IT’S THE GROUND THAT SPEAKS

FANS IN THE CREATION OF CARNIVAL THEMES

Abstract

The research aims to understand the role of fans in shaping the carnival narrative and how this collaborative process is part of the identity-building process of social actors, using the concept of participatory culture as a guiding principle. The methodology was based on a literature review of authors such as Frohmann (2004, 2006), Mussa and Simas (2024), Simas (2019), Simas and Fabato (2015), Fiske (1992), and Jenkins (2009). The results demonstrate that carnival fans and participants feel integrated into the samba school and its theme through the social practices that take place in spaces such as the practice yard, the street, and the workshop. It is concluded that the emotional and collaborative power of the fans is an essential part of the theme, whose direct impact contributes to the circulation of a social memory linked to the samba school.