Learn English with the News: “Brazil Carnival!”

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1. Read the text
2. Understand the vocabulary
3. Watch the video

Text

The sound of samba is in the air as Brazil’s Carnival celebration continues. Rio de Janiero’s Sambadrome is filled with some seventy-thousand people – including actor Will Smith – all here to take in the vibrant parade.

Kicking things off is the Inocentes de Belford Roxo samba school. As they shake their way into the stadium, dancers Keila dos Santos and Giane da Silva Pereira can’t contain their excitement.

– I’m very happy; I’ve got samba in my feet. At 47 years of age, I am a mulatto full of life.

– It’s the best feeling in the world. I learned how to dance with my grandmother and now I’m here.

Each samba school has an hour and twenty minutes to parade the 500-foot long Sambadrome. This party goes well into the night – and it won’t stop here. Millions of people are expected to take part in hundreds of street parties across the city in the days to come.

Vocabulary

Vibrant – having or showing great life, activity, and energy.

Parade – a public celebration of a special day or event that usually includes many people and groups moving down a street by marching or riding in cars or on special vehicles.

Kick off – the start of something.

Contain – to keep (a feeling or yourself) under control.

Expected – to think that something will probably or certainly happen.

Video