Possibly one of the most remote festivals on the planet, Boi Bamba takes place in the city of Parintins in the northern Brazilian state of Amazonas. Surrounded by miles and miles of rainforest on all sides, the isolated location is key to making the festival special. The remote location (370km east from Manaus) gives this festival a community feel as the thousands of party goers become familiar with each other as the festival wears on.
As one might expect of a Brazilian festival, the Boi Bamba is a riot of colour, music, dancing and drinking. Three days is a long time to party with Brazilians – so pace yourselves.
The main event takes place in a purpose built arena. The festival was founded around the story of one Pai Francisco and his family’s theft of a prize bull from a wealthy landowner. As one would expect, a life-sized re-enactment of the story would not do, and, as ever, the cunning thievery is replayed using huge floats of dazzling creature creations and dancing troupes all moving to hypnotic beats.
Boi Bumba next occurs on 28th, 29th and 30th of June 2010.