The right of marching as a baiana is something you earn, not buy. Every school has to bring a ala with women from the community in colonial inspired dresses. There is another ala with young baianas.

Food is often present in the runways, be it on trays, shoulder or head pieces. Sometimes designers really overdo it, and it makes us wonder how these women manage to keep their balance. It comes from years of practice carrying cans of water up the hills, before running water was available at popular communities.

The traditional color is white, but carnavalescos (parade designers) have the liberty of choosing any color they want. They must be wearing round skirts, and the choreography includes spinning. Rodar a baiana (spin the Baiana) is a funny expression used by Cariocas, meaning someone like have a fit. Baianas inspire a lot of respect, and once they start spinning you'd better get out of the way...

In addition to the traditional skirt, baianas always have a beautiful head piece to match. Obviously they are not very comfortable to wear. Experienced baianas carry it on their hands, until it's time to hit the runway. If you lose a head piece or other accessory in the middle of the parade, your school may be penalized.

Please click on picture to enlarge it.

Please click on picture to enlarge it.