Carnival in Rio

In Rio the party begins even before Carnival officially begins. Don’t miss out on all the exciting pre-activities such as the dance rehearsals and street parades that happen in anticipation for the real Carnival. If you want to fully participate in the Pre-Carnival activities join up with a banda as they play music in the many street processions.

Carnival is such a huge event in Brazil that dancers and musicians rehearse months in advance. Samba Schools prepare for the huge parade that takes place in the Sambadrome during the festival. Samba schools are an association of people from the same neighborhood, usually from a suburban area. They get together regularly for samba nights and rehearsals (ensaios) at their samba court (quadra). Samba schools contribute anywhere from 6 to 8 floats in pre-Carnival and Carnival festivities. All costumes and floats are hand-made and are based on a different theme every year. Often called a tropical opera, the event in the Sambadrome is very exciting and something you’ll never forget.

Saturday (14 days before Carnival): the famous Banda de Ipanema performs in the street at Rua Jangadeiros. At 4 pm arrive at Praca General Osorio, just two blocks from Ipanema beach, and see a colorful and flamboyant parade of drag queens. Rio’s most revered street band was founded in 1965, when Brazil had just gone under military dictatorship. The band is now a legendary highlight of Carnival.