A racial mix of cultures is found in Brazil and the Caribbean. Since the 1930s the population has, on the whole, enthusiastically adopted the idea that racial and cultural mixing defines the national identity of this region (Samba 1). This region consists of a very historical background that has shaped the beliefs and customs of celebration, music and dance. Sugarcane was brought to the "new world" by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage in 1493 (Umbilical 99). The introduction of this new crop would bring about a dramatic change in the Caribbean. During the 1600s the Caribbean sugar industry thrived. The natives of the west coast of Africa were targeted for slavery. Plantation owners needed slaves who could handle the labor to maintain the sugar cane. Africans were captured from their homes and taken to the Caribbean and America where they were sold. While in the Middle Passage, from Africa to the Americas, millions of people died due to the terrible conditions. This horrible journey could last months. When they reached the plantations the work was unbearable. This painful piece of history would add a new dimension to Africa's rich culture. Music played a very important role during and after the slavery era. For example, slaves in the Virgin Islands used a form of singing, Caruso, to exchange messages, unbeknownst to the slave owners or overseer (Umbilical 14). Since the plantation owners did not want them to practice their African beliefs, they combined Caruso with... middle of paper... for the dead (Carnival 9). These ceremonies were called masquerade balls. Moko jumbies also wear masks to hide their familiar faces. Moko jumbies originated as West African shamans. They are tall guardians who protect people from the evil spirits of jumbies. During the carnival you can see them covered from head to toe and walking on stilts. Today costumes are made of almost anything as long as the colors are bright and wild. Many of the carnival costumes are huge and need the right construction so that they are light enough for the dancers to move. The Caribbean and Brazil illustrate a culture with a rich emphasis on their significant past. The two share many similarities expressed in the identity of the peoples. The dance music and celebrations reflect the livelihood of this tropical region.