Turner (1982:206) refers to communitas celebrations as, “a transient condition because it does not fit into the orderly sequential operation of day to day society. Rather, it tends to ignore, reverse, cut across, or occur outside ‘obligatory' or ‘necessary' structural relationships.” This concept is quite appropriate when looking at the celebration of Carnaval. Carnaval provides the people of Brazil , more specifically Rio de Janeiro , with the opportunity to put social and political issues aside and experience a sense of belonging and unity, while celebrating their cultural heritage. In a sense Caranval is a secular ritual in which the region comes together each year, as a community, to achieve a common goal.

  One way the people experience communitas is through symbolic role reversal. As Piers Armstrong (1999: 183) puts it, “sociopolitical role reversal, whereby for a few days the rich retire and the poor take over the city, reconfirming the social contract and verifying its ultimate equity”. Since the nation is economically dominated by the Euro-Brazilians, Carnaval allows the Afro-Brazilians to “take over the city” with their cultural arts of music and dance. They also dress up and take on different personas, which allow them to fantasize of a separate life from their own. During Carnaval the upper class is forced to take a step back and think about their nation as a whole. The rest of the year is overshadowed by poverty and hardship, and the four days of Carnaval enable the people to feel a sense of meaning and purpose to their nation. Armstrong (1999:187) also states, “The carnival abolishes momentarily the rigid hierarchical order, replacing it with a situation where all are equal, and introduces a unique moment of free social competition where talent is rewarded”. Although the lower class may not be able to compete with the upper class economically, they can defiantly compete with them in the aspect of art. This is the only time of the year when the lower class is able to feel a sense of superiority over the upper class. Competition through art can also help eliminate violence between the different social classes. Thus reinforcing the idea of equality and community throughout the region.

  The celebration of Carnaval can be compared to the Mardi Gras celebration of New Orleans . Both celebrations are somewhat of a reversal of the social and political “norms”. Although Carnaval is a much more widely celebrated celebration with more meaning and significance, through this comparison we can learn something about people in general. When people's lives are controlled by political, social, and economic powers they tend to challenge them at times. By reversing the standard rules one can feel a sense of individuality and freedom, and it is almost as though they create their own world in which they can do whatever they feel. In times of celebration one does not have to “think” as much, rather they can live by their emotions and instincts. Celebrations also allow people to depart from their everyday constraints. This is an important concept, because it helps us understand why this celebration is so popular and enjoyed by those who participate.

  Another aspect of Carnaval is how the Brazilians embrace their multiculturalism. Brazil is a very diverse culture, where as they have been influenced by Portuguese, Latin American, and African culture. As said by Armstrong (1999:192), “Carnaval represents a constant reapropriation of inherited cultural modes, a dynamic evolution moving parallel with the historic development of urban Rio ”. By incorporating their current and historical culture Carnaval creates a ritual recreation of a legendary past (Dorson1982:55). By visiting their past Brazilians again feel a sense of communitas, because they all share common historical and cultural heritage. Samba is the most celebrated heritage, and it is performed by the Afro-Brazilians, because it was their ancestors who brought it to Brazil . But more importantly Samba music is enjoyed and accepted by all Brazilians, and it plays an important role in uniting the nation during Carnaval. Brazilians are proud of their cultural heritage, and Carnaval makes it available for them to express and celebrate it.

  The celebration of Carnaval forces Brazil to look at their social and political systems, while simultaneously creating an atmosphere of unity and communitas. Whether it's through symbolic role reversal or displays of music and dance, Carnaval is a time for Brazilians to feel proud and free. On a larger scale all celebrations are significant whether it be on a political, spiritual, cultural, economic, social, or religious level. As humans we need celebrations to give us a sense of community and meaning to our hectic and sometimes overwhelming lives.