Between 1 and 4 March, Brazil lights up to celebrate one of the most eagerly-awaited cultural events of the year: Carnival. Although the festivities have already begun in several cities, this period marks the high point of the celebrations. Five destinations stand out for their authenticity and dynamism: Rio de Janeiro, Salvador de Bahia, Recife, Olinda and Belo Horizonte.
Rio de Janeiro: The Samba Capital of the World
Every year, Rio de Janeiro is transformed into a veritable open-air theatre. The Sambódromo hosts spectacular parades, featuring beautifully decorated floats and dazzling costumes. Visitors can explore three distinct facets of carnival:
– Street blockos, where music and dance take over the city’s iconic neighbourhoods.
– Private parties, offering more intimate and refined experiences in iconic locations such as Ipanema or the Botanical Gardens.
– The Sambodrome, the epicentre of the celebrations, where the samba schools compete in creativity and energy.
Taking part in a parade is an unforgettable experience. By joining one of the ‘wings’ of a samba school, you can experience first-hand the magical atmosphere of the world’s biggest carnival.
Our article: Rio Carnival: Samba and splendour
Salvador: the epicentre of the Afro-Brazilian festival
In Salvador, carnival is a veritable explosion of cultures and rhythms. Bringing together an average of 16.5 million carnival-goers over six days, the city comes alive with the sounds of axé, samba and pagoda. The electric trios, these sound trucks accompanied by renowned artists, travel through the emblematic districts of ‘Black Rome’ such as Barra-Ondina, Campo Grande and Pelourinho, attracting passionate crowds.
For a more comfortable experience, private areas offer uninterrupted views of the parades, allowing you to take full advantage of the festive atmosphere while benefiting from amenities.
Our article: Salvador de Bahia: Brazil’s vibrant mosaic
Recife: A fusion of musical traditions
Recife is home to one of the country’s most dynamic carnivals and, above all, one of the biggest parades in the world. The Galo da Madrugada, an emblematic parade, kicks off the festivities with hundreds of thousands of participants. The streets are filled with the sounds of frevo and maracatu, a unique blend of traditional melodies and frenzied rhythms.
This carnival stands out for its conviviality and warm atmosphere, conducive to total immersion in the local culture.
Olinda : The colourful carnival
Listed as a UNESCO Historic and Cultural Heritage Site, Olinda offers a picturesque carnival where bonecos gigantes (giant papier-mâché figures) dominate the parades. The city’s unique topography, with its hills and steep streets, creates an enchanting backdrop for the festivities.This carnival is a true immersion in popular traditions, with an unrivalled artistic touch.
Belo Horizonte : The new face of urban carnival
Belo Horizonte is gaining notoriety for its modern, accessible carnival. The city offers a perfect balance between tradition and modernity, with blocos livening up the streets and quieter spaces for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.
The eclectic mix of music and urban ambience make Belo Horizonte an ideal destination for discovering a different kind of carnival, in a more intimate but just as captivating setting.
From the legendary avenues of Rio to the enchanting hills of Olinda, Brazil boasts a mosaic of carnivals that never ceases to seduce travellers from all over the world. These celebrations, which are veritable cultural showcases, offer unique opportunities to enrich tourist offerings and help visitors discover the diversity, joy and creativity of the Brazilian soul.
Photos: Visit Brazil /Embratur / Dhavid Normando / Adria de Souza
