Upbeat, super-catchy dance music from the Northeast of Brasil. Forró usually features an accordion, with fast, syncopated rhythms similar to samba. In some ways, is analogous to mariachi in Mexico, or cumbia music in Colombia. Forró, makes use of the flute along with percussion instruments and guitars. It is a very popular dance style throughout of Brasil.
The name Forró is said to have originated during World War II when America had a military base in Brazil that served as the jumping-off spot for North Africa. It was the sight of some really wild parties. One kind was for themselves and the high society types, and the other was open for all to come. The locals loved those parties, but could not pronounce the words for all, so they started calling them forrós. As luck would have it, it was at this time that the Forró style of music developed, and was given that name. Forró means for all and came from those American parties thrown by our boys in World War II. It is one of the most popular forms of music in and around Fortaleza, and to the American ear has many similarities with Cajun music from Louisiana, particularly when the accordion really gets cranked up. It is very lively, and makes your heart light indeed.
