Unfortunately I am missing carnival this year but thanks to the magic of the internet – and the enthusiasm and skill of maracatuzeiros at documenting their own activities – it hasn’t been too difficult to accompany the festivities from afar.  Here are a few pre-carnival ensaios captured by Raphael Ribeiro

This rehearsal took place on the same street corner as always but with the addition of that weird white sheet as a backdrop, an innovation of Mestre Bi.  I don’t know if I’m down with this break in tradition, Bi – it’s called pé de parede, not pé de lençol!