Every neighbor in Rio de Janeiro has his favorite Carnival Street Party. There are more than 300 of them in Rio today, and every year that number is growing. Rio Carnival is one of the biggest, strongest and brightest events on the Brazilian calendar. The bookingMentor™ looks at the customs, traditions, and things you need to know to survive in Rio Carnival.
What is the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil?
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is an annual festival held before Lent season. It is the world’s biggest carnival, with two million people a day on the streets. The word “Carnival” comes from Latin – the root of the Portuguese.
It is a parade of giant dancers and samba dancers. It is a unique group of people. It happened 40 days before Easter, and then it spread within five days. Rio Carnival is the largest street party in the world. And it is a time when the public forgets all the rituals and people become truly liberated. It is something everyone should have seen at least once in their lives.
Some Key Facts About the Rio de Janeiro Carnival:
- The first carnival in Rio took place in 1723, but the first festivals turned around in the 1640s.
- In Brazilian Portuguese, it is written as ‘Carnaval’ but for most of the world, they write it as ‘Carnival’; even though they are both right!
- Carnival celebrations mark the beginning of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday. Where Christians focus on fasting, prayer and a simple life.
- Each year, Carnival takes place on a different day. It has to do with the Catholic calendar.
- It surprises some people that people from all over Brazil celebrate this Carnival. But they thought only the people of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador celebrate it.. It is a national holiday in Brazil.
- Rio and Sao Paulo host major weekly samba competitions and some of the most impressive ‘blocos’. Blocos means street blocks for dancing people!
- People believe that Rio Carnival is “the world’s largest festival”. And it is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest Carnival.
- The total revenue from Rio Carnival is more than $40 million a year!
Short Overview of Rio de Janeiro Carnival:
Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is undoubtedly the world’s most complete, powerful mind-boggling spectacle that unites millions of Brazilians. The most importantly at this time of year, anything and everything is possible. Various cities in Brazil have their own ways of celebrating this carnival. But the most popular festivals take place in Rio De Janeiro. The Masses gather at the Sambodromo City Stadium, usually wearing masks and colorful costumes, dancing to the drums of Samba’s rhythmic music.
As it is the greatest show on earth, we will guide you on how to survive throughout the festival. Before knowing the do’s and not do’s, let’s know where, when and why of the carnival.
What is the History of Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil?
Carnival has its roots in pagan European and Catholic traditions. It was a feast during which people would take their last chance to decorate before the start of Lent, traditionally a time of fasting and fasting in the Catholic Church.
The Rio Carnival began in the 1640s. At that time, important festivals were held in honor of Greek wine gods. The Romans often worshiped Dionysus or Bacchus, the god of the grape harvest. The ‘Entrudo’ festival was introduced by the Portuguese and this inspired the birth of Carnival in Brazil. In 1840, the first Rio masquerade took place, and polka and waltz took over. The Africans later contributed to Carnival by introducing samba music in 1917. We now consider it a form of Brazilian culture.
But During Rio Carnival 2021, Samba schools will use the most modern technology to create paraw-dropping show parades.
When is the Rio de Janeiro Carnival?
Each year, Carnival takes place on a different day. It has to do with the Catholic calendar. As mentioned above, the first reason to celebrate Carnival is to eat, drink, and rejoice before Lent. So because Lent days change every year, as does Carnival days. Carnival days can fall at any time between February and March.
The Carnival days of the coming years are as follows:
- Carnival 2021 – 12 February to 17 February
- Carnival 2022 – 15 February to 20 February
What are the Main Events of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil?
- Samba Dance: Like previous Carnivals, Rio Carnival 2021 will feature Samba sounds. This was not always the case. When Africans were brought to Brazil as slaves, they carried their music and dance. They incorporated this African beat into Carnival music. The divisive African rhythm accompanied by the reverse drum gradually grew into what we call Samba today. It is the heart of the festival.
- Sambadrome Parade: One of the most important Carnival events is the much-anticipated Samba Parade, held at the Sambadrome city stadium. Sambadrome is another place to get electricity during Carnival. This is the official Samba competition.
- Street Parties: As you roam the streets of Rio during Carnival, you should stumble upon at least 500 street parties happening at any one time. Also known as ‘blockchains’, street groups are organized and organized by dedicated groups, some of which have been around for a few decades!
Best Places to Celebrate the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil:
- Rio de Janeiro: The founder of the world-famous Carnival festival, Rio de Janeiro draws hearts around the world every year for superb performances by passionate dancers. The Carnival in Rio actually starts and ends with street parties of each neighborhood.
- Salvador: Carnival in Salvador kicks a strange ball called Baile dos Mascarados. There is an event where the mayor gives the city keys to the Carnival King elected annually. Bahia is Brazil’s leading music country and is home to a rich variety of Brazilian music genres. Carnival festivals in the city of Salvador traditionally include the use of Brazilian musical instruments.
- Diamantina: Diamantina is a small colonial town in the state of Minas Gerais. The Carnival takes place amidst narrow streets lined with old houses, remnants of the rich history of this wealthy village. Here the party looks like it never ended in five days of non-stop festivals. During the day, blockchain groups make people dance in taxis, and at night, traditional dance groups take to the streets.
- São Paulo: Similar to Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo has a competition between various Samba schools during its Carnival in Anhembi Sambadrome, a large venue for a major outdoor event in São Paulo.
Essential Tips to Help you Enjoy the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil:
- Clothes are an essential element of Carnival. Bloco parties are the perfect time for a loose cut and dress like any other character you like.
- Book your hotels and accommodations as early as possible. This is the largest carnival of the universe. Undoubtedly, you will find a huge crowd there.
- Make a list of your favorite street parties. Rio Carnival is the best place to attend street parties, so don’t miss any of them.
- Book your tickets early. If you are a foreigner, then know the VISA procedure first.
- In Rio, you will find many things to eat and drink. So don’t get carried away.
- The party takes place in February and March. These months are boiling and humid. So stay hydrated.
Safety Concerns During the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil:
- As we said before, you will find an enormous crowd there. So be prepared for the crowd.
- Keep a bag pack always with you.
- Keep your belongings safe in the bag.
- Most of the street parties are free, but some can charge a lot. So, keep some money always with you.
- Keep your important things in your hotel room.
The “Rio Carnival” is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is a multimillion-dollar industry investing in each sector from all walks of life. It is best to make your booking in advance to find the best deals on hotels, flights and tickets. Carnival is one of the most fascinating places in the world. But it will always be an idea if you are not there to experience it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil:
Q. What is a Carnival costume and mask?
Answer: Every year, thousands and thousands of hours are devoted to making decorative clothing. Some costumes are neatly covered with millions of beads, owls and feathers, all hand-stitched! Every year, each school digs up the theme and dresses appropriately. How clothes and masks end up has changed over the decades, either for economic, legal and / or political reasons.
Q. How long does Rio carnival last?
Answer: Officially, the Carnival in Rio starts on Friday, after work, and ends on Wednesday, afternoon. So, 5 days.
Q. What foods and drinks should you have during Carnival?
Answer: Brazilian cuisine is delicious and varied. During Carnival, street food is the king as everyone outside joins parties. You will find street shops selling grilled meat, pão de queijo (delicious balls of fresh bread), pastels’ (fried pastries) or ‘Epadas’ (pies) filled with meat, cheese or shrimp.
Q. Is Carnival Only for Adults?
Answer: Perhaps one of the most common misconceptions about Carnival is that it is too much for children. True, television is a cruel medium because it cannot provide the context. It is safe to bring your children to see Carnival. Sambodromo even hosts Pare’s Parade, where kids and teens show off their talents in samba.
Q. What are the Dates of Rio Carnival in 2021?
Answer: Rio Carnival will start on 12 February in 2021 and will end on 20 February.
