The paper presents a cultural analysis of the spectacular nature of two contemporary Brazilian Festivals: the samba-school parade in Rio de Janeiro and the Ox-Dance in Parintins/Amazonas. The concept of corporality provides the starting point for the investigation of the uses and meanings of sight and hearing in the ritual structure and dynamics of each festival. Considered in their respective festive contexts, these modes of perception illuminate cognitive processes which, in turn, reveal central cultural values, in particular, conceptions of time and space. The play of meaning between these two conceptions renders both festivals critical moments for the experience and elaboration of different ways of relating to history and modernity.
corporality; perception; cognition; ritual; popular culture; time and space