Forget the typical glitter and vibrant costumes that define Carnival celebrations across Brazil. In the southern coastal town of Paraty, a unique festival has emerged where revelers swap sparkles for sludge, covering themselves in thick gray mud to celebrate as one cohesive group.
A Muddy Alternative to Traditional Carnival
While most Carnival parties in Brazil feature colorful, skimpy outfits and copious amounts of glitter, participants in Paraty's unusual event drape themselves in gray sludge and roll around in the silty shallows of Jabaquara Beach. This creates a striking visual of a unified mass, where individual identities blur beneath layers of mud.
Egalitarian Celebration Under the Sun
"Everyone is kind of the same here—those who have money and those who don't: everyone comes to jump into the mud," explained Charles Garcia Pessoa, a 37-year-old entrepreneur who joined the festivities. Under the blazing sun, mud-covered partygoers danced and grunted caveman chants like "Uga! Uga!" while marching along the sand, accompanied by live musicians.
Origins of the Mud Party Tradition
The tradition dates back to 1986, according to Paraty's tourism website. It began when friends playing in the mangroves at Jabaquara Beach realized they were unrecognizable after getting muddy. They then strolled into the city's historic center, causing quite a stir among locals.
The following year, a group lathered themselves with mud to present as a prehistoric tribe for Carnival, carrying skulls, vines, and bones while uttering primal chants. This marked the official birth of the mud party, which has since evolved into a beloved annual tradition.
International Appeal and Creative Expression
The event has attracted international attention, drawing visitors like Matt Bloomfield, a New Zealander who runs a film festival. He decided to attend after seeing coverage of last year's mud party. "Everyone's being so creative; you see people decorating themselves with leaves," Bloomfield observed. "It's a great alternate version of Carnival."
This muddy celebration offers a stark contrast to mainstream Carnival festivities, emphasizing unity and creativity over glamour and individuality. It continues to grow in popularity, preserving its unique charm while fostering a sense of community among participants from diverse backgrounds.
