As everybody knows, Carnival is the most famous festival in Brazil, which attracts thousands of people every year. This is the perfect time to enjoy the sun, the music and that unmistakable Brazilian vibe. It’s amazingly fun and a great anti-stress source (especially during winter if you are from the northern part of the world!). If you’re not Brazilian, add to this experience great food and very friendly people. That’s why we decided to make a guide so tourists can appreciate Carnival like a local, “jumping it” from block to block!

The reason is very simple: We know that it can be hard to understand everything happening at the same time in the middle of all costumes, confetti and parades, but we can guarantee it is worth it and we will make you fall in love with this unique party too!

For the past several years, we have been experiencing the most popular carnivals in Brazil (yes! first tip: there are several different carnival festivals in Brazil and you have to try as many as you can!) We’ve been to: Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Olinda, Florianópolis and São Paulo. You will find different kinds of parties in each of these places, but we will start with the most internationally famous one: Rio de Janeiro.

CARNIVAL #1: RIO DE JANEIRO

Carnival = Rio, right? It can be! The Rio Carnival Parade is famous all around the world and it is a big contest between several schools, where a team of 12 schools forms the Special Group (just like the main league in sports – there are lower leagues as well!). These schools are extremely popular and have the most elaborate costumes and allegorical cars.

For the big show, everything is created months in advance, made by people of the community who really love the school. Each year, the schools chose their own themes and their samba anthem, and this choice will illustrate their show which lasts from 65 to 82 minutes.

These are some pictures that illustrate all the magic:

You can watch the parade at the Rio’s Sambodromo (stadium-like structure), and it always happens on the Sunday and Monday before Carnival (remember that Carnival official date is always on a Tuesday).

Unfortunately, to date (2017), you cannot directly buy your ticket to the parade (unless you have a friend living in Rio to phone in), so you will need to buy it with one of the agencies providing tickets. Be sure to check prices and the agencies’ trustworthiness. In 2017, prices varied from R$ 190 to R$ 300 (before agency costs).

Now, if you want to have the experience of participating in the parade, wearing costumes and dancing a lot of samba, the schools offer the costumes for purchase (you can buy them with the same agencies). But remember: It is very fun but also takes a lot of responsibility: You must arrive on time, dance and smile during the whole show, and order the costume / inform your size far in advance. Also, learn the samba anthem and sing along!

IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE PARADES! (it is actually not at all about it for most of us!)

For us, the most fun part of the Carnival at Rio is actually on the streets: You can follow the “blocks” (big musical cars or simply playing bands) free of charge and enjoy the beautiful view of the city while partying.

The “blocks” are groups that you can follow on the streets, and the schedule is huge, there are a lot of groups to follow from morning till night, all over town.

Nowadays, you can find from the most traditional blocks, with traditional Carnival songs – the “marchinhas” – to the modern ones that mix the Carnival rhythm with other musical styles such as rock and pop. My tip is to mix them so you can enjoy all styles of music and people!

Yes, we know that explaining this party can be hard, so check out the videos that show these vibes (click on the captions to see the videos):

Traditional block:

Block Simpatia é quase amor

Modern block:

Block Sargento Pimenta

The most popular blocks are also the most crowded. The block Cordão da Bola Preta, for example, was founded in 1918 and attracts about one million people at Lapa, a bohemian neighbourhood. You can go, but please, arrive early!

You also must consider that there are blocks happening all around, in every neighbourhood.

For the traditional blocks, I suggest these ones:

–       Banda de Ipanema (at Ipanema beach, wonderful and fun)

–       Areia (at Leblon, usually starts in the morning and it is also amazing)

–       Simpatia é quase amor (also at Ipanema)

Recently, there are also the modern blocks and it is always fun to hear a song that you love in a samba rhythm. Our favorites are:

–       New Kids on The Bloco (the name says everything: 80s and 90s Pop music from bands such as Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys and Maroon 5 with a twist)

–       Sargento Pimenta (Sargent Pepper in Portuguese, you can dance to The Beatles songs while trying to samba –  everybody loves it!)

–       Thriller Elétrico (Michael Jackson, Brazilian style)

To see the schedule of the blocks (be prepared, there are SO many!), you can check websites such as Wiki Rio and also install some apps on your cell phone. Click here to see an example of this year’s blocks.

BE PREPARED…

To enjoy the perfect street Carnival in Rio, make sure to follow these tips:

*Use a Money Belt

The streets get crowded and this item is really indispensable.

* Carry small money change

It is very easy to buy beer and drinks on the streets while following the music, but make it simple and quick

* If possible, take your oldest cell phone

Taking photos is amazing, but be careful with pickpockets. Again, the streets usually get crowded and pickpocket is a reality.

* Enjoy the morning blocks

They are usually very traditional and calmer (most of the time). It’s a good chance also to bring kids.

* Drink a lot of water and wear sunblock!

This one can seems obvious, but the party will has a lot of sun, beers and caipirinhas, and you don’t want to get sick in the first day of the event!

* Install the Uber app (or a similar app)

As everywhere, taxis can be cruel, especially with tourists. After a day of party, is important to go home safely! (taxi drivers in Rio are known to be particularly cranky)

*Book your stay in a good region

Although not the warzone you’d expect from watching TV or movies, Rio can be dangerous and you’ll feel much safer if you stay in a good region. We aren’t saying what are the better or worst places because Rio is entirely beautiful, but it is better to avoid headaches. Stick with the basics and book a place on Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon for instance. Take also mobility into consideration!

THE MOST FUNNY AND COOL COSTUMES ARE ON THE STREETS!

In the street carnival (the “real” one if you ask us!), costumes are simpler but still with lots of creativity. Women and men use at least one accessory and the only rule here is to have fun! As we love fun outfits, we separated some ideas (but feel free to ask us for more next year!):

We hope we can help you to make this experience amazing! If you have any other doubt, leave your comment or send us an email to contact.atelier1202@gmail.com. We’ll be extremely happy to help!

Pictures:

Pinterest – Bloco do Sargento Pimenta – Bloco Simpatia é Quase Amor