Carnival
Carnival
is celebrated at Lent which is 40 days before Easter. Historically this is
the start of a 40 day period of abstinence. So Carnival was a time to let
your hair down and have a party before these 40 boring days took hold.
Nowadays it is just an excuse for having a wild party. It
is a very commercialized affair now and tickets to the main parade down
the Sambadrome ( which occurs 3 nights running ( Sunday thru Tuesday) are
difficult to get hold of. You need to buy as early as possible in the year
ahead. Plan for a long night and an unforgettable experience. It usually
starts around 8 pm and don't expect to get away until 6 am if you want to
see it all. Security is good and taxis readily available to get you home.
Food and refreshments easily available on site.
Pre-Carnival
Balls. These normally start on the Friday before the parade and
are held in large clubs/theatres around Rio. Some are private for the very
wealthy but others are accessible to the general public. Also most clubs
and discos will put something special on. If you are an exhibitionist and
have no problems with wild public debauchery then you will enjoy some of
the pre-carnival balls - late in the evening almost anything goes. Tickets
to these balls vary but expect to pay up to $50. You can come in costume
if you like but Bermuda Shorts and a colorful shirt are the norm for men.
On the Saturday following the Carnival the winners do a
free parade around the centre of Rio de Janeiro.
Carnival
Dates for next few years
2007 - February 18th
2008 - February 03rd
2009 - February 22nd
2010 - February 13th
Copacabana
during Carnival: The place is crowded during Carnival, apart from foreign
tourists many Brazilians tourists will be found at this time of year.
There are more men competing for the girls but more girls come in from
other towns and stay in Rio for a month or so over the high holiday
season ( January & February ). Prices are more expensive, including Help
disco and other clubs, but prices still not excessive compared to some
countries. If you want to experience a wild time and don't mind a little
extra cost then Carnival is the time for you.
Seats in the Sambadrome:
The most expensive seats are in the enclosed boxes ( camarotes ).
These are air conditioned and can take up to 12 people although that is
a bit cramped. You will be mixing with rich and famous people in these
boxes. Next best ( price wise and view ) are the stands ( Arquibancadas
). Good views as they are raised. The whole sambadrome is a pretty basic
place, just a bare concrete structure so your backside is going to get
sore if you sit down for too long so you might want to bring some type
of cushion. But you'll be standing for a lot of the time in order to see
as everyone will be up dancing, jigging around etc.
