Far from the glitz and glamour of Rio de Janeiro’s famous Sambadrome parades, people in this northeast Brazilian town put a frown on their Carnival celebration.
Triunfo’s “Caretas” revelers take to the streets in colorful hand-made costumes that feature huge hats, long whips — and scowling masks.
The festivity dates back almost a century. Residents in this small town say it began after two men were forbidden to take part in a folklore celebration due to their drunken behavior. As retaliation, the pair roamed the streets wearing masks painted with sour expressions.
Every Carnival since then, “Caretas” groups parade through Triunfo wearing their dour masks and cracking whips.
“Caretas” performers sit next to an elderly woman during Carnival celebrations in Triunfo, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. Revelers take to the streets in hand-made costumes that feature huge hats, long whips and scowling masks. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
A “Careta” performer poses for a photo during Carnival in Triunfo, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. Far from the glitz and glamour of Rio de Janeiro’s famous Sambadrome parades, people in this northeast Brazilian town put a frown on their Carnival celebration. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
A “Careta” performs in the street during Carnival in Triunfo, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. Far from the glitz and glamour of Rio de Janeiro’s famous Sambadrome parades, people in this northeast Brazilian town put a frown on their Carnival celebration. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
A young “Careta” makes his way to a parade during Carnival in Triunfo, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. Wearing frowning masks, Caretas Carnival revelers make their own costumes, featuring huge hats and long whips. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
A resident watches from her home a “Careta” parading through the streets of Triunfo, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. The traditional festivity dates back almost a century. Residents say it was created in this small town by two men who weren’t allowed to take part in a folk celebration because they were drunk. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
“Caretas” performers put on their hand-made costumes before parading at Carnival festivities in Triunfo, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. This town’s carnival is far from the glitz and glamour of Rio de Janeiro’s famous Sambadrome parades. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
Young “Caretas” in costume wait for the start of their Carnival parade in Triunfo, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. “Caretas” groups parade through town wearing their dour masks and cracking whips. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
A group of “Caretas” walk together before parading at Carnival celebrations in Triunfo, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. Residents in this small town say the tradition began after two men were forbidden to take part in a folk celebration due to their drunken behavior. As retaliation, the pair roamed the streets wearing masks painted with sour expressions. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
A “Careta” poses for a portrait holding his whip during Carnival in Triunfo, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. Far from the glitz and glamour of Rio de Janeiro’s famous Sambadrome parades, people in this northeast Brazilian town put a frown on their Carnival celebration. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
“Caretas” put on their hand-made costumes before parading in Triunfo, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. The Carnival festivity, far from the glitz and glamour of Rio de Janeiro’s famous Sambadrome parades, dates back almost a century. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
A “Careta” cracks his whip during Carnival celebrations in Triunfo, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. Residents in this small town say the Careta tradition began after two men were forbidden to take part in a folk celebration due to their drunken behavior. As retaliation, the pair roamed the streets wearing masks painted with sour expressions. Every Carnival since then, “Caretas’ groups parade through Triunfo wearing their dour masks and cracking whips. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
A “Careta” embraces a reveler during Carnival in Triunfo, Brazil, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. Residents in this small town say the Careta tradition began after two men were forbidden to take part in a folk celebration due to their drunken behavior. As retaliation, the pair roamed the streets wearing masks painted with sour expressions. Every Carnival since then, “Caretas’ groups parade through Triunfo wearing their dour masks and cracking whips. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
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