It encompasses elaborate costumes filled with extravagant feathers, sequins, glitter. With bright colours, bold costumes and lively samba sounds, Rio Carnival is an extraordinary festival celebrated year after year. Rio Carnival takes place in February or March (depending on the calendar) which also happens to be the middle of summer in Brazil. However, smaller but equally bold and vibrant Carnival events can be seen taking place throughout the entire country including the coastal city, Salvador. Street parties began as early as a month before Carnival weekend and often go on a few weeks past the period for those who want to continue the celebrations.Īll the main events take place in Rio de Janeiro including the Samba Parade, the Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace, ‘blocos’ or block/street parties and so much more. Rio Carnival starts the Friday before Ash Wednesday (marking the forty-day period of Lent before Easter in the Roman Catholic Church) and continues for five days. The saying goes that a new year doesn’t start in Brazil until after Rio Carnival.

When and where does Rio Carnival take place? The history of Rio Carnival can be seen as very complex but present-day celebrations now encompasses a fusion of African, Portuguese and Indigenous culture traditions and is truly a time to celebrate by all.Ī post shared by Forbes Travel Narratives 2. This is now seen through modern day masks, costumes and music. Also, African slaves and workers brought to Brazil by Portuguese settlers also shared traditional customs paying homage to their culture and gods.

When Portuguese settlers first arrived in Brazil in the early 1600s, Rio Carnival traditions transformed to include small balls and masquerade dances, similar to the upper-class festivals that took part in Europe. Carnival was the final feast and celebration before Christians spent the next 40 days fasting. Rio Carnival is one of the world’s biggest attractions and over the years, Rio Carnival’s history has evolved. Once, it was celebrated with roots to Roman Catholic traditions taking place just before Lent. What is the Rio Carnival celebrated for? How did the Rio Carnival start? A post shared by Acadêmicos do Salgueiro //1.

Costume rio carnival