Think of Brazil. What comes to mind? What sets it apart? The idea of “carnaval” has likely crossed your mind and probably the minds of many others in the global community. When foreigners think of Brazil, they’ve grown accustomed to picturing sunny beaches, lively dances and the huge carnival processions in Rio de Janeiro, but there is much more beneath the surface. This world-renowned tradition has developed into its current form through the influence of several movements so that we perceive it as it is today – from the colonial period to urbanization to the modern era, this festival continues to expand and gain recognition for its varied rhythms, colours and its commemoration of Brazilian culture.  

Brazil has endured several hardships that shape its culture and customs, from slavery to poverty, these practices have always derived from the people and their ability to maintain an optimistic view in times of struggle. Every single element found in your typical “carnaval” stems from authentically Brazilian heritage. This includes the samba dance and musical genre, which has its origins from the end of 19th century Brazil, in the northeastern state of Bahia, with West-African roots from the colonial slave trade. Samba, the style used for the expression of joy, sadness and everything in between, emerged from the courage to resist. It was looked down upon by the elite and was criminalised for some time due to its link with the impoverished communities and its accessibility, or its failure to comply with the standards of the epoch, which were extremely rigid, especially following the classical era and its European influence still found in Brazil.  
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The prominent and vibrant colours that establish carnival is a fusion of all the ethnicities that have had an impact on Brazil, ranging from indigenous origins to African and even European sway. A common element, though, is the consistent connection to nature and the commemoration of life itself, with the consistent use of feathers and flowers as garments on the streets. Upon reflection, you’ll find that Brazil itself is the blend of all the best parts of its global inhabitants. You won’t find anywhere else in the world that encapsulates what it means to embrace immigrants and belong to a spirited society – the ability to showcase all of Brazilian history, good and bad, through dance and song whilst maintaining global respect and recognition is something uniquely Brazilian that is sure to instill a sense of pride within the population. ​

​Every year, as Rio de Janeiro erupts into feathers and samba drums, one group commands a reverence that no spectacle can overshadow. They are the Baianas: the elder honour of the samba schools. Without them, no parade through the Sambódromo is considered complete.

By regulation, every samba school competing in Rio's top league must include a wing of Baianas, traditionally women over fifty dressed in wide hoop skirts, lace blouses, and stunning turbans. Their costumes honour the Afro-Brazilian women of Bahia who, centuries ago, preserved the traditions that eventually gave birth to samba. In a festival often associated with youth and exposed skin, the Baianas are an act of remembrance.

Their role is unmistakable. As they spin slowly down the avenue, skirts dancing outward like blooming flowers, they create a rhythm entirely different from the explosive energy around them. Where drummers attack, the Baianas float. Judges actually score their performance, and a school can lose points if its Baianas fail to spin in unison.

But their significance runs deeper than choreography. Many have paraded for decades, carrying the memory of their schools in their bodies. In communities where samba schools function as social institutions, offering education, healthcare, and identity, the Baianas represent continuity.

In a celebration often reduced to its most lively surfaces, they offer something quieter and more powerful: the reminder that joy has ancestors, and the most meaningful celebrations honour where they came from.

Every year, Brazil turns into a huge stage of music, color, and celebration during Carnival. People fill the streets, dancing, singing, and living in the moment. For many, it feels like a break from reality. From the outside, especially for tourists, Carnival appears to be pure happiness and glamour. 

​But there’s another side to it that people don’t always notice. 

One of the most famous parts of Carnival is the samba school parade. Even though they are called “schools,” they are actually community groups, often originating from poorer areas, such as favelas. These communities spend months, sometimes the entire year, preparing for their performance. They create costumes, build massive floats, write songs, and rehearse endlessly. It’s not just fun, it’s hard work and serious dedication. 

What’s interesting is that the same people creating these incredible shows are often dealing with financial struggles in their everyday lives. On TV, everything looks expensive and perfect, but behind the scenes, resources can be limited. This creates a strong contrast between the image of luxury and the reality of many participants. 

At the same time, Carnival is not just about money or appearance. For many communities, it serves as a means to express identity, culture, and pride. Samba schools often choose themes that talk about history, politics, or social issues. In that way, Carnival becomes a space where people can tell their stories and be heard. 

Tourism is also a big part of Carnival. People from all over the world come to Brazil to experience it, and the event generates a lot of money. But it raises an important question. Who actually benefits the most from all of this? While businesses and the tourism industry grow, the communities behind the performances don’t always receive the same level of reward. 
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Carnival is still an amazing and powerful celebration. But when you look a little closer, you start to see that it’s more than just a party. It reflects both the beauty of Brazilian culture and the inequalities that are still part of everyday life. 

To most people, Brazil’s Carnaval is a celebration of music, color, and joy. However, behind the spectacle lies a highly structured and competitive system, where samba schools invest millions in order to compete, not only for artistic expression and cultural pride, but also for significant financial returns. In reality, Carnaval has evolved into a powerful economic industry. 

​This year, the scale of Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro highlights just how structured and competitive the event truly is. The Special Group, the highest division of samba schools, consists of 12 schools that perform over three consecutive nights at the Marquês de Sapucaí. Each school presents a carefully planned parade that is evaluated by judges across multiple criteria, including costumes, floats, choreography, and thematic coherence. These performances are not improvised displays of celebration, but the result of months of preparation, coordination, and strategic planning. Revealing how the spectacle of Carnaval relies not only on creativity, but also on structured planning and coordinated effort. 

The economic significance of Carnaval is further reflected in the scale of public investment and funding that supports it. In 2026, the Special Group alone received approximately R$ 77.8 million, contributing to a total of around R$ 123.6 million in public funding directed toward samba schools. Each school in the top division was given around R$ 2.15 million, with additional financial support from federal and state governments as well as private sponsors. These substantial investments demonstrate that Carnaval extends beyond cultural celebration, relying on complex financial structures to sustain its scale and impact. 

Despite the scale of funding, participating in Carnaval remains a costly and risky pursuit for samba schools. Parades in the Special Group require investments of millions, covering elaborate costumes, large-scale floats, and teams of designers, choreographers, and performers. However, financial returns are not guaranteed. Only the top six schools receive a share of the prize-related revenue, while those that rank lower gain significantly less. For the school that finishes last, the consequences are even more severe, as it faces relegation to a lower division and loses access to the financial advantages of the elite group. This demonstrates that the Brazilian Carnaval involves high financial risk, where outcomes have direct and meaningful consequences. 

Ultimately, Carnaval is not only an artistic expression, but it is an industry driven by investment, competition, and financial return. While it continues to represent Brazilian culture and identity, the scale of money involved demonstrates that this celebration in Brazil has become a complex economic activity in which success is measured by recognition and by financial outcomes. 

On 16 January 2026, a trade and partnership agreement was finally signed between the European Union and Mercosur, marking the culmination of 25 years of diplomatic relations that led to the signature. This agreement is a free trade treaty between members of the EU and members of Mercosur, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, including measures such as the gradual elimination of all tariffs between the nations involved and the prohibition of imitating certain European products. Consequently, a boost in the export of South American commodities and European industrial goods, as well as a diversification of trade following tensions with the USA and China, are expected consequences of the new partnership for both sides. However, there is strong opposition to this, which leaves the question: Is this the next step toward globalist prosperity or failure?

Supporters of the agreement argue that it represents one of the largest free-trade zones ever established, linking a market of over 700 million people. European manufacturers will gain greater access to South American markets for cars, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and technology, while Mercosur countries are expected to expand exports of agricultural products such as beef, soy, sugar, and coffee. For developing economies in South America, this could mean increased investment, job creation, and stronger economic integration with one of the world’s most advanced economic blocs.

Advocates also claim that the agreement arrives at a crucial geopolitical moment. As global trade becomes increasingly influenced by tensions between major powers, partnerships such as EU–Mercosur offer countries an opportunity to diversify their economic relationships. In theory, this reduces dependency on dominant economies and strengthens the stability of global supply chains.

Yet critics view the agreement far less optimistically. European farmers and agricultural unions have voiced strong concerns that cheaper South American imports could undermine local agriculture and rural livelihoods. Environmental groups are equally sceptical, arguing that expanding agricultural exports may accelerate deforestation in sensitive ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest. Several European governments have already faced internal political pressure to reconsider aspects of the treaty due to these environmental concerns.

On the Mercosur side, some economists warn that the agreement could reinforce an old economic pattern: South America exporting raw materials while importing higher-value industrial goods from Europe. If this imbalance persists, critics argue, the region may struggle to develop its own advanced industries, remaining dependent on commodity exports vulnerable to global price fluctuations.

Ultimately, the EU–Mercosur agreement reflects a broader debate about globalisation itself. Supporters see it as a pathway to prosperity, economic cooperation, and mutual development. Opponents fear it could intensify environmental damage, economic inequality, and dependence between regions. Whether the agreement becomes a milestone of international cooperation or a controversial experiment will depend largely on how it is implemented. Policies protecting the environment, supporting domestic industries, and ensuring fair competition will play a decisive role in determining its outcome. For now, the EU–Mercosur partnership stands as a bold but uncertain step in the evolving landscape of global trade.