What is the Rio De Janeiro Carnival?
The Rio De Janeiro Carnival is a festivity celebrated in Brazil. The celebration honors the spirit of overindulgence. The first carnival was hosted in 1723. It is a festival held every year before Lent; Ash Wednesday.
More than three events happens through the celebration. Parades, blocos (“street carnival”) with bandas performing, and samba competitions take place. The main event is the parade of samba schools. People go to the carnival to come together as one. With tons of parties and events happens during this time.
What is the Celebration About?
It is celebrated from February 9 to the 17th. The best days to go to the carnival are Monday’s and Tuesday’s. The schools divides in two groups of six. The carnival occurs when the weather is 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, performers and festival-goers insist on wearing cool and comfortable clothing.
Furthermore, people suggest to stay on the southern side of the city, for safety of the carnival. Furthermore, it is suggested for people to walk with a purpose and avoid looking like a victim. With thousands of people gathered to celebrate it can be a feeding ground for criminals.
In addition to the bright colors, costumes, parades, and music, people enjoy delicious dishes. Popular foods the carnival is rice and beans, fish stew, and gumbo.
The Fun of the Carnival
They have a certain style of dance they perform in the parade and in competitions. There are 40 judges to sit and identify the dance moves. The dancers are dressed up in costumes. if it wasn’t for the samba schools the carnival wouldn’t be nothing. They started from programs and clubs before they became schools. The community contributes to the carnival by having a helping hand.
They have a close relationship with the community because it helps in poor parts. The competition between the schools remain stiff. The stadium can only sit 80,000 people. People can book tickets on the seller’s website. They encourage people to ask an agent what is the best seating.
What is the Carnival Without the Dazzling Balls?
Furthermore, the carnival celebration happen across every inch of Brazil. However, the most well-known, sought after destination is Rio de Janeiro, where to be specific it screams have a party.
The parties start a day before the carnival launch. If people decide to get a ticket to attend the celebrations, they’ll see themselves surrounded by the wealthy, rich culture and colors.
What are the Best Street Parties?
The blocos organizes the best street parties. Where individuals will find a large groups of people dancing to the tune of samba. The parties will start small then start to grow in a certain location. The crowd marches and starts to gain more people along the way. The crowd starts in the Ipanema neighborhood.
Why should I visit?
Furthermore, carnival is renowned for it’s vibrant parties and known as the largest street celebration. Moreover, it attracts visitors from all over. Furthermore, it is great and safe place to bring children.
This celebration is an every year tradition. It is known for the costumes, music, dance, and tourist. The tourist can engage in the local culture event, ensuring everyone feels part of the community.
The Big Disaster
Last year’s big weather phenomena had a big effect on this event. It left dozens of people dead and homeless. This affected the entire region of the northern coast. People were stranded for days because of the flood. Additionally, the destruction caused roads to be blocked off and streets were crowded with debris.
Heavy rain caused flooding and landslides that killed 36, destroyed many homes, causing carnival celebrations to be canceled.
The Cultures of the Carnival
The carnival has a mix of cultures. The Brazil cultures and traditions plays a main part in the parade. Africans and Europeans also specialize in participating as well. They brought the rich side of music. This helped Brazil evolve and develop.
Written By Nyaire White
Sources:
Rio.com: History of Carnival
Veloso Tours: Rio Carnival 2024 – Plan your visit
Sambadrome.com: Rio Carnival
Featured Image Courtesy of Terry George’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Kalexander2010‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
