Unexpectedly, one of my friends treated me to a night out–Carnaval 2016: Texas! A Horse Opera. As soon as we approached the front door to the venue, I saw my “cousin” and former capoeira teacher.
Fortunately, a third of my closet is dedicated to costumes. We both went as the entrepreneurial women from “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”
For once, I was fully able to enjoy the samba school performance since I wasn’t working security as part of the capoeira group I used to train with.
So, I danced samba to my heart’s content, recognizing the breaks, the rhythms and some of the footwork.
At some point, an inebriated woman took me by the wrist and led me to the first inner samba circle.
The music and choreography blurred by wonderfully.
I was so happy to see familiar faces.
Another big draw to attending carnaval was to appreciate other people’s costumes.
The sheer imagination just blew me away.
Then again, since the theme did have the word “Texas” in it, some revelers didn’t have to work too hard on their costuming.
We came across another capoeira teacher, wearing his usual carnaval attire.
This magnificent headpiece was designed from a lampshade.
Through the throng of people, another friend managed to find us.
Of course, I had to text him a picture of what we looked like.
Here was another capoeirista, who drove up from Houston, just to be a part of the celebration.
Not quite sure how this costume fit the theme, but I’m so glad she wore it.
This guy, wearing the horse-head thong, definitely won the unofficial bare bottom contest. All the other virtually bottomless guys needed to find their pants.
Another carnaval highlight was watching our group play capoeira. Not too many joined the roda, but I enjoyed seeing them play.
During a lull in the game, I convinced my friend to play. We were the only costumed capoeiristas.
I’d seen these jackalopes from across the way earlier in the night. I’m so happy they migrated closer by the end of the night. So many terrific costumes. It was like Halloween again.
