The Carnival in Rio originated from a Portuguese celebration named Entrudo. A rambunctious activity at these food festivals were people flinging lemon water at each other. The social elite were above this boorish behavior. So, around 1840, they introduced fancy costume balls prior to lent. As African slaves were imported into Rio, they played their traditional music. This evolved into the samba during the early 20th century. Eventually, the best of all cultures blended together.