I've only actually seen this happening both in Portugal and in Cape Verde, but I've heard, from several friends, that the same tradition happens in other countries.
What I don't know is if it happens in other countries as I've seen it happen in the last few years here in Cape Verde. Traditionally the Carnival parade is a very big event in São Vicente, one of the ten islands of the archipelago, so the whole country vibrates during the few days that surround this celebration.
And like any Carnival parade, this one is filled with beautiful colorful costumes and lots and lots of dancing.
But to me the best part of Carnival is creating the costumes, thinking outside the box and, for a day or two, being someone who you are not. Transforming yourself into another persona.
But the schools here seem see this in another way. All the students are asked to dress the same, not only for the parade (which actually looks beautiful when they are all in the same colors) but for the Friday before too! Teachers and parents get together to decide the one costume that everyone should make/buy for that day.
As a consequence, this day is branded by this standardization of their costumes. There is no space for creativity. And the few kids who are strong enough to ask for a different costume, very frequently suffer on the day by being the only different one. The one that stands out, for the "wrong" reasons.
But are they wrong?! I don't think so! I think these kids are brave, for actually standing up to what they want and not being ashamed of thinking outside of the closed box that is this mentality of "all in the same uniform". It's limiting enough that they have to wear uniform everyday in school. Let them be who they want to be on this day!
Do you agree with me? What do you think about the standardization of students clothes? Leave me a comment with your opinion and let me know how the Carnival traditions in your country are.