Souvenir Postcard
Simply put, there’s no adequate way to prepare for the over-the-top spectacle of Rio’s famous 5-day bacchanal celebration.
Leading up to the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, Brazil’s most famous festival celebrates life on a grand scale, compensating for the Christian faithful’s fasting in the days ahead.
WanderBoomer, before Carnival
I had arrived in Rio de Janeiro a few days before the start of Carnival, eager to meet up with Brazilian friends I had met on their visit to the States. Everywhere I turned in the city, newspaper headlines, billboards and TV announcers screamed in Portuguese, “Carnaval! Carnaval!” accompanied by photos of smiling dancers in elaborate costumes partying on top of lavishly decorated parade floats. Samba music filled the airwaves. And all that happened before the festival started.
Once Carnival began, all-night neighborhood street parties sprang out throughout Ipanema and Copacabana. Many Cariocas (locals) had already fled the city, businesses shut down and traffic came to a halt.
Cross-dressers took to the streets, teasing passerby’s with their come-hither looks and invitations to embrace the spirit and mischief of Carnival. The fun spilled over into the nightclub scene where the music never stopped, allowing individual musicians to slip off stage for only a short break while the rest of us danced on and on.
So, go ahead, add Rio’s Carnival to your travel bucket list, but only if you’re ready to accept that life as you know it today will never – ever – be the same again.
WanderBoomer, after Carnival
What about you, wanderboomers? Ready to blame your new persona on Rio?
You’re right it does start way before the actual Carnival, glad you had such a fun time. Loving this blog and what a great blog name.
Thanks for your kind words, Maggie! As an expat in Brazil, I’m wondering how you have celebrated Carnival during your time there. Do tell . . .
Holy Mole, Nancy, looks like loads of excitement! Great pics.
I soooo want to do something like this. I’ve got the Samba down, or probably, I fancy I have the Samba down. I don’t care. I just love to dance. I was actually in Rio but it was on my way home to South Africa.
If you’ve got the Samba down, Rossandra, you’re there! And a step or two ahead of me :-). Yeah, any excuse to dance – I’m with you!
I was fortunate to be in Santos one year during Carnival. The atmosphere was something I never encountered before it seemed the whole country was involved in one huge party. I think every country should do the same at least once a year.
I have never been to Rio, but when my daughter was in high school we hosted an exchange student from there. The following year Christina’s family paid for Elizabeth to go for a visit. It was not during the big celebration, but she was quite impressed with all the things she saw there. Happy D day!
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Oh, but you owe it to yourself to visit Rio! Whether or not you go during Carnival, it’s such a beautiful city. I hope you find your way there ~