Although Carnival is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil and other Catholic countries, Rio de Janeiro has long been regarded as the Carnival Capital of the World. The Rio Carnival is not only the biggest Carnival, benchmark against which every other carnival is compared but also one of the most interesting artistic global events.
One of the greatest elements of the Rio Carnival is that it not only provides entertainment for many people around the world but at the same time it gives also a chance to learn about the true culture of Brazil. It is a euphoric event where people dance, sing, party and have tons of fun. There are many parties that take place before, during and after Carnival all night and all day. It allows someone's true heart to come out and have as much fun as possible.
The carnival of Rio is one of the most colourful spectacles in the world and lasts for about 5 days in the run up to Shrove Tuesday. The whole city comes alive with music, singing and dancing, and the streets are never empty during Carnival.
Be prepared for sleepless days and nights, as in the league table of Brazilian carnivals, Rio de Janieo is the biggest. In fact it is probably the biggest party on earth. Party, party, party; Rio Carnival is all about a non-stop party, be it in the streets, or at one of the many fancy dress balls, or in the famous Sambadrome watching the parading carnival groups with their extravagant costumes and floats.
• International flights from London to Rio de Janeiro • Five nights accommodation in a 3*+ hotel including breakfast • Ticket to the carnival • Ticket to a football match at the Maracana Stadium • Sugar Loaf mountain and Corcovado tour • All transfers and taxes included • Upgrade to a 4* hotel from an extra £120 per person
• International flights from London to Rio de Janeiro • Seven nights accommodation in a 3* + hotel including breakfast • Ticket to the carnival • Ticket to a football match at the Maracana Stadium • Sugar Loaf mountain and Corcovado tour • All transfers and taxes included • Upgrade to a 4* hotel from an extra £175 per person
• International flights from London to Rio de Janeiro • Five nights accommodation in 3+* hotel in Rio including breakfast • Ticket to the carnival • Ticket to a football match at the Maracana Stadium • Sugar Loaf mountain and Corcovado tour • Three nights accommodation in a 4* hotel in the Amazon rainforest including all meals • All tours and transfers in the Amazon included • Two nights accommodation in a 4*hotel in Iguaçu including breakfast • Tour of the Iguaçu falls • All internal flights, transfers and taxes included
• International flights from London to Rio de Janeiro • International flights from London to Rio de Janeiro • Five nights accommodation in 3+* hotel in Rio including breakfast • Ticket to the carnival • Ticket to a football match at the Maracana Stadium • Sugar Loaf mountain and Corcovado tour • Three nights accommodation in a 4* hotel in the Amazon rainforest including all meals • All tours and transfers in the Amazon included • Two nights accommodation in a 4*hotel in Iguaçu including breakfast • Tour of the Iguaçu falls • Three nights accommodation in a 4* hotel in Salvador including breakfast • All tours and transfers in Salvador included • All internal flights, transfers and taxes included
• International business class flights from London to Rio • Seven nights accommodation in a 5* beach-front hotel including breakfast • Ocean Front room at the Copacabana Palace Hotel • Exclusive carnival tickets - Frisa's, row A • Entrance to the Carnival Ball • Chauffeur-driven private car for the duration of the holiday • All transfers and taxes included
Open-air dances take place throughout the city. The emphasis is on joy and spontanaeity. The biggest and most organized one is on Cinelândia Square.
Rio carnival balls
Rio de Janeiro, as the City of Carnival, offers a selection of Carnival balls you really should not miss. A true Carnival ball features live music and samba rules the floors. The percussion groups are full of vigour and can be just as loud as vast loud-speakers in a night club.
Scala Balls
The Scala nightclub offers thematic dances every night during Carnival, having the grandest indoor carnival parties of the city. The venue is big and very well-known.
Merry making in Lapa
It takes place near the Arches of Lapa, where the young usually gather on Friday nights all year around, featuring concerts ranging from traditional Brazilian music to the latest trends.There is a popular eating area with small drink and barbecue stands. There is lots of booze and cheap "junk" food- The essence of Brazilian life.
Samba schools
Ride with the impressive sight of the lights in Rio, in an air-conditioned bus to a Samba school. There, you will attend a fun-filled show typical of Carioca Carnival.
