Celebrate The Carnival In Rio – This Is What You Need To Know

The carnival in Rio is on many bucket lists. My Brazilian friends always make sure to be home for it, and some even say that the year doesn’t really start until the carnival is over.

I went for the first time 2018 and it was one of the best events I’ve ever attended.

It was so good that I had to celebrate it again in 2019 (this time in Salvador). And, I’m back for it again this year… 

The following things are good to know before coming to Brazil for the carnival, to ensure that you get the most out of what is considered to be the biggest fiesta in the world.  

When Is The Carnival In Brazil
And How Much Time Do You Need

The carnival takes place in either February or March every year, ending 40 days before Easter. While it officially spans over 5 days, the parties in Rio go on for about 2 weeks.

In Salvador, which is another main hub for the carnival celebrations, the parties stretch over a month.

The main events take place during the official period though, which will be 21-26 of February in 2020. Here’s an overview of the dates for the next 4 years.

Plan on arriving at least a few days before. If you have the opportunity, recover at a relaxing place for a few days after. There are lots of paradises to choose from, such as the islands in Bahia.

Boipeba, a few hours away from Salvador, is the perfect place to relax after the carnival. 

The carnival is a religious ritual (believe it or not) that is celebrated in many parts of the world. The Rio festival with approximately 2 million visitors is the biggest of them all.

What To Expect From The Carnival in Rio

I used to think that the carnival in Rio was all about the samba shows. You know, the pictures you see when you google ‘carnival in rio‘.

While Sambadrome is an important part, and has been described as “the greatest show on earth”, most of the real parties happen on the streets in the form of blocos.

What The Blocos Are All About

Blocos are the main ingredients of the carnival. Blocos are local music groups that perform somewhere, transforming that place into a giant street party where everyone is welcome.

You can think about it as street concerts, but crazier. Blocos are not performances where you stand still and watch, but more like big parties with live music where people come together to have a good time.

The size of the bands ranges between a few musicians to hundreds. The concept goes way back in time – the first blocos were registered in Rio 1889. It’s amazing and needs to be experienced for you to really understand. In 2018, the Rio Counsil approved 436 blocos for the carnival.

The first blocos of the day start playing at 7 am, and from there it goes on non-stop until the evening. You might be thinking that people wouldn’t wake up that early to celebrate, but I can assure you that they do.  

Later in the night, the official blocos are usually replaced with big after-parties in the clubs and unofficial street performances (and yes, these may feature blocos too).  

Some Of The Most Famous Blocos Are From Rio

Many of the most well-known blocos are from Rio. These are just a few of them:

• Banda de Ipanema: Created in 1959, Banda de Ipanema is usually one of the highlights of the Carioca (nickname for Rio) Carnival creating a big party at Praça General Osório in Ipanema
• Monobloco: Monobloco has been around since 2003, creating an amazing atmosphere at  Leblon beach. They are very popular among younger crowds and usually close the Carnival. The band consists of 120 musicians that play samba, coco, xote, congo and more.
• Cordão do Bola Preta: This is the bloco with the longest history in Rio. They usually start the carnival and have in the past attracted crowds of 2,5 million people. That’s about 1 million more than the population of Sweden’s capital Stockholm. Just saying. 
• Sargento Pimenta: This bloco’s style is a bit different from the majority since they mix The Beatles with other influences from pop and samba. Their home arena is Flamengo Park. I saw them this year and the atmosphere was amazing, with everyone singing along to the lyrics.

Many Popular Local Artists Run The Blocos

Several famous local singers are members of different blocos. In 2018 Anitta, who is one of the most popular singers in Brazil, was performing with her Bloco das Poderosas.  I was there, and it was more crowded than most of the bigger concerts I’ve been to.

There is an endless amount of smaller blocos with more intimate, but still loyal groups of supporters, too. In one day, more than 70 blocos can be performing in different parts of Rio alone, and that’s only the official count. Just to give you an idea.

It’s crazy, in a fantastic way.

You can get an overview of the blocos here. There are also a wide range of Facebook pages that publish updates throughout the carnival. A good tip is to follow the blocos’ pages directly.

How To Plan Your Carnival Experience In Rio

It can be hard to understand where to start and where the best events are since so much going on. You can either 1) decide to just stick to the blocos, or 2) mix it up a bit with Samadrome and a few organized events (such as concerts, special parties and so on).

Get an overview and decide what events you’d like to join by asking the locals. The ambiance is great everywhere and it’s very easy to get to know new people. 

I was spontaneous last year, while some of my friends made color-coded schedules (yes, really). It depends on what kind of person you are and how into specific blocos you may be. A flexible attitude is good either way since you never know if you’ll feel like staying somewhere.

Remember that it will be very crowded and therefore take time to get around. Keep this in mind and be patient if you’re planning to attend events in different parts of the city.

Tickets For Sambadrome

If you’re thinking about going to Sambadrome, you better plan for it since it always sells out. Tickets are only released one week ahead of the event to protect against fake duplication, but you can (and better) pre-order. Only buy from reliable sources and don’t purchase from someone who can’t make it, since these tickets won’t get you in.

What To Wear To The Carnival – The Disfraz

In Rio, costumes (fantasia / fantasiado in Portuguese) are a big thing during the carnival. I’m not talking about samba outfits, even if that course could be your pick.

Everyone gets dressed up to everything and anything you can imagine. It’s like a giant masquerade. Think about the best Halloween party you’ve been to. The carnival in Rio is much better, and even more creative.

I saw people walking around as showers (that were working), geishas, policemen/women, flies, Super Marios and everything in between.

Everything goes.

I love this part since people become more relaxed and free when they’re wearing a costume. It would probably be a good idea to introduce at some offices once a month too, but let’s not go into that now.

Many wear the same costume throughout the carnival. Once a dog, always a dog, you know. Others mix it up (I did). Some groups of friends and couples match each other. It will be hot so don’t plan on wearing too much.

If you ever had a fantasy about walking around like something or are thinking about when to use that thing you spontaneously bought on the market last year, this could be your opportunity.

There is a mix of funny, sexy, and everything else you can (and can’t) image. I really recommend you to dress up since it’s an important part of the Carioca Carnival experience.

No Rules, Apart From Having A Good Time

There are no rules during the carnival. The ambiance is very open and people let themselves go. Don’t be surprised if randoms are trying to kiss you ‘just like that’, dressed up as Borat, a princess, or something else. Kissing 10+ people in one day is not uncommon. 

Everyone takes part in the celebrations, dancing, kissing, singing, and everything else you can imagine. It’s all about living in the moment and not thinking about that ‘you shouldn’t’ if you feel like doing something. Just as you, of course, shouldn’t do anything that doesn’t feel right.

Food and Drinks During The Carnival

If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll have many options. There are lots of street vendors selling beer, Caparinhas, water, Acai, delicious sausages, BBQ appetizers, fast food, and snacks everywhere. 

Restaurants will be more crowded than usual, but apart from that you will have delicious options close by when you’re attending city blocos. Rio’s restaurant scene is great, just remember that you’re better off with reservations at the best places during the carnival.

Where To Stay In Rio During The Carnival

There are lots of good areas to stay during the carnival. As always, it comes down to what you’re looking for. 

I stayed at a friend’s place in Ipanema the first couple of days and then found an apartment in Botafogo, close by Copacabana beach. Both areas are great options. Botafogo has a more local vibe, while Ipanema is your chic paradise. Full of beautiful people, restaurants, and bars.

What I liked about Botafogo is that you’re in the middle, with Ipanema/Leblon on one side, and Santa Teresa (where many blocos and after-parties will take place from and until the next sunrise) on the other.

Other popular areas are Leblon, Copacabana, and Santa Teresa.

The important thing to note is that accommodation will be sold-out and very expensive if you don’t book in advance,

Great Hotels Centrally Located In Rio

• Hotel Atlantico Rio: Located a few blocks away from Copacabana beach, enjoy a good breakfast, a rooftop pool, and great service.
• Arena Ipanema Hotel: Beautiful hotel, located 100m from Ipanema beach. Pool with beach view, gym, and a tasty breakfast.
• Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity: Located in front of Botafogo beach, you’ll be spoiled with delicious breakfast, a beautiful rooftop, elegance, and gorgeous views of Pan de Azúcar and Corcovado.

Security During The Carnival

Rio is my favorite city in the world for many reasons. Security is, unfortunately, a big problem. It is very crowded during the carnival, and many tourists and locals alike are losing their valuables. 

Those who perform crimes are professionals and don’t need much time.

• Don’t walk around with more cash than you need
• Leave your card and expensive accessories at home
• Buy a moneybelt. They sell it everywhere throughout the carnival, and it will become your most useful asset

Trust me – you don’t want to lose your card here. The process of getting it back can be time-consuming since bank errands etc. aren’t the quickest in Brazil. I’m talking based on experience and (too) many hours of waiting.

As long as you’re aware and only bring things that you’ll need, you’ll be fine. 

Carnival Experiences Nearby Rio

If you feel like mixing up your city experience a bit, there are places close by Rio where you can celebrate as well. Paraty is a great option. A picture-perfect village that is known for its carnival celebrations and beautiful beaches and views. Since it’s only a 3,5 hours bus ride away from Rio, it’s the perfect weekend trip, even if you might want to spend a few days extra because of how pretty it is. 

Other Destinations To Celebrate The Carnival

The carnival celebrations take place in most parts of the country, but some are more known than others. Olinda, Salvador, Ouro Preto, São Paulo, Manaus, and Belo Horizonte are a few of the other main hotspots where you can be guaranteed lots of action.

Each place has their own way of celebrating, which means that you can come back and have a totally different experience.

An Experience To Come Back For

The carnival is an unforgettable experience. As long as you like a good time and don’t mind crowds, you should definitely experience it at least once in your life. There is nothing quite like it.

You won’t forget it, and you might be back again, and again.

Have you been to the carnival? Then I’d love to hear about your experience.