t A street in Olinda, filled with festivalgoers ready to celebrate
The colorful Brazilian Carnaval is a stunning spectacle, attracting millions of visitors each year with its glittering costumes, rhythmic samba, and all-night street parties. For those lucky enough to be in Brazil during this time, here are the best ways to join the fun.
t A street in Olinda, filled with festivalgoers ready to celebrate
Glamorous Rio is undoubtedly the star of the show, but Corumbá, Olinda, and Salvador also offer astonishingly lively Carnavals. Hit Olinda’s cobblestoned streets for the week-long festivities; watch the blocos parade their huge puppets or marvel at young frevó dancers. At the Museu do Mamulengo, strike a pose with its wonderful giant dolls.
Carnaval in Rio is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the biggest, most bombastic street party in the world. It draws an astonishing two million participants per day, with a televised parade from the Sambódromo. Other festivities include cachaça- and beer-filled street parties that last for 24 hours straight, including the huge Cordão da Bola Preta in downtown Rio and the charmingly eccentric Bloco Céu Na Terra in Santa Teresa. Some start very early – many revellers have a beer in hand at 7am. For an extravagant take on Rio’s Carnaval, there’s a fête at the Belmond Copacabana Palace with an elegant dress code. Even when it’s not Carnaval, the city still offers visitors a taste of it; take a tour of Cidade de Samba for dance shows and other revelry-related fun.
Preparations start months before the main event, with the country’s samba schools beginning rehearsals in November. To learn some of the well-synchronized choreography, visit one of Rio’s excellent schools, such as Portela and Mocidade. Have fun but don’t joke around – the rehearsals are a joyful yet serious affair. Olinda’s historic core hosts pre-Carnaval events, but with a more relaxed focus on the street parties.
Insider Tip
Sambódromo seating is all unassigned except for Section 9, also called the “tourist section”. If you want to sit among the locals, make sure you arrive early enough to grab a good seat.
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Batería
The percussion band – made up of only drummers – are the ones in charge of the beat of the parade.
Bloco
This refers to the neighborhood groups or bands that parade on the streets and get the crowds going.
Rainha de Bateria
Often a very beautiful woman, performing the role of band leader. She dances samba in front of the drummers to motivate them.
Foliões
The partygoers who take part in Carnaval festivities – an excellent job for visitors!