Carnival in Brazil 🇧🇷

January 2024
3 minute read

hey cidade maravilhosa…

The pilot announces we will be landing soon, you look out the window and start to see, past the clouds, the ocean, and the city. The airline crew might also announce the weather… if you’re arriving from December- February it will be summer, with a high chance of sunshine and amazing vibes.
Arriving in Rio de Janeiro is such a high- there are beautiful, smiling, and kind people everywhere, and “anyone” can look Brazilian, in part due to the mix of Indigenous Indians, Africans, and Portuguese.
Music plays softly and loudly, the ocean meets the city along the coast; people in Havainas and colorful dresses walk easily and slowly through the streets. Here and there, you’ll begin to see people in tutus, glitter, and black or white stockings… the biggest party in town is here.

Calçada Portuguesa is the traditional paving used in most pedestrian areas in Portugal that reached Brazil, especially along Rio’s Copacabana and Ipanema neighborhoods.

Carnival in Rio: What’s it like?

The biggest collective event in the world… Carnival in Brazil almost needs no introduction. Carnival in Brazil is street block parties or blocos da Rua in Portuguese, Samba schools that have trained all year, caipirinhas and Brahmas (famous Brazilian beer) in hand to quench the noon heat, dancing, and creativity in every corner.

Many people visit Carnival to attend the Sambadrome and watch the Samba schools parade along the facilities, and many others join the street blocos which are parades where we follow the music. There can be more than 60 blocos happening at the same time throughout the city and each one has its theme, story, and music- which can be funk, samba, techno, and many others- and whichever one you decide to join, all will have the same common denominator: amazing energy and just wanting to have fun.

Carnival in Rio was brought from Bahia, in the Northern part of Brazil

The origins of Carnival in Brazil are from African roots, actually. Traditionally people would dress up and parade in the streets to warn off unwanted spirits. As it developed and “traveled” through Brazil, there was one notable woman, una mulher muito bacana, Tia Ciata, who was a cook from Bahia and moved to Rio. She’s appointed as the major influence in bringing Carnival to Rio de Janeiro, and while it isn’t the capital (that’s Brasilia) it does hold the spot for the most famous city in Brazil for Carnival. If you want to see a more “traditional” event though, Bahia is probably your best bet.

hey beautiful Rio :) Cristo Redentor, one of the seven Modern National Wonders of the World, sits atop Corcovado Hill, above Tijuca National Park

The biggest carnival and party in the world

Carnival dates change every year due to Easter. Carnival comes from the medieval Latin carnem levare or carnelevarium, which means to take away or remove meat, or the beginning of fasting. Let’s remember that it’s tied to Roman Catholic traditions. It’s beautiful to see how it has morphed into such an inclusive and creative event. Rio turns into a playground for weeks- people dressed in costumes or bathing suits with glitter and feathers, hats, power rangers, popes, Mario and Luigis, pop culture icons… the sky is the limit.

Papa Francisco makes an appearance to this lovely couple. Carnival 2023. IG courtesy of: @Sonofdman

Carnival in Rio, its uniqueness

Initially, it might sound like it’s only partying… but there’s so much more than the naked eye sees. Popular blocos such as Banda de Ipanema, Amigos da Onça, Bloco Mulheres Rodadas, and Technobrass also represent causes, such as culture, social dysfunctions, and storytelling. People are genuinely there to have fun and the energy of that is so contagious! Even crossing a tunnel becomes an event. Everyone, and I mean everyone, all ages and occupations join in the fun (this is what I mean). There are sweet senior citizens holding hands through the parades, moms with their kids in a stroller, people getting engaged… you really have to be there.

The people make the places- and the events- some of the coolest people, my friends Rach, Nikki, Stew and Robin. Rio de Janeiro, February 2023.

How do you stay safe/ prepare for Carnival?

Keep in mind that it gets busy. So keeping in touch with friends and agreeing on a spot you can go to in case you lose each other is key. Walking 25 km/ day can be normal if you’re following the best blocos around Rio. You’re so immersed and fueled by the music and the dancing, that I swear you barely feel it. Keep your belongings close to your body, a fanny pack like this for example, will do. Blocos usually begin at 7 a.m. (no kidding) and end the next day. (Morning blocos are the best anyway- you’re fresh, well-fed 🤞🏽and ready) So, remember to:

🎡 Stay hydrated! This is important! Carry a bottle of water as well if you’re drinking alcohol

🎡 Eat healthy as much as you can. There will be street food everywhere, make sure it meets your needs depending on your physical activity

🎡 Use sunscreen! Remember it’s summer in Brazil and the scorching heat will get you surely.

🎡 Take a hat or any other means of covering your face and as little clothes (the lighter the better) as possible. I can’t emphasize how hot it gets

🎡 Get creative! And of course, enjoy. Be present, always be within your limits and what makes you feel good.

And for you, my friend, that has made it this far, bonus: Blocos da Rua is an app and website that helps you access a full schedule of places and blocos with their timelines so you can choose where to go. @ondetemsambarj in instagram posts live updates of where Samba blocos are happening.

“Respect the Chaos” pretty much sums it up.

One of the coolest things after a few hours in a bloco is dipping in the ocean so Praia do Flamengo is one of the best options for joining a bloco. Santa Teresa and Downtown Rio are also some of the most lit ‎️‍🔥

Santa Teresa is a hip, bubbly neighborhood with vintage stores and cool restaurants near Downtown Rio, known for lit parties. Botafogo is very similar but closer to the beach areas.

46 million people attended carnival last year.

And because I love this topic, here’s also a curated playlist from yours truly of some of the most popular songs I heard at Carnival 2023 and 2022.
🥁 Spotify: Carnival in Rio

And that’s it friends! Thanks for reading along and enjoy!

Thank you for joining me on this journey! If the stories shared here have inspired or helped you in any way, please consider supporting this space. Your contributions, big or small help sustain and encourage the creation of meaningful content :) -JC