>Hello dear Xará,
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>>On last Friday I was talking to a co-worker and I just said: "Dude, do you know what makes me even happier of being in Houston right now? It's because I'm REALLY distant from Brazilian's Carnival." :)
>>
>>Serious, I'm one member of that small group of people who hates Carnival. :)
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>You are not alone.. Believe me, there is thousand and thousand of people faithful on yours causes.. :)
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>Always when beginning carnival, I say: This year we will enjoy carnival for at least 15 miles of distance (and every year we increase one mile).. :)
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>But, as I sad to Hilmar: Carnival is very important for the social/cultural integration of different people.. Our society has many/many different cultures living in complete peace..
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>Claudio, I have some experience to live far from Brazil and believe me.. Some day you will miss all that: "Crazy wild thing" ..Unbelievable, but truth ..Just tell me, when you be ready.. ok ? :)
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>BTW, how great, is to see you, growing in the profession.. you are a great guy/professional and deserves a lot of success..
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>Claudio

Claudio;

I have read a lot about Brazil and know many people from your country. Everyone I have met from Brazil is a person with a positive attitude as well as a good friend. One explanation I have heard about why Carnival is so important in Brazil has to do with the economy and social status of the people.

There are many poor people in Brazil and they look forward to Carnival the entire year as a means of expression and joy. Much effort is put into participating in Carnival by those involved. Entire families, clubs, neighborhoods and communities participate and try to out do each other and what they have done in the past.

Carnival seems to be a source of relief of tension by many in Brazil. It may help in a small way to hold the social fabric of the country and its people together. Brazil is so often cited as a country of peaceful people even though there are many problems with the economy.

Tom