Once a year, when the great Rio De Janeiro carnival takes place, the coastal town Paraty which is located 250 km south west to Rio, holds a unique carnival.
In Paraty's Mud Carnival - (Portuguese: Bloco da lama) the costumes that its participants wear is black sticky mud which is smeared on their bodies.
The carnival preserves the ancient local tradition when the Indians smeared their bodies with black mud for medical reasons, and held ritual ceremonies in order to bring cure to the ill.
In contrary to Rio carnival where the participants wear marvelous colored costumes, in Paraty carnival the fiesta is based mostly on the simplicity of the junction between men and nature.
The events starts in the abounding mud shallow water of the Paraty's lagoon were the participants roll in the water and throw mud on each other in humorous and joy mood.
Due to the numerous visitors during the festival days and the high demand for accommodations it is recommended to check hotel rates and book rooms well in advance.
Mass happening and live music shows are held on the place.
In the afternoon, a parade is held with all the covered with mud participants. Some of them carry cow skull on their heads in addition to diverse decorations supplements.
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