If "pure magic" were an actual country. :stressed:
The world famous Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is just wrapping up this week and there's some awesome news!
Rio carnival: Tribute to Afro-Brazilian god wins title
A samba group which highlighted prejudices against Afro-Brazilian religions has been crowned as the champion of this year's hotly-contested carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro.
The Grande Rio Samba School won its first title with a song, costume and floats that paid tribute to Exú, a god revered by many African cultures.
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Exú is a benevolent spirit who serves as a messenger between Heaven and Earth
(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/CE68/production/_124304825_gettyimages-1240196497.jpg)
Afro-Brazilian religions have come under attack from Evangelical Churches, which mistakenly label Afro-Brazilian deities as demons.
Grande Rio, which is based in the poor neighbourhood of Duque de Caixas, said it wanted to show a more positive side of Afro-Brazilian religions.
Dancers wore elaborate headdresses
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Some dressed in white robes, the colour worn by followers of the Candomblé and Umbanda faiths
(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/6E5A/production/_124305282_gettyimages-1240196346.jpg)
"We conceived our parade as a defence of our beliefs against religious racism and the demonisation of Exú," Grande Rio's creative director said.
Their costumes were adorned with feathers and masks
(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/154D2/production/_124305278_50d9678c-54b1-4612-a10e-a10b219e5e68.jpg)
Beads also featured prominently
(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/203A/production/_124305280_12e9efb5-b8a9-4ecd-9e25-b29d3ba4a7d3.jpg)
Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv7mAi-SxdI