Travel in Rio and you soon discover a city bursting with life – and perhaps never more so than during the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, held in February/March.
The city becomes one huge, five-night street party with thousands of revellers in glittering, flamboyant costumes dancing to infectious samba beats. But you don’t have to visit during Carnival season to experience the glitz, glamour and excitement of this world-famous spectacle.
Sambadrome
The hotel can arrange a guided tour of the Sambadrome, the kilometre-long stadium where Rio’s samba schools perform and compete amid elaborate floats in the world-famous Carnival parade. You can even look the part at the Sambadrome’s boutique – try on some of the outrageously sequinned and feather-clad costumes that make the Rio de Janeiro Carnival such a colourful pageant.
Sounds of Carnival
Then search out the infectious sounds of Carnival at Bossa Nova & Companhia, a music store with a fine assortment of bossa, choro and samba CDs, that’s only a block away from the Copacabana Palace.
Dancing
After that, you’ll want to dance your way to the rehearsals of Rio’s samba schools held each weekend from August in the run-up to Carnival. We can arrange a visit to Manguiera, the oldest existing samba school, including transport, tour guide and entrance fee.
Costumes
We also offer a tour of Cidade do Samba, Rio’s costume and float-manufacturing complex, which hosts Carnival shows on Thursdays.
Live Brazilian Music
And don’t miss experiencing wonderful samba bands over a caipirinha at Rio Scenarium, a club renowned for its live Brazilian music and vintage decor. You’ll also find great musicians at Carioca da Gema, where well-known sambistas often make an appearance, and laid-back Bossa Nossa where you’ll soon be dancing with the locals.
Stay at the Copacabana Palace and we’ll make sure you can enjoy the magic of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival at any time of the year.
