Bumba-meu-Boi is a folkloric pantomime, or a popular opera, usually enacted during June festivities in Brazil.
There are many variations of bumba-meu-boi, but the basic version tells the story of a farm hand who kills an ox to satisfy his wife's craving to eat the ox's tongue. The farmer who owned the ox gets help from indigenous shaman, who brings the ox back to life. The farm hand is forgiven and everyone celebrates.
A dancer dressed in an elaborately crafted and colorful ox costume is the center of the bumba-meu-boi celebration.
Bumba-meu-Boi festivities are especially popular in north and northeastern Brazil. Cities such as São Luís, Maranhão and Parintins, in Amazonas, have characteristic expressions of bumba-meu-boi that have evolved into large festivals with great tourist appeal.
