Here at Amigos Travel we couldn’t be more excited to see South American travel back in the spotlight with the amazing Rio Carnival. Here are some photos direct from Claudia our Rio guide…
If you want to know more about Carnival here are some interesting facts about the annual carnival! Maybe you should put it on your bucket list for 2024.
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is one of the most famous and vibrant celebrations in the world. It is a time of year when the city comes alive with music, dancing, and colour as millions of people take to the streets to celebrate. The event is a true spectacle that attracts tourists from all over the world, and it is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime.
The origins of Carnival in Rio can be traced back to the Portuguese settlers who brought the tradition of masked balls and street parties to Brazil in the 18th century. Over time, the celebration evolved to include the famous samba dance, which became an integral part of the festivities in the early 20th century. Today, the event is a combination of parades, parties, and street celebrations that take place in the days leading up to Lent.
One of the highlights of Carnival in Rio is the parade of samba schools. These schools are organized groups of performers who spend months preparing for the event, creating elaborate costumes and floats, and practicing their dance routines. During the parade, each school takes to the Sambadrome, a specially built stadium in the heart of the city, to showcase their skills and compete for the title of Carnival champion.
The energy and excitement of the parade are infectious, with thousands of people lining the streets to cheer on the performers. The costumes are a sight to behold, with each school choosing a different theme and creating elaborate outfits to match. The floats are also a highlight, with some reaching up to 40 feet tall and featuring intricate designs and animations.
But Carnival in Rio is not just about the parade. The city comes alive with parties and celebrations that take place in every corner of the city. The street parties, known as blocos, are a particularly popular feature, with thousands of people gathering to dance and sing along to live music. These parties are free and open to everyone, and they provide a great opportunity to experience the Carnival atmosphere in a more relaxed and informal setting.
Of course, no celebration would be complete without food and drink, and Carnival in Rio is no exception. Brazilian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and hearty dishes, and the street food scene during Carnival is a feast for the senses. From traditional meat skewers to fried pastels and coxinhas (deep-fried dough balls filled with meat or cheese), there is something to satisfy every craving.
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is a one-of-a-kind experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The energy and vibrancy of the event are unmatched, and the city comes alive with a sense of joy and celebration that is truly infectious. Whether you choose to watch the samba schools parade in the Sambadrome, dance in the streets with the blocos, or simply enjoy the food and drink, Carnival in Rio is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
