Masculine noun Pl:bumba meus bois
1- A folk theatrical dance with European, African and indigenous influences, performed mainly in Maranhão and other states in northeastern Brazil, which tells the legend of the death and resurrection of a bull. The music that accompanies the dance is called toada.
2 - The street party where this dance is performed.
Where: Northeastern Brazil
When: Mainly June and July
Important date: Bumba meu boi National Day: June, 30th
Important information:
1- The bumba meu boi festival held in the state of Maranhão was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Brazil by IPHAN (Brazil’s Institute for Cultural Heritage) in 2011.
2 - The main plot of the legend tells the story of a slave, Pai Francisco, who slaughters his master’s favourite bull to satisfy his pregnant wife’s craving for ox tongue. When the master discovers it, Pai Francisco is arrested. The slave is forgiven after a priest and a witch doctor manage to resuscitate the animal.
This plot may vary according to the region where it is performed
See also: boi-bumbá