borrowing elements from european, african and native culture, the brazilian folklore presents itself as something diverse and lively.

the trasitional music known as 'bumba-meu-boi' (roughly 'beat-my-ox'), also called xaxado, is a clear example of such eclectic influences.

folkloric celebrations exist mainly to celebrate a people's legacy and cultural uniqueness. they are composed by two important elements: the myth, which is the story which gives the motif and the symbols for the festivity, and the performance, a ritual which is the body of the event usually, through a re-enactment of the myth meant to solidify and reestablish its symbols through practice.