From Rehearsal to Revelry: Inside Rio’s Carnival

For five days each year before Lent, all eyes turn to Rio de Janeiro as it hosts the biggest Carnival celebration in the world—a spectacular event that requires an almost year-long preparation. At the heart of the festivities, approximately 200 groups known as Samba schools, each one representing a neighborhood, compete in parades at the Sambadrome with thousands of dancers, elaborate floats, and energetic music. Meanwhile, the revelry extends into the streets, where hundreds of street parties known as blocos attract millions of visitors with live music, dancing, and outrageous costumes.

Because it takes so long to prepare, it’s possible to preview the spectacle throughout the year—as O.A.T travelers do during a "Carnival Experience" on New! Brazil in Depth: Rio de Janeiro, Amazon Cruise & the Pantanal and New! Immersion in Brazil & Argentina: Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu Falls. "The experience takes place where the Samba schools prepare everything for the parade," says Trip Experience Leader Danna Galvan. "Our travelers learn the history and importance of the festival. They dance, dress up in costumes, play percussion, and see the whole preparation process."

She also notes that the lengthy preparations have a positive impact on the local economy by creating jobs and career opportunities. "It gives a voice to our society to express many themes through art—with lots of joy and contagious music."

While O.A.T. typically doesn’t visit Brazil during the actual Carnival, Danna did have one lucky group who got an impromptu taste of the experience. "We had to walk two blocks from the hotel to the Welcome Dinner restaurant, and there was a pre-Carnival of about a thousand people," Danna says. "I bought colorful necklaces and we made a little train and danced in the middle of the crowd. They had a lot of fun!"

Discover the vibrant culture of Rio on our New! Brazil in Depth adventure and our New! Immersion in Brazil & Argentina: Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu Falls.