People often say that Carnival in Brazil is the biggest party in the world. There’s a reason for that. Did you know that Carnival is celebrated all over the country for a week of festivities? The tradition varies depending on the region you are in. Almost everyone knows there’s samba in Rio de Janeiro, but not many people are aware of the incredible parties they can enjoy if they travel to other parts of the country during this magical time.
This year, Carnival will be officially celebrated from February 24 to 28, but in many cities, the party extends for a few more days. If you have a few days available in your schedule, there’s still time to plan a quick and fun vacation in Brazil. Below, we summarize some of the best happenings in the country during this time of year.
Salvador
Carnival in Salvador, Bahia, is by far the largest street party in the world. Every year, about 2 million people participate in the Salvador Carnival parades. For six consecutive days, from 5 PM to 5 AM, dozens of bands parade through the streets, playing on large trucks (called Trios).
You can dance at the Salvador Carnival within a safe area around the Trio, protected by security and thus isolated from the crowd. To be accepted, it is necessary to buy a credential (called “Abadá”), a colorful t-shirt that identifies you as a member of the Trio.
São Paulo
Since 1991, the Anhembi Sambadrome has been the focus of Carnival celebrations in São Paulo. The parade features the top samba schools of the city, competing for the prestigious championship trophy. But the Sambadrome is not the only place for a Carnival experience in Brazil’s largest city. In the streets, the parties begin well before Carnival week with a series of blocos parades where the excitement is just as intense.
Ouro Preto
Carnival in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, is characterized by themed and styled blocos, almost always accompanied by a brass and percussion band. It is very popular among university students in the region. The city has a large proportion of students, who during the year live in places called Repúblicas (a rented house maintained and managed by themselves). During Carnival, the Repúblicas literally fill up with residents and many visitors from all over the country.
Paraty
The historic city of Paraty, located between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, celebrates street carnival as it was done in the old days. Every day, at all times, you can see large puppets, with masks and costumes, and all kinds of animated people playing in the streets. Paraty currently has many blocos. The most famous of them is the “Bloco da Lama” (“Mud Block”). Muddy from head to toe, covered in rags, carrying skulls, vines, and bones, the “Bloco da Lama” serves to repel evil spirits and attract joy to the Carnival of Paraty.
Olinda and Recife
Both of these cities in Pernambuco are internationally famous for their Carnival celebrations.
Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, offers visitors a unique experience they are unlikely to forget in their lifetime. Much of the fun happens in the streets. Revelers head straight to the historic center or “Cidade Alta,” which is the liveliest place during Carnival. Energetic crowds dance to the sounds of drums and brass in a variety of the most creative and hilarious costumes you can’t miss.
In Recife, the passion for “frevo” is felt more strongly during Carnival. The high-energy sounds of this typical Brazilian rhythm are highlighted with the “Desfile do Galo da Madrugada” (Galo da Madrugada Parade). You can join the crowd of over 2 million along the four-kilometer route around central Recife.
Rio de Janeiro
Although Carnival is celebrated in many cities throughout Brazil, Rio de Janeiro has long been considered the world capital of Carnival. Rio’s Carnival is not only the largest Carnival, but it is also a benchmark against which every other carnival is compared and one of the most interesting artistic events on the planet. The glorious Sambadrome Parades, featuring the 12 elite samba schools of Rio de Janeiro, present a show full of unforgettable moments. You can buy tickets for the grand show. Throughout the neighborhoods of Rio, cariocas celebrate Carnival. People dance in the streets singing samba songs. Cariocas make no distinction between locals and foreigners, who are very welcome to join the event. Undoubtedly, this is the favorite holiday celebration in Rio.