A sound of deafening beating rain

It may have the presidential seal of approval but football fans in Brazil are reserving judgment on their answer to the vuvuzela.

The caxirola, inspired by the caxixi rattle, is steeped in Brazil’s African heritage. Supporters – used to huge flags, passionate songs, whistles and drums – have been warned to expect to see the little handheld shakers everywhere as the country prepares to host the World Cup dress rehearsal, the Confederations Cup, this summer.

With a sound not dissimilar to beating rain, they are likely to have the same deafening effect as the vuvuzelas in South Africa when used by the tens of thousands expected to fill the World Cup stadiums.

An indigenous whistle called the Pedhuá, which mimics the sound of birds, is also expected to add to the cacophony that spectators will face.

Though many home fans may well be put off by the price – which is expected to be set between £5 and £10 for the recycled plastic rattle designed in partnership with Fifa, and £3 for the whistle.

Football fan Sergio Roberto Amaral Dourado said: “Stadiums are for making real noise, not to play an instrument for a music show...”

Another fan, Jonas Macedo, said: “I wouldn’t want one even if it was free.”