CARNIVAL IN RIO

PRIOR TO 1840 ,THE STREETS OF BRAZULIAN TOWNS RAN RIOT DURING THE THREE-DAY PERIOD LEADING UP TO ASH WEDNESDAY WITH PEOPLE IN MASKS HURLING STINK BOMBS AND SQUIRTING EACH OTHER WITH FLOUR AND STRONG-SMELLING LIQUIDS, ; EVEN ARSON WAS A FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT IN 1840, THE ITALIAN WIFE OF A RIO DE JANEIRO HOTEL OWNER CHANGED THE CARNIVAL CELEBRATION FOREVER BY SENDING OUT INVITATIONS, HIRING MUSISIANS, IMPORTING STREAMERS AND CONFETTI, AND GIVEN A LAVISH MASKED BALL.IN A FEW YEARS THE MASKED BALL BECAME THE FASHION AND THE WILD PRANKS PLAYED ON THE STREETS DISAPPEARED