Partying may be an art in Brazil. But it’s not a science.

3-3-06
By Sam DeLeo

Partying may be an art in Brazil. But it’s not a science. There are no probability studies done on the number of people that can fit on a Carnival float without tipping it over. There are no mathematical equations determining the least amount of clothing a samba dancer can wear without being considered nude. Things just don’t roll that way.

So when I asked Sandra Marino Mayer, coordinator of tonight’s “Brasilian Carnival” party at Walnut Foundry, why the event was scheduled after Fat Tuesday, she was hardly concerned. “Carnival, it’s a month-long party,” she said brightly in a Portuguese accent. In other words, what matters isn’t when the party happens, but what kind of time you have there.


Tonight’s party promises to be an extravaganza, with many in Denver’s Brazilian community attending and a total of over 500 revelers expected, according to Mayer, who also coordinates other Brazilian events in the Denver area throughout the year. A host of dancers will be performing throughout the evening, including the Samballistic Dance Group, the 2005 Champion Brazilian Ballroom Dancers, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and Rosana Liberata, “Godmother” of the 2005 Champion Brazilian Samba School. Groupo Capoeira Brazil will also combine dance and martial arts in a capoeira performance. And samba group Sambadende will provide the music to keep guests moving, too, offering a variety of Afro-Brazilian traditional styles. “We’ll be dancing all night,” said Mayer, “I mean, come on, it’s a Brazilian party.”

Considering that schools are closed and Brazilians take the whole week off from work during Carnival, there should be than enough energy in the room to dance one night away in Denver — but if not, the free servings of cachaca will help. Cachaca is the sugarcane liquor used in a caipirinha, loosely considered the national drink of Brazil. All cachaca drinks will be complimentary, courtesy of event sponsor Boca Loca. “We will be promoting Boca Loca but this is a non-profit event,” said Mayer. “Any money leftover is going to be donated to a children’s cancer institute in Brazil.” In addition to complimentary drinks, free appetizers will be provided by Rodizio Grill from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event itself runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Walnut Foundry (303-394-3672) is located a 3002 Walnut St. (Market St. turns into Walnut as you head away from LoDo). For information, visit drinkbocaloca.com. Tickets are $35 if ordered in advance and $50 at the door.

While Rodizio Grill will be providing assorted appetizers at Brasilian Carnival, you have to visit the restaurant on 18th and Wynkoop to get to the meat of the matter. Right now, they’re in the middle of their Wild Game Meats promotion, offering rattlesnake sausage, wild boar, elk and buffalo. “That’s in addition to our usual selection of 16 kinds of meat,” said manager Federico Martinez. Rodizio also boasts a 30-item salad bar if you prefer leafier fare. Both dinner and lunches are all-you-can-eat endeavors at Rodizio, so bring an appetite. “One day a guy come in for lunch at noon and ate on and off until 8 p.m.,” said Martinez. That’s what you call Carnival dining.