Carnival in Rio

Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Carnival is Rio's main event. It happens at the peak of summer, when Cariocas are at their best. Festivities attract thousands of people from all corners of the world. Carnaval, as spelled in Portuguese, is a 4- day celebration. It starts on Saturday, and ends on Fat Tuesday, or Mardi- Gras. Carnival Sunday is seven weeks before Easter Sunday.

What is a holiday without a fest? That's the reasoning of the culturally rich and party crazy city of Rio. The city celebrates its world- famous Carnival festival two weeks before the Christian period of Lent—from Carnival weekend to Mardi Gras.

Festivities in Rio de Janeiro

Mardi Gras is when almost everyone takes to the streets in colorful costumes, floats and parades, participating in the traditional Samba dance, partaking of delicious local foods and engaging in general bonhomie.

The Sambodrome, a huge parade area in downtown Rio is the hub of festive activity, as various samba schools organize parades here, to thrill thousands of locals and tourists.
Witness the mayor handing the city keys to the Carnival King Momo, among loads of other exciting happenings. When in Rio, the Carnival is not to be missed!