Those who want to see, will see. Chemistry is always one of the high points of Carnaval (Brazilian Mardi Gras). Without it, the frolicsome feasting would have fewer colors, the samba less rhythm, and the costumes and floats fewer effects. Exaggeration? Let us see. Just guess who would go out with the timbalada *of Carlinhos Brown? The polyvinyl chloride, better known, here in Bahia and abroad, as PVC. That is it. The PVC tubes make up the body of the timbas (kettledrums)created by the genial musician from Bahia.

[* NT: If you wish to know more about Carlinhos Brown and his timbalada visit http://www.rootsworld.com/rw/feature/brown.html or http://www.uol.com.br/carlinhosbrown/ ]

As a matter of fact, the wing of the thermoplastic resins, in which the PVC parades, includes also the polyethylenes ( HD and LD), the polystyrene and the polypropylene. They participate in the batteries, the percussion groups, as musical instruments; they are in the, giving shape to the creation of the carnavalescos (the Carnaval participants) and are also part of the costumes of the thousands of dancers who fill the streets with joy. Ah! They also participate in the costume contests and in the dancing balls all over the Country. The sequins, indispensable in the rich costumes, are made of PVC.

As Chemistry has an unbelievable wind, it is also noticed at the rows of seats and box seats at the stadiums. There will be, for example, the polyethylene terephthalate, which likes to be known as PET. It is found in the bottles of the refreshing soft drinks. Chemistry will also be, of course, in the synthetic yarns and fibers that give a soft and comfortable touch to the costumes of the carnival revelers.

The presence of yarns and fibers, usually accompanied by the dyes, is always fundamental in the Carnaval. By the way, it was the ever decreasing lack of a heap of synthetic threads, in a strategic part of the human body, that lead the Rio de Janeiro samba schools to a unique agreement to avoid explicit nudity at their parades.

It seems that the agreement was never fully implemented, but this is another story. What we should remember is that Chemistry has not missed one Carnaval in many years. From the tambourine to the reco-reco (Brazilian musical bamboo rhythm instrument), almost all Carnaval accessories are produced from thermoplastic resins. The plastic artifacts for the popular children’s "water battles", the costumes, the amusing and scary latex masks, special body paints and even spray for carnival paper ribbons are some of the inventions. All stimulate and cheer up the Carnaval. So, next time you hear the first notes of a cavaquinho (a small Brazilian guitar) or the first beats of the drums, join the party and be sure that Chemistry will be there, very close to you, helping your school to lead the samba on the foot.

Text: Luiz Carlos de Medeiros (Mtb 12.293) English version by Joe Vianna (translat@mvpisp.com)