The Rio Carnival is the biggest party in the world, held in February at the peak
of the Brazilian summer. Carnival is celebrated everywhere in Brazil, but in Rio
de Janeiro, it becomes a fantastic spectacle of the colour, music, and spirit of
the Brazilian people. In addition to the Carnival, Rio de Janeiro has many
things to see and do. It has some of the most spectacular scenery of any city in
the world, and it has many splendid beaches. Combine all this with the great
food, terrific nightlife and a superb climate for most of the year, and Rio de Janeiro
really does have something for everyone. The local saying goes that: “God made the world in six days; and the seventh he devoted to Rio de Janeiro” and you will almost certainly agree!
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is spectacular and it is an event that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Everything gets going on the Friday before Shrove Tuesday. All the main avenues are colourfully lit and full of people wearing fancy dress. The carnavalescos are everywhere during the next few days, dancing, drumming and singing, and everyone joins in the festivities! There are numerous samba schools in Rio which parade in the famous “Sambadrome” (the top schools) or in Avenida Rio Branco (not so spectacular but free!). Some schools have up to 5,000 people in them with as many as 30 floats.
