Pirates, superheroes, clowns, dancers, pierrots and columbines invaded Bahia Marina in the first children’s Carnaval matinee. The free event preceded the traditional programming of Salvador’s Carnaval, bringing together more than a thousand people, including children and adults, on Saturday February 9. In a green area overlooking the ocean, children of all ages including babies attending for the first time, came together in costumes to play, dance and have fun to the sound of traditional “marchas de carnaval” and new pop songs.
The party started punctually at 10am with masks workshops, where art professionals guided the kids on how to create their own props, letting creativity run wild. The matinee continued with a parade of costumes, dance contest, make-up, soap bubbles and lots of pranks that entertained the little ones for almost three hours.
Rosana Santana, mother of 18-month old Bernardo, said that this was the first of her son’s Carnaval, which he enjoyed very much. “The event surprised me. I did not think they would have so many people and that it would be so exciting. A party for all ages, with good music and a safe space for the kids. May there be others!”
The closing of the party was led by the band Espaço Musical, a group led by Gabriel Macedo, with Caroline de Jesus and band, an invitation to the little ones and adults dance together, reliving some of past famous songs and of course, the new hit songs that do not come out of the repertoire of both parents and children.
Covered by confetti and serpentine, the little party-goers were also fascinated by the Mamulengos – traditional giant dolls that play an extra role in the children’s imagination.
“It was great to get so many children together in one space and provide a moment of joy to so many families. We always want to get closer and feel comfortable and live positive experiences here in Bahia Marina,” concludes Leilane Loureiro, director of Bahia Marina.
The event had a food court selling crepe, beiju, popcorn, acarajé, ice cream, sweets and delicacies, water and craft beer.
