At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, Inc., we will be closed on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Our owner works in both the United States and Portugal. As part of our global perspective, we observe all US and Portuguese holidays, recognizing the histories and values that shape both countries. On February 17, we’ll join millions across Portugal in celebrating Carnival—an explosion of creativity, community, and social commentary. This holiday transforms streets into galleries of artistic expression, cultural pride, and contemporary critique.
Moments of collective celebration and creative resistance deserve space in our lives and work. By honoring this tradition, we reaffirm that liberation work requires not just strategic analysis and technological tools, but also joy, community connection, and artistic imagination—elements that fuel sustainable movements for justice.
From “Carnevale” to Carnival
Carnival’s rich history stretches back to medieval Italy, where Catholics embraced a lively festival tradition before the solemn act of Lent. The name itself—”carnevale”—literally means “to put away the meat,” referencing the upcoming period of fasting.
This high-spirited celebration crossed borders as well! It was woven into the cultures of France, Spain, and ultimately Portugal, where it evolved into the distinctly Portuguese “Entrudo.”
Art as Resistance
Beyond the sequins and music is Carnival’s unapologetic tradition of political commentary. The festivities serve as Portugal’s annual visual editorial. It’s where craftspeople transform papier-mâché and fabric into pointed critique that might otherwise face censorship in more formal contexts.
This phenomenon extends far beyond Portugal. From protest art during social movements to satirical performances in theatrical productions, creative expression is a powerful vehicle for challenging established power structures. It transcends language barriers. It even, very often, escapes censorship through metaphor and symbolism. Artistic expression often reaches audiences who might otherwise tune out traditional political messaging (take a look at both Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny’s iconic Super Bowl performances, for example).
And, importantly, celebrations like Carnival transform passive observers into active participants in cultural conversation. They create communal experiences that build solidarity while questioning authority—all while appearing to simply celebrate.
Reimagine Your Impact Through Creative Expression
At FUNKY BROWN CHICK, our narrative change and storytelling services help partners cut through digital noise with compelling content that resonates. We’ve witnessed how creative approaches ignite engagement when traditional messaging falls flat. Whether you’re looking to diversify your fundraising strategy, strengthen voter engagement, or simply communicate your mission more effectively, our team stands ready to collaborate on innovative solutions that amplify your impact.We’ll resume our regular operations on Wednesday, February 18th, energized by Carnival’s creative spirit and ready to apply those insights to your unique challenges. Until then, we invite you to explore how a touch of artistic rebellion might just revolutionize your approach to creating the more just world we all envision.