Bumba Meu Boi

Written by United Planet Team Member, Alyssa

Taken by Flickr user Claudio Zeiger

The festival of Bumba Meu Boi in the city of Sao Luis in Maranhao, Brazil lasts from late June until the second week of August. A fusion of African, Indian, and Portuguese cultures, the event revolves around the story of the ox’s death and resurrection. Performers flock to the streets dressed as oxen and mythological creatures to tell the story through song, dance, and capoeira (an art form native to Brazil combining martial arts, song and dance).

The story begins with a rich farmer who gives his favorite ox, or boi, to his daughter as a present. A trusted farm hand is given the responsibility to watch over the ox and protect it. One day, the farm hand’s pregnant wife has a craving to eat the tongue of this prized ox. She convinces her husband to kill the ox for her, but when his actions are discovered he is brought to trial and sentenced to death. Before the husband’s execution date, the ox is magically resuscitated; the farmer is then pardoned for his crime and reunited with his love.

Taken by Flickr user Claudio Zeiger

In northeast Brazil people begin rehearsing as early as Easter for this magical festival. Local schools compete for the year’s best presentation; the prize: a year’s worth of bragging rights. The area’s many parades and events draw thousands of people to the festival each year to celebrate Brazil’s diverse cultural influences.