“Ear-splitting” plastic instrument replaced for Brazil ‘14

Following the international sensation of an “ear-splitting” musical instrument, the Vuvuzela, at the 2010 World Cup, a new plastic noisemaker has emerged for Brazil 2014.  

The ‘caxirola’ consists of a closed plastic basket with a flat bottom; filled with small synthetic particles, which fans are supposed to shake to produce sound.

The instrument, which is based on the Africian ‘caxixi’, supposedly produces a quieter, gentler noise than the Vuvuzela, a long plastic horn that made a deafeningly loud buzzing sound during the World Cup in South Africa.

Creator of the new instrument, Brazilian musician, Carlinhos Brown, told the Brazillian news portal, G1, “the caxirola respects auditory boundaries.”

“It produces sounds of nature, of the sea, we worked with the best engineers to make sure the sound will be pleasing and nice,” Brown added.

However, after its launch as the ‘officiall’ instrument of the 2014 tournament, hundreds of caxirolas were hurled onto the pitch by attending fans at the Confederations Cup, leading to Brazilian officials being forced to ban the instrument from all the World Cup venues.

According to the Independent: “the caxirola posed an 80 percent risk of injury when thrown from the stands, posing a risk of hooliganism to players, officials and fans.”

Nevertheless, Brazilian Newspaper, Zero Hora, claims the rattle has been given a health and safety makeover, re-launching as the caxirola 2.0.

According to the newspaper: “The recycled plastic outer has been replaced with an inflatable body that can be blown up by the fan via a nozzle like a child’s armband. There is also a padded base – presumably to stop it being used as a bludgeon.”

“The finger loops are also now soft plastic and cannot be used like brass knuckles,” it added.

The revised prototype is reported to be still under review by Brazilian police, although it is claimed that safety experts are still unconvinced by the changes.

According to FIFA, the noisemakers “add to the fan experience” at the tournaments and help “create a unique Brazilian atmosphere in the stadiums.”