Carnival
From the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro to the spirited parades of Barranquilla, Colombia, Carnival is a testament to the power of music, dance and extravagant costumes, and comes together in a dazzling display of creativity and celebration.
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This year, Billboard Español presents a curated playlist that bridges the past with the present, featuring a dynamic mix of artists who capture the spirit of Carnival, from the legendary sounds of Celia Cruz with her timeless “La Vida es un Carnaval” to the invigorating rhythms of Brazilian powerhouse Anitta alongside DENNIS and Pedro Sampaio in “Joga Pra Lua,” and the energetic MPB rhythms of Ludmilla and Ivete Sangalo’s “Macetando.”
Adding to the mix, Colombian superstar Maluma’s aptly titled “Carnaval” and Cuban Latin Collection’s “Salsa Soca,” this collection of 22 songs pays homage to the artists who have helped shape the festival’s soundscape.
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Originating from ancient traditions that predate the arrival of Europeans to the Americas, Carnival has evolved over the centuries, blending European, African and indigenous cultures into a vibrant celebration that traditionally precedes Lent, a time of indulgence before the fasting period in the Christian calendar.
In Brazil, Carnival is synonymous with its samba schools’ parades, showcasing an array of dance, music, and elaborate costumes. Meanwhile, the Caribbean offers its own unique flavor, from Trinidad and Tobago’s calypso and soca festivities to Cuba’s vibrant comparsas, with Colombia’s Barranquilla adding its own electrifying twist.
More than just a party, Carnival stands as a beacon of cultural resistance, identity, and community spirit, inviting everyone to partake in its joyous revelry.
So turn up the volume and let the rhythms transport you to the lively streets of Latin America and the Caribbean, with the rhythms of Anitta, Ludmilla, Carlos Vives, Celia Cruz, Bomba Estéreo and many more to soundtrack your way.
One thing about Nicki Minaj, she’s the baddest alive. She proved her “Super Freaky Girl” lyrics true when she rolled up to the 2023 Carnival in her home island of Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday (Feb. 21).
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In a series of photos posted to Instagram, the “Do We Have a Problem?” rapper wore a curve-hugging purple body suit styled by DiAndre Tristan, complete with beading down the chest in classic Mardi Gras colors. She added to her look with a beaded headpiece, fishnet tights, white sneakers and a huge pair of feathered wings. “Thank you to TRIBE for this gorgeous costume,” she captioned her colorful, celebratory Instagram post.
Last week, Minaj teamed up with Machel Montano and Destra for a remix of their single, “Shake the Place,” in which she reflected on her Caribbean roots. “Trinidad my country, the greatest carnival of all time,” she raps. “I’m reppin’ that red, that white, that black / I’m reppin’ my real flag,” she raps on the track.
“If you f$&@ with ISLAND GIRLS rep your flag for me in the comments. Trinidad CARNIVAL is about to #ShakeThePlace shake up di whole place,” she captioned an Instagram post revealing the remix on Feb. 18.
She followed up by showing off her other stunning looks while spending time down in Trinidad and Tobago, including one in which she’s rocking a tight pink corset with matching knee high boots, denim shorts, long wavy red hair and a blinged-out chain that says “Queen,” of course. See it here.
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