Rio is a cosmopolitan city famed for the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, its fabulous stretches of beaches and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Known by the Brazilians as a 'cidade maravilhosa' - the marvellous city, its setting is stunning with a beautiful huge lagoon, flanked to the east by the Guanabara Bay, to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, and extending between enormous granite peaks and wide sandy beaches.
Rio Carnival is the most magical, whimsical, crazy event where the centrepiece is the nightly carnival parade that passes through the Sambodrome. The ultimate evening, is the Sunday following Ash Wednesday, is when the top six samba schools from the top division get to parade. Welcome to the World's greatest show and party.
And what a spectacle the carnival is! A highly organized riot of colour, dancing, singing, joy and noise that goes on all night long finishing as dawn beckons the start of a new day.
The carnival is a festival held at Lent every year and It all begins on the Friday before Shrove Tuesday when the Mayor of Rio hands over the keys to the City to King Momo, the lord of misrule and distruption, signifying the start of the five day party. Imagination runs riot, all social barriers are broken down and the main avenues are full of people and children, estimated at two million per day, wearing fancy dress. Large areas are turned over for shows, dancing and music whilst Bandas and Blocos (local organized carnival groups) can be seen everywhere dancing, drumming and singing.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the excitement and colour of the famous Rio Carnival
- Take a seat in the 90,000 seat Sambadrome to enjoy a night of entertainment and party spirit
- Be amazed by at the elaborate costumes and floats of the Samba Schools
- During your leisure time visit Christ the Redeemer and enjoy magnificent 360 degree views of the Rio Peninsular.
- Take some downtime on its famous beaches
- Extend your trip with a visit to the magnificent Iguazu Falls or Buzios Beach
Carnival dates for 2020 are February 21st - 26th, and for 2021 are February 12th - 17th.
Contact us to guide you and help plan your personal Rio Carnival and South America adventure. Enjoy the party of a lifetime with us!