A Guide to Celebrating Carnival in Brazil

Brazil’s Carnival is one of the most vibrant, exciting celebrations on earth. The streets come alive with the pulsating rhythms of samba, the clinking of caipirinhas, and glittering dancers adorned with feathers and sequins.
Enormous parade floats, adorned with towering sculptures, glide down streets as dancers in stunning costumes sashay to the beat of the drums.
It’s a colorful and sensory experience like no other, continuing day and night with the spirit of joy and samba.
Carnival takes place annually, beginning on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and running until noon on Ash Wednesday.
This festival serves as a final celebration before the Catholic season of Lent, a time of fasting and abstinence.
The name “Carnival” itself comes from the Latin phrase “carne vale,” meaning “farewell to meat.” Its roots likely trace back to medieval spring celebrations brought to Brazil by the Portuguese in the 1500s.
Over time, African and Indigenous influences added local rhythms and costumes, creating the unique Brazilian Carnival celebrated today.
Rio de Janeiro: The Heart of Carnival
The Largest Carnival Celebration
The largest and most famous carnival in Brazil takes place in Rio de Janeiro. In 2019, the city’s Carnival attracted over 7 million visitors, making it one of the biggest gatherings in the world.
Rio’s renowned samba schools compete in a spectacular display of dance, music, and elaborate costumes at the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí, a stadium built for this purpose.
Each year, 12 samba schools from various neighborhoods present extravagant parades featuring thousands of participants, stunning floats, and lavish costumes.
Tickets for the Sambadrome sell out months in advance, and while they can be costly, they’re worth it for a close-up view of this spectacular event.
But, if you can’t get a ticket, don’t worry—street parties and parades throughout the city are free. The Lapa neighborhood, in particular, is known for its lively celebrations.
Free concerts in areas like Largo do Machado and Arcos da Lapa add even more music and fun to the city.
Exploring Rio Beyond the Carnival
While in Rio, take time to explore the city’s famous beaches, like Ipanema and Copacabana.
You can also visit the scenic Leblon neighborhood for shopping and dining or take a cable car up to Sugar Loaf Mountain for breathtaking views of Rio’s stunning coastline.
Other Brazilian Carnivals Worth Exploring
Carnival is celebrated throughout Brazil, and each city brings its unique traditions and flavor to the event. Here are some popular alternatives to Rio’s Carnival.
Salvador de Bahia
Located in Northern Brazil, Salvador de Bahia is famous for hosting the world’s largest street party during Carnival.
Over two million people descend on the city for a week of non-stop festivities, with a vibrant mix of Afro-Brazilian traditions, music, and dance.
Thanks to Salvador’s significant African heritage, the music here goes beyond samba to include Axé, a blend of African and Brazilian pop music.
The preserved colonial architecture and sunlit beaches make Salvador an unforgettable destination for Carnival.
Fortaleza
Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará, is known for its celebration of maracatu, an Afro-Brazilian music and dance tradition.
Maracatu’s origins trace back to Congo slaves who were given leadership roles within their communities during the Portuguese colonial era.
Today, maracatu parades feature groups of 80-100 people dressed in opulent costumes inspired by the Baroque period, along with a singer and a chorus.
Fortaleza also hosts the famous As Travestidas street carnival, featuring fun and flamboyant drag performances, making it a highlight of LGBTQ+ celebrations in Brazil.
São Paulo
In São Paulo, the carnival is just as lively. The city’s Anhembi Sambadrome showcases an exciting parade with some of Brazil’s top samba schools competing in a dazzling display of music and dance.
This event takes place on different dates from Rio’s Carnival, allowing viewers across the country to watch both on television.
Aside from the Sambadrome, São Paulo’s carnival includes neighborhood block parties where locals parade with homemade costumes, beating out samba rhythms on kitchen pots and pans.
For a more luxurious experience, São Paulo also hosts invitation-only Carnival Balls, inspired by the tradition of Venetian masked balls, where guests enjoy a more refined celebration.
Florianopolis
The beachside town of Florianopolis in Santa Catarina also boasts lively Carnival festivities. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, Florianopolis is a smaller, more intimate location to celebrate. T
he town has three samba schools that compete, but the celebrations extend to many gay-friendly events, making Florianopolis a popular LGBTQ+ destination.
The Pop Gay Carnival draws over 50,000 people to a drag queen beauty competition and beach party, adding to the town’s inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
Planning Your Brazilian Carnival Adventure
Carnival in Brazil attracts party-goers from all around the world, so planning in advance is essential. Book your tickets and accommodations early, as prices and availability can change rapidly.
Bring along your mask, glitter, and dancing shoes, and prepare to embrace the exhilarating spirit of Brazilian Carnival.
Stay hydrated, don’t forget sunscreen, and enjoy the unforgettable experience of celebrating Carnival under the warm Brazilian night sky.
source: https://travelsim.com/
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