What is Rio Carnival?

Rio Carnival is a famous festival held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is the world famous festival which is arranged before Lent every year. Also is considered as the biggest carnival in the world where around two million people gather each year on streets. The first festivals of Rio were held in 1723. There are much more to know, so keep reading about what is Rio Carnival.

Rio Carnival is the festival that welcomes people from Brazil and throughout the country to participate various events held in Rio de Janeiro. People participate by wearing impressive samba costumes and make this festival lively. Many join samba classes, take tours of the festival, buy tickets and enjoy street parties. There are much more in this festival.

Rio Carnival 2013

This year, the Carnival was begun on Saturday, February 9 and lasted on Fat Tuesday, February 12. Rio de Janeiro Carnival is considered as the best in the country followed by Olinda and Salvador. It is also the most visited festival due to which it is also dubbed as the ‘Carnival Capital of the Globe’.

Accommodations in Rio

Many people prior to two months or more book their rooms in varied hotels to attend the Carnival. The Southern Rio (Zona Sul) is the most beautiful and safest places in Rio where one can plan to stay. The area is also said to have best infrastructure. For those who want to enjoy market places nearby can consider Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon which are the best and priciest as well. For more down market, enjoy Flamengo, Lapa and Botafogo.

Best Time to Book

Tourists can book flights and accommodation at least four months before the Carnival to get available and better tickets. Since people from every corner of the world visit this Carnival, it is better to book tickets months before in advance.

Best Events to Attend

Rio Carnival lights up due to the Samba Parade. It is the best attraction which one cannot miss. Apart from the parade, few balls can be attend. Join a range of street parties and street band processions. Both of them are held in downtown and in South Rio, Zona Sul. Best is to attend at least one samba school night rehearsal. One can even take Rio Carnival tours to explore the happening atmosphere around. The entire country stays busy with this festival and millions gather around with their costumes to participate in this exhilarating occasion.

Best Street Parties

The best street party is the street band of Ipanema which is most famous and flamboyant in the country. Parties that are held downtown like Cordão do Bola Preta are the biggest and very enchanting.

Best Balls

Rio de Janeiro also presents high society Balls at various venues. Attend the Magic Ball at Hotel Copacabana Palace which is the most famous and joyous. To get most of the fun and wonderful night, visit Gay Gala Costume ball which is held in Scala.

When and Where to Buy Tickets

Best is to buy tickets in advance for annual Samba Parade competition. Also, the Magic Ball at Hotel Copacabana Palace is the best. Several Scala Balls also sell tickets which one has to buy quickly as tickets sell out instantly.

Samba School

Best way to participate in Samba competition or learn samba is by watching others how they do. Samba schools are also available where one can join. There are no courses or classes. One can simply see others and make the go. Visit samba night at a school and learn by watching them. Street parties and marching with street bands are very enjoyable. To get the absolute knock out experience, just parade yourself in Costume and enjoy the time in Sambodromo.

There are many things to do at Rio Carnival. Visit various locations, join Rio Carnival Samba parade, buy Rio Carnival tickets, enjoy wearing Rio Carnival costumes, and take Rio Carnival tours. Your get loads of options to have the best experience ever.