The brazilian culture, of which the Samba is presented as one of the most representative expressions, is a mixture of sensuality, joy of life and pleasure. Its multiform character is due to the riches of its origin and development. The hearts and minds of different Continents raised their voices to conjure Luck and Fortune into the New Land.

Brought in gloomy slavery to tropical South America, the souls from West Africa disguised their deep beliefs under their singing. Their gods, the "Orixás", came with them on their voyage to the New World. Ogum, the wild warrior, Xangô, the implacable, righteous god, Iemanjá, the sea goddess, show themselves in the might of their drums and in the euphoria of their dances.

So were they helped to endure their sufferings and to become adapted to their new way of life. Their fights are performed with singing and harmonic, rythmic movements, time beaten by the sound of berimbaus. So is the case of Capoeira, one of their dangerous martial arts, with strokes that may become deadly effective. Another variant is the Maculelê, the movements of which imitate the sugar cane cutter motions in the plantation.

The Indianss, children of the Land, lived a simple life, in which there was no room for sin. In their conception, the world was a place of happiness, rich in flowers, fruits and animals. Life is a gift from Tupã (god), and they knew how to praise and preserve it.

It was this simple wisdom of living that the Europeans found when they first cast anchor into brazilian waters. They also brought their beliefs, their traditions, their music.

From the amalgamation of these three cultures, sprang a fourth one: the brazilian culture. One of its best known and most beautiful forms of expression is, perhaps, the Samba, a rythm which allows the elements of each original culture to flow harmoniously together.

The Indians lent to the Samba the sensuality and lust for life of their earth fertile rituals. The Africans added their rythm and the strength of their beliefs. The Europeans contributed with their romantic folklore melodies, plus their imperial court´s pomp as inspiration for the imposing splendour of Carnival costumes.

It is in Carnival that every year the Samba hits its paramount stage. During these four days, the most democratic of all fests takes place. Rich and Poor, Black and White, Brazilian and Foreigner, all celebrate, sing and dance with each other, and under the sound influx of "pandeiros", "tamborins", "cuícas", "reco-recos" and the rest of typical Samba instruments, forget sorrow and concern, and let the lust for Life go strong again.