Football and carnival seem to be made for each other. Both are mass, emotional, noisy, with elements of theater and ritual. In some cultures, they have merged into a unique phenomenon: the "football carnival." Brazil, of course, is the main example. But not the only one. In this text, we will immerse ourselves in an atmosphere where dribbling is like a dance, and goals are celebrated like fireworks. Brazil: football as samba In Brazil, football and carnival are two sides of the same soul. Players like Pele, Garincha, Ronaldinho, Neymar did not just score goals; they danced. Their dribbles are the movement of carnival schools. Even Neymar's sending-off for simulation in a match is sometimes called "a dance." Brazilian fans bring drums, flutes, flags to the stadiums. Fan sectors in Rio, Salvador, Belo Horizonte are a carnival crowd. And the carnival in Rio often includes football themes: samba schools choose the theme "Football and Passion," marching to the sound of football marches. Opening of the World Cup as a carnival The opening ceremonies of the World Cup have long turned into mini-carnivals. Remember the opening of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil: dances, music, colorful costumes, fireworks. The 2010 World Cup in South Africa — African drums and vuvuzelas. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar — an eastern show. Organizers strive to create a celebration that will be remembered more than the first match. For Brazil, this is especially natural: there, the carnival is part of the identity. Football carnivals in Europe Not only Brazil. There are also football carnivals in Europe. For example, in Germany, "Fan Fests" with carnival parades are held before the start of the season. In England, fans dress up in historical costumes for the FA Cup final. In Italy, in Naples, the victory of Napoli is celebrated as a carnival: streets in red and blue, music, fireworks. In Spain, in Barcelona, the victory of the club in the championship turns into a multi-day carnival with foun ... Read more