Ok, we are still shopping for Christmas! Is it too early to talk about Carnival? No. Next year, Carnival in Brazil is set to take place February 09-12. So, if you want to attend the biggest party on Earth in the Marvelous City or in any other city in Brazil, it is time to plan.
Rio Carnival is held every year in the week leading up to Lent and attracts visitors from all across the globe looking to let loose and explore the Carioca Carnival culture. It is inconceivable to think of Rio de Janeiro without thinking of Carnival.
Since 1984, the main party of Rio Carnival has taken place at the Sambadrome, the purpose-built venue constructed specially for the samba parades. The pulsating beats of the samba drums, gyrating dancers, and the thousands of participants in curve-hugging and elaborate costumes, are only some of the many experiences of Rio samba parades.
If you want to participate in the parade, all you need is to buy one of the school specific costumes and you are a part of the team. Your energy, enthusiasm and excitement will contribute to the success or failure of your Samba School in the final results of the competition.
You can just watch the parade. Admission is around $100 for the grand stand, with seating arrangements priced anywhere between $200’s to $1,000.
Rio’s Carnival is not just about Samba School Parade. Rio has one the biggest street carnivals of Brazil. The streets shut down and cars are replaced with people as the Carnival in the streets provide some of the most electrifying atmospheres of the Rio Carnival experience. Last year, around 5 million revelers joined in on the street parades. It is completely free of charge. People mingle, sing, drink, and dance the night away — and into the following day, without breaks. Street parties take place all around the city. You just need to go out and meet the crowd.