Carnival

[francesco]

Hey everyone!

I woudl like to know the best place to join the carnival in Brazil. A friend told me to go to fortaleza but I found out in internet that Rio de Janeiro has the best party? Sould I go tehre?

[LatAmForLess]

Hi Francesco,

Carnival is a Brazil wide event! Loads of places to have a good fiesta.

I was in Rio for carnival this year and had a fantastic time. Other places i have been to have been Salvador in the North which was good, but Rio for me was best.

Rio carnival is a two week party. What makes is so special are the constant street partys and parades around the city, particularly around the beach areas of Ipanema and Copacabana . The streets in front of the beach are closed and and everyone is just happy.

The atmosphere in Rio is what makes it so special. Many days we just sat on the beach with a few beers and watched the sun set with the party going on the streets behind us.

The sambadrome is where the offical carnival parades take place.. But the many street samba shows are just as good. Look out for the Banda de Ipanema that start the day before carnival weekend and the day after from the main square in Ipanema.

As a tip, i visited the sambadrome the day before the final parades. The Saturday night tickets were bought at the gate for 5 Reals - about $3.. compared to $140 with offical packages.. Speaking a little portugese does help though!

Hope that helps,

Jon Hudson [link removed - read board rules, please]