Carnival in Rio For five days, Rio receives thousands of visitors from all over the world to attend and participate in the most famous carnival in the world. The event is divided into 3 main events: samba school parades, street carnival and dances. Parades are the outcome of rehearsals and competitions that take place throughout the year, culminating in the parades at the Sambodrome. During the event, it’s common to see groups of revelers that go out to the streets or amateur bands who are willing to play on carnival and samba marches. In Copacabana, pay attention to Banda do Leme or Santa Clara; in the city center, Cordão de Bola Preta and in Ipanema, Banda de Ipanema. Throughout the city, there are dances for every taste: simple costume dances that are usually open to the public and thematic or exotic dances that require detailed outfits.
Exotic Balls The most desired dances of Rio de Janeiro require special fantasies and are attended by celebrities and socialites. Scala annually hosts some of the most expected balls: Baile do Cordão da Bola Preta, Baile da Cerveja or Baile da Cidade Maravilhosa. City Hall and Copacabana Palace Hotel also organizes some of the most exciting events in the city. In this balls, you can opt for an individual ticket that grants you access to lounges and bars or vip cabin, witch present open bar, sushi buffet, fruits and snacks.
Practical Information The carnival begins before Holy Lent and lasts for 5 days. Usually it happens between February and March. Website: http://www.riocarnaval.org