilNYC Collaborator
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P7ajp7IplI
PS- But obviously, there are other music styles besides samba. What about Michael Jackson’s Thriller?! Sure! Check this out:
