“The Carnival, the Carnival,” shouted Domingo one morning. “This is the first day of the Carnival.”
Then he ran to find Marikena. “Look, Sister,” he cried, “I am a clown this year. What are you?”
“I am a fairy,” she replied. “See my cap and wand. And here is a bag full of sugarplums and sweetmeats. I can hang the bag over my shoulder.”
“See these big pockets,” said her brother. “They are bigger than a bag and they are just full of goodies. I like to be a clown, because I can have such big pockets. Take that!” and he threw a handful of sugarplums into her lap.
Just then there was a clapping of hands at the door and the children ran to the balcony.
In Brazil the Carnival is held on the three days before Lent, and every one has a holiday. The cities are beautifully decorated, and men, women and children wear odd costumes and masks.
Some of them are dressed to look like monkeys, some like parrots, and some like clowns. Some wear gay dresses and funny masks, and others wear ugly skins of animals and hideous masks.
The children often carry wreaths and garlands of flowers; and there is always music and feasting and dancing in the streets.