Carnival dreaming. Pulsating live, exotic cultures, overwhelming nature. You come across sacred sites, monastries and mosques. In the big cities, bustling oriental markets and Caribbean flair combine to a heady cocktail that explodes in a unique firework during carnival.

In places like Cuba, Brazil, Trinidad and, yes, Switzer- land, carnival is one of the most exciting times of the year during which many musical groups move through the streets in colorful parades – almost every quarter of a city has its own groups.

A closer look at the rhythm-filled parades in Cuba or Brazil - with its dancers and musicians who present complex choreographies and wear elaborate costumes - reveals the European origin of carnival. Of course, African rhythmic elements that were brought to the Caribbean and the Americas by the slaves during colonial times also had a big influence on carnival music. In Africa, rhythms are a part of daily life. The sound of the drums eases the burden of work, brings people together for festivities and allows them to communicate with the powers of nature. The drumming music from Africa also developed some of the most powerful rhythms that have found renewed expression in modern Western rhythms.