Samba-Enredo 2017 - A Divina Comédia do Carnaval

The song 'A Divina Comédia do Carnaval' by G.R.E.S. Acadêmicos do Salgueiro is a vibrant celebration of the Brazilian Carnival, blending elements of joy, passion, and cultural heritage. The lyrics invite listeners to immerse themselves in the exuberance of Carnival, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, and life itself becomes a dance. The imagery of the 'baiana' spinning and turning the sky into a 'terreiro' (a sacred space for Afro-Brazilian religious practices) symbolizes the spiritual and cultural fusion that defines Carnival.

The song emphasizes the transformative power of Carnival, urging people to 'carnivalize' their lives. This concept suggests that life should be lived with the same intensity, joy, and freedom that characterize the Carnival season. The repeated phrase 'Só entende quem é Salgueiro' (Only those who are Salgueiro understand) highlights the deep connection and pride that members of the Salgueiro samba school feel towards their community and traditions. This sense of belonging and shared passion is a central theme, reflecting the communal spirit of Carnival.

The lyrics also explore themes of love, desire, and liberation. The poet describes himself as a 'delirious poet' and 'devotee of infernal happiness,' embracing the hedonistic pleasures of Carnival. The references to 'saciar o meu desejo' (satisfy my desire) and 'me embriagar' (get drunk) convey a sense of surrender to the moment, where rationality is cast aside in favor of pure, unrestrained emotion. The song's celebration of 'profane liberty' and 'infernal happiness' underscores the idea that Carnival is a time to break free from societal norms and indulge in the pleasures of life.

The spiritual dimension of the song is also significant, with references to purification, paradise, and sacred talents. The mention of 'Orum' (a term from Yoruba religion referring to the spiritual realm) and the call to 'toca batuqueiro, dobre o rum' (play, drummer, double the rhythm) highlight the Afro-Brazilian roots of Carnival and its connection to ancestral traditions. This blend of the sacred and the profane, the spiritual and the earthly, is a hallmark of Brazilian Carnival, making it a unique and deeply meaningful cultural event.