In 2007, Brazil’s annual carnival played host to an unusual type of science communication in the form of samba parades and puppets. Ildeu Moreira, head of the science communication unit at the Ministry of Science and Technology said science themes had been an increasing part of Brazil’s carnival for decades. “Since science has become more and more a part of everyday life for the people, it has also penetrated the universe of popular artists”, said Moreira. This year, the samba-school Rosas de Ouro gave the São Paulo carnival parade a scientific flavour, weaving a story about the evolution of life, from microscopic organisms to space exploration. Religious and scientific beliefs were included in the narrative, which depicted both creationism and the big bang, and drew attention to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. Metamorphosis was the main theme for the Vila Isabel samba school in Rio de Janeiro. They presented a story with “scientific, historical and cultural content” inspired by the “constant transformations” in our lives, according to the school’s website.
Internet: <www.scidev.net> (adapted).
