Little Carnival is a collection of 5 dolls that represents the most iconic characters of the Brazilian Carnival show. Play is the most effective and fun way to learn - each doll's props are moving parts that allow children to create different costumes and imagine their parade, theme, and samba song. These dolls were designed as an instrument to celebrate this folk festival which is part of the Brazilian identity.
"(...) culture is the best tool to resurrect the dreams of Brazilians. It is, after all, the only universal activity that only adds, never divides and always multiplies. Making and spreading culture provides pleasure, joy and knowledge."
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Sérgio Sá Leitão - Brazilian Minister of Culture, 2017
Each doll represents an important character of the carnival parade - Porta Bandeira, Mestre Sala, Baianas, Drummers, and Queen of Drums. They have specific roles during the show and different costume shapes, sizes, and props. The parade happens every year in the city of Rio de Janeiro, and it is known as the Sapucaí Carnival. Local communities are represented by their samba schools, and the show brings them together to perform and sing their samba accordingly to the theme chosen for that year. Carnival is considered the most important season in Brazil from an economic perspective, but it is also a part of the Brazilian DNA - it's a celebration of our identity as country.
The dolls have 2 props each – one crown and one armor. The props can be easily swiped to create different costumes colors and shapes, so children can create different stories around the characters.
Little Carnival's characters were designed to adapt to different manufacturing processes and the collection has the potential to deliver a good quality product with a low manufacturing impact. The production of these pieces can take advantage of furniture factories' waste, giving a second life to this material.
Little Carnival collection has the potential to be expanded into representing multiple communities. Each samba school participating in the parades has its own symbols and colors so that the dolls could have color schemes representing each school's traditions. This allows people to pick their favorite or gift a loved one with a very symbolic toy, home decoration, or souvenir.
