Derived from African, Indian and Portuguese influences that mingled in colonial times, the Bumba Meu Boi event revolves around the story of the ox’s death and resurrection.
Photo © iStock/OSTILL
Location
São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.
Dates
Late June to the second week of August.
Description
The second week in August is your last chance to catch this wild, folkloric festival. Derived from African, Indian and Portuguese influences that mingled in colonial times, the event revolves around the story of the ox’s death and resurrection. Accompanied by much heckling, a stream of street performers, many dressed as oxen or mythological creatures, tell the tale through song, dance, theatre and capoeira. Every year, hundreds of troupes improvise new ditties, dances, costumes and poems.
A satire of plantation slave masters, the story begins with a pregnancy craving. Desperate to eat the tongue of the best boi (ox) on the farm, Catrina persuades her husband, Chico, to kill the animal. When the deed is discovered, several characters track down the hapless Chico, who is brought to trial and sentenced to death. Caricatures from all levels of society take part in the hunt. In a denouement worthy of Shakespeare, the ox is magically resuscitated and the farmowner is forced to pardon the people’s hero, who is reunited with his love.
Luckily, a chamador (caller) is on hand to introduce the many characters. The story takes various forms throughout northeast Brazil, where performers start rehearsing, often publicly, as early as Easter.
Level of Participation
3 – heckle the farmer.
Other Local Attractions
State capital São Luís’ historic centre is an enchanting neighbourhood of cobbled streets and pastel colonial piles.
More Info: Visit the São Luís tourist office website.
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