Curl power, Girl power at Brazilian Carnival street party

Hundreds of women are using Brazil’s Carnival season to flaunt their curls in a party-time promotion of black pride. At Sunday’s party, women held signs that read “Powerful and Curly-Haired” and chanted a song written for the party: “If your hair is frizzy, no need to cry/ Join the curly-haired group/ and let’s kick back.” Some straight-haired revelers donned Afro wigs to join the group, playing tambourines and drums to a samba beat.

We are telling women that they can leave their hair the way it naturally is, and feel confident and pretty, without denying their identity.

Leila Velez, one of the parade’s organizers.

The curl-power celebration in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday was one of hundreds of street parties that are kicking off in the run-up to Carnival, which starts on Friday. Some have social themes, but for many the basic message is just: “Dance.”

Curls can mean power. It’s not only about hair, it’s who we are.

Samara Vieira, partygoer.

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