Haroldo Costa

Head escritor

Of one thing I can assure you: The history of Rio’s Carnival can only be written by someone who has Carnival in his blood, someone with a love for the revelry and excitement surrounding King Momo, someone who has been brought up to the pulsating throb of the samba, running to the street corner at every opportunity to see a “bloco”, a “rancho” or a Samba School passing by.
A question continually asked by the fans, and also by the pessimists – these terrible enemies of the Rio Carnival – deserves an answer here – “Is the Rio Carnival dying?” they ask. No, I reply, Rio’s carnival is not dying, and will not die. It will change of course, just as life itself is always changing. It will change because the world is in a continual state of flux. But Rio’s carnival is not dying and will never die. It is the most wonderful Carnival in the world.

Eneida in A HISTORY OF RIO’S CARNIVAL

	Catullo da Paixão 2009
	Fala, Crioulo 2008
	SALGUEIRO - 50 YEARS OF GLORY 2003 To celebrate half a century of Tijuca's Red and white samba school, champion at Carnaval at the 4th Centenary of Rio de Janeiro, Haroldo Costa wrote SALGUEIRO - 50 YEARS OF GLORY, published by Editora Record. Continuing the previous book SALGUEIRO-ACADEMIA DE SAMBA, in this new work we can follow the route of the school year by year, with its music, many photographs, backstage stories and position achieved at each parade. You don't have to be a supporter of Salgueiro to appreciate this book. If you enjoy Carnaval and popular music you will surelly love it.
	As Escolas de Lan (Lan’s Schools) 2002 A revised and enlarged edition with wonderful new caricatures by Lan and new texts, and a preface by Artur da Távola. A good humored and informative tale of the samba schools, from their origins to the present time. Musicians, singers, celebrities, choreographers and designers, the origins and importance of the instruments that make up the band, it’s all here - with the inimitable and sensual touch of Lan, an Italian/Carioca who has loved our city for 50 years. Considering its cultural contribution this book has the well deserved sponsorship of Petrobras.
	100 Anos of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro 2001 A panoramic and informative view of our greatest popular festival during the last century, when it grew, developed and acquired a unique world-wide status.
	Na Cadência do Samba 2000 Five years of research and a search for a sponsor, but finally Haroldo Costa published the book NA CADÊNCIA DO SAMBA (In the Rhythm of the Samba), published by Novas Direções. Sponsorship came from ANDIMA (National Association of Free Market Institutions) which made it a Christmas present in year 2000. With around 500 photographs of the most important people in the history of the Samba, from its start up to the present day, the book covers nine decades, with wonderful illustrations and impeccable graphic design from the artist Emanoel Araujo.
	Salgueiro: Academia de Samba 1984 Make way, because here comes Salgueiro in all its glory, in a book that tells the story of the Samba School - its years of battles and victories that marked an era in the history of Carioca Carnival.
	Fala, Crioulo 1982 Better than a survey or a thesis in sociology, the book is a collection of statements by Afro-Brazilians from all social strata. Domestic servants, an opera singer, a shoe-shine, an ex-Miss Brazil...