Carnival in Brazil
Brazil's most famous event is Carnival, beginning at midnight on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and lasting for five days.

Carnaval is celebrated all over Brazil and there are more authentic versions than the glitzy tourist drawcard held in Rio, but Rio's is a fantastic spectacle nonetheless. In the sambódromo, a tiered street designed for samba parades, the Brazilians harness sweat, noise and mayhem as the 16 top samba schools each have their hour of glory.
Carnival can be smelt and breathed in the air of Brazil. Everywhere you look at Carnival time you can see a Carnival smile, you can hear a Carnival samba beat and you can feel the Carnival spirit.


Each city in Brazil has a unique Carnival experience. In Rio, the samba schools are the main attraction. In Bahia, it is apparently completely different, with the emphasis on music. But no matter where you are for Carnival you are bound to be seduced and liberated by the Carnaval spirit.


Carnival in Brazil : the Sambodromo
The centerpiece of Carnaval in Rio is the Sambódromo, where the grand parades take place. Officially named the “Passarela de Samba,” it is always referred to as the “Sambódromo” (samba-dervish) or “Sambadrome” by English speaking people.