The nefarious nun stood at the center of an amusement ride at the national fair in Durango, Mexico, her black veil draped, her demonic teeth gnarled. Then the rotating ride, known as a tagada, began.

PONTA GROSSA, Brazil — There was a party at the convent. One breakdancer who introduced himself as the Wizard was doing backflips. Another was spinning on his back. There were spotlights, a rapper, ...