So, this blog is a little late to the party- but it took me a while to think about how I wanted to talk about this strange juxtaposition that is carnevale.
I say juxtaposition because of the strange human twist leading up to a religious holiday. Humans feel the need to follow the tradition of lent in order to honor Jesus, but, of course, not without the inevitable binging on sins for months before.
It is historically known that humans continually fall short (typical Christian lingo), but WOW- carnevale season is like a slap in the face to God. This need to binge on sins so we won’t miss them too much when they're gone- its disheartening. The worst part is that most of us don’t make it past the week hump. And even then, most people are just here for the party. Which is fine by the way- I am one of those people. Love me a good party. But it is a bit convicting- especially experiencing this season while in a Catholic nation.
Just another example of human’s crucial need for Jesus, I suppose.
The festival itself is very similar in the sense that it poses a strange ‘church and state’ feel. Throughout the festival, I noticed how the floats were not of the typical things that humans focus their binging on. Instead, it was more of a power move by different groups in order to bring a light to inconsistencies within our world today. Instead of floats with the classic 'bible-shaming' sins, they chose to use this festival to give serious topics in our world today a humorous innuendo. As the day passed and I observed more floats with more symbols of societal damage, I thought to myself…
“what geniuses.”
I mean, its brilliant. What better way to bring these topics into the public's knowledge in a seemingly positive atmosphere, to all ages, pointing out the severity of problems that are so often overlooked or forgotten?
Big floats. Music. Booze. Cotton candy. Confetti.
These people created a platform in order to prompt people to look up and pay attention.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good, let’s say, heated discussion about climate change, feminism, and social injustice. Yet, even with having a strong passion for these issues, I was convicted throughout the entire day about my involvement (or lack thereof) in presenting these issues to a larger audience than the occasional bumping-into-the-topic group of people.
This self-awareness moment sucked. And not because in some way I feel wronged by injustices myself, but from the realization that by not bringing these issues up, other individuals will continue to suffer from them. We have become so obsessed with this idea of 'black or white' and 'right or wrong' that we forget that life is lived within the colors and mindfulness that this world allows us to be a part of. This is the whole idea of this festival. It attracts people with exactly what they want to binge on, but then it turns around and gives attention to the exact people groups and issues that Jesus asks us to care about in the first place. The main point is not to look at crazy politicians or the wealthy, but the poor, hurting, and unfairly treated. Everything given with a tinge of humor… absolute genius.
So it goes: let’s take a moment to self-reflect and be aware of the opportunities we have to bring attention to the things in this world that matter. Not just for ourselves, but to future generations so that they are able to enjoy all the colors and openness this world has to offer.
<3 Amanda
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