Carnival in Rio de Janeiro — Samba, Beaches & Sambódromo
Here's what you should know before going to Carnival: 🥳
- Usually, bags are not allowed! However, I didn't have any problems and could simply bring my big fabric bag. 😛
- Each person can bring 2x 500ml plastic bottles (alcoholic drinks are allowed too! 🍻)
- Each person is allowed 2 snacks🍫.
- It's not common for spectators to dress up big. A bit of glitter here & there is totally sufficient. ✨
- Food & drinks are affordable at the counter! 🍽
- Each samba school performs for a maximum of 2 hours - then there's a 20-30 minute break. ⏸
- Toilets are free & easily accessible. 🚻
- You should be there about 2-3 hours in advance to secure a good spot! 🪑
- There's plenty of space & you won't feel crowded (at least that was our experience). 🙂
- Wear comfortable shoes or just take them off (there's plenty of dancing) 💃
- Bring a cushion or a blanket as you'll be sitting on stones. 🥰
- Find a group to party with before the event, e.g., on Facebook. 👯♀️
- The event is on Brazilian time. So, don't expect German punctuality! 🕦
- If you want to see all 6 samba schools, expect to be there all night! 🎇
- You won't need a jacket in these temperatures! It's more likely to be too hot than too cold! 🥵
- Book tickets & accommodation early!!! (around 50 euros per person) 🎫
- Don't forget your good mood! 🥳
Off to Rio de Janeiro 🥰
This year, due to Corona, Carnival was postponed to April 20-30. On April 23, 2022, we took our flight at 03:00 in the morning from Fortaleza to Rio. So we arrived pretty exhausted. 😄 Our accommodation was right on Copacabana Beach. A beautiful beach! 🥰 Of course, hotel prices were extremely high again. For a really shabby hostel, you'll have to reckon with 60 euros per night (for spontaneous booking). Luckily, we got the last relatively good accommodation! 😌
During our last stay in Rio, we met a group via Facebook, which we met up with again. At first, we thought there would be a lot going on at the beach, but no such luck 😄. That's why we quickly got tickets for one of the biggest events in the world - the Carnival Parade 😍. Here, a total of 6 different samba schools performed. An incredible experience! 💃
Small tip: Always book tickets in advance! We paid double - so 100 euros per person! 🤓🤦♀️
In total, there is space for about 90,000 people. The best samba schools (escolas do samba) parade along the 700-meter-long street of the Sambadrome. I couldn't stop marveling. 🤩 One artistically decorated float after another passed by us. I don't even need to start on the fascinating dancers. It was simply impressive! 😍
There was also a totally beautiful fireworks display 🎆! The music was great & everyone was singing along loudly. Some even danced samba in the stands. It was a totally crazy feeling. You didn't know where to look first! 👀
Fact is: You should see this breathtaking event at least once in your life! Believe me ☺️
I can only say it again: It was breathtaking! 🤩 Here's another before & after picture:
In the end, we finally took an UBER back to the hotel & fell asleep with our earworm. 😴 Despite the shower in the evening, everything, but really EVERYTHING, was covered in glitter the next morning 😄 And let me tell you, that glitter is stubborn! Days later, we found glitter in our washed socks. Hallelujah. Finally, we set off for our next adventure: an absolutely amazing road trip from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo! 😍
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