Why you should attend Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival once in your life?

every yeraBem vindo ao Brasil!

Rio de Janeiro’s carnival is one of the world’s most spectacular events. Every year 40 days before Easter Brazil’s Carnaval brings millions of people to this incredible festival full of parades, culture, excitement, public street parties, and celebrations. For the Brazilians, Carnival is synonymous with happiness, fun, dance, and music. The country literally stops during this week. Continue reading this article and find out some interesting facts you probably didn’t know about Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro that will make you put Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival on your bucket list!

Oh Bahía de Guanabara, Rio de Janeiro 🙌💥 . 📸 @ac_rj_br

1- Live a magical cultural experience

Originally, the carnival in Brazil was brought over by Portuguese Catholics in the colonial period. The Portuguese brought mascaraed balls from Europe and the Brazilians added their rhythms, music, and dance moves. Over time musical styles, customs, and culture merged and expanded to create one of the most unique, vibrant, colorful, lively celebrations in the world. People from all over come together and fill the streets with, singing, dancing, music, costumes, and laughter.

The show the samba schools put up at the Sambodromo is really a fabulous one. Besides the Sambodromo’s parades, the informal parades take place all over the city, morning through to the evening. The spirit of Carnival and how it brings people together is an exciting cultural experience, Brazilians old and young participate with happiness and energy. It’s truly a once in a lifetime magical experience you’ll always remember.

Read More: Travel South America: A Complete Guide for Planning Your Perfect Trip to South America

2- Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is the biggest Carnival in the world

Rio De Janeiro’s Carnival is registered in the Guinness Book as the biggest carnival in the world.

What is Samba no pé or “samba in the foot”? 🇧🇷💃🕺⁠ ⁠ The sexy, cheeky style of samba made famous by Brazil’s Carnival . 📷@fernandotribinophoto /@carnavalizados.oficial

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is the biggest week-long party in the world. Whilst the whole of Brazil celebrates carnival during this period, Rio de Janeiro attracts the largest number of visitors with approximately 5 million people celebrating in total, and an average of 2 million people out on the streets partying per day. Rio works the whole year to present to Brazil and other countries a show that mixes top quality samba, creativity, dance, and popular manifestation like not seen elsewhere.

Read More: Read our suggested itineraries for visiting Brazil

3- Samba, the heart of the carnival

Samba, was born in Rio de Janeiro in the early 17th century at Pedra do Sal in the old town. Brazilian Samba derived from a mixture of African and European influences. Brazilian Samba is one of the most popular dances in South America. The dance has evolved over time to become a cultural identity for Brazilians and is a symbol of Rio de Janeiro’s carnival.

On your visit to Rio de Janeiro’s carnival expect exhilarating samba music, It’s impossible to sit still once the music starts playing, so don’t be timid, I recommend you try it, Brazilian culture has no room for shyness!

Check our Instagram TV Episode about “How to …dance Samba” Our Local Bazilian host from @carnaval_experience and @pimpolhosdagranderio samba school are teaching us our first steps in Samba! the Brazilian most popular and fascinating dance 🇧🇷WATCH HERE

✨Episode 2 ✨Dance Samba in Brazil 🕺 . @across.southamerica

4- You can be a Star in the parade

The most spectacular part of the carnival is when the city’s top samba schools compete at the sambodromo arena. Samba schools compete against each other during carnival to be crowned champions. The Samba schools are judged on their elaborate floats, costumes, dancing, and music, some schools spend over 4 million dollars on outfits and preparations.

Specific tickets allow you to star in the parade too, and come complete with a costume!

5- Enjoy Rio de Janeiro, one of the world’s most stunning urban landscapes

The moment you arrive in Rio de Janeiro it becomes clear why it is called “Cidade Maravilhosa”. It’s a city where tropical rainforests, beaches, and mountains form one of the world’s most stunning and unforgettable views in the world. If you are visiting this Marvellous City, don’t miss the spectacular views you can admire at the Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Parque das Ruinas and Pedra Bonita!

Cristo Redentor, Rio de Janeiro Always taking care of the “Cariocas” 🙌⁠ . 📸@ulysses_padilha

So…ready to put Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival on your bucket list? Make it a priority to experience one of the world’s biggest party. Contact us and we can design a perfect trip for you.

Clara Barciela ❣️⁠ Founding Partner & Director Across Argentina & South America Follow us on Instagram or facebook for more inspiration about Argentina & South America!

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About us! Clara & Maria

We believe South America is one of the most unforgettable places on earth – and we want you to help you fall in love with the continent just like we have. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, we founded Across South-America to help guests experience the ‘real’ South America – without compromising on comfort. A decade later, and Across South-America is a well-known boutique travel agency crafting outstanding vacations for couples, friends and families from all over the world. Our main point of difference is that we’re local experts. South America is our backyard. . Read More Let us show you the South America we know and love. Contact us!

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