Carnival in Rio: Where the Party Never Ends

Carnival in Rio: Where the Party Never Ends

Come and Watch Samba Balls, Parades and Parties at the Carnival in Rio.

The Carnival in Rio attracts at least a million tourists each year, an astounding figure that speaks volumes about its popularity. Held on the heels of the heavy rains brought about by humid subtropical climate  and just prior to the commemoration of Catholic Lent, the Carnival has become a week-long memorial to life and extravagance. You will learn for yourself how the Carnival lives up to its distinction as being the “Greatest Show on Earth” and the reason why long-time visitors keep coming back for more.

The Heart of Samba is the Carioca

The Carnival in Rio in its very core is a celebration of dance. If you visit for the first time, you may be drawn by the sway of the performers’ hips, the vibrancy of colors and the flamboyance of the costumes. But these are just trappings to what Carnival is all about.

João Gabriel | Riotur

The cariocas, as what the residents of Rio are known, understand that samba is not only about the swinging of the hips, but rather the pride of culture. That is why the twelve samba schools handpick the dancers to represent them. They are chosen not only by their skill but also by their commitment. You will surely appreciate the perseverance of these dancers as they sashay and swing to the beat of the drums even past the point of exhaustion.

An Invitation to Party

The dedication of the samba schools is unparalleled. In fact, it would not be an understatement to say that they exist solely for the chance to perform at the Sambadrome. These schools spend nearly a year’s worth of rigorous planning on the choreography, the samba song, costumes and the dancers who will represent them at Sambadrome during the Carnival in Rio.

The Sambadrome is a concrete stadium with bleachers on each side separated by a long alley where the dancers and floats can perform. 

Alex Ferro | Riotur

It’s best to buy tickets during Carnival Sunday and Carnival Monday because that’s when the most popular samba schools make their presentations.

Depending on your budget, you can choose the camarotes, the front boxes or the grandstands.

The Fun Never Ends

Perhaps, the most sought after ticketed party during the Carnival in Rio is the Magic Ball hosted by the Copacabana Palace Hotel, which lures all kinds of people.

But if you are conscious of your budget, you can always take part in the countless “Blocos de Rua” or loosely translated as street parties or street bands. An estimated 400 street parties are organized by these groups. Better bring your “A” game because these parties last until sunrise.

It’s Not Just About the Carnival in Rio

Even if you came to party, it would be a tragic to ignore the other attractions that Rio has to offer as well. The beaches in the southern district of the city are truly world-class and a trip to the Carnival in Rio would not be complete without a visit to the Sugarloaf Mountain to get a panoramic view of the city or the Statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain.

Buy HERE your Rio Carnival Tickets