Carnival in Rio de Janeiro: Samba, Beaches & Sambódromo
- Parade tickets: approximately 50 euros per person in advance, we paid 100 euros spontaneously.
- Sambadrome: Space for around 90,000 people, 700-meter-long street, 6 samba schools
- Each samba school attracts at most 2 hours, then a 20-30 minute break
- Per person, the number allowed is... 2 x 500 ml Plastic bottles and 2 snacks
- Arrive 2-3 hours early and bring a cushion, you'll be sitting on stones.
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What you should know before you go to Carnival:
- Normally, bags are not allowed! However, I had absolutely no problems and was able to simply take my large tote bag with me.
- Each person may bring 2 plastic bottles of 500ml each (alcoholic drinks are allowed too!)
- 2 snacks per person are allowed.
- It's not common to dress up much as a spectator. A little glitter here & there is totally enough.
- You can get food & drinks cheaply at the counter!
- Each samba school performs for 2 hours at most, after that, there is a 20–30-minute break.
- Restrooms are free of charge & quickly reachable.
- You should be there about 2-3 hours beforehand so you can snag a good spot!
- There is plenty of space & you won't feel cramped (at least that was the case for us).
- Wear comfortable shoes or just take them off (there's a lot of dancing)
- Bring a seat cushion or a blanket, since you'll be sitting on stone.
- Find a group before the event to party with, e.g. on Facebook.
- The event takes place on Brazilian time. So don't count on German punctuality!
- If you want to see all 6 samba schools, expect to be there, the whole night!
- You won't need a jacket at these temperatures! It's more too hot than too cold!
- Book tickets early & the accommodation too! (approx. 50 euros p. p.)
- Don't forget your good mood!
“Life is too short for ‘someday’.”
Janet Dannehl
Off to Rio de Janeiro
This year, due to Covid, Carnival was postponed to April 20 – 30. On 04/23/2022, we took our flight at 3:00 a.m. from Fortaleza to Rio. As a result, we arrived already pretty worn out. Our accommodation was right on Copacabana Beach. A beautiful beach! Of course, hotel prices were enormous again. For a really shabby hostel, you have to expect to pay 60 euros a night (when booking spontaneously). Luckily, we managed to get the last relatively decent accommodation!
During our last stay in Rio, we met a group via Facebook, and we arranged to meet up with them again. At first, we thought the beach would be really busy, but no such luck. So we quickly grabbed tickets for one of the biggest events in the world, the Carnival parade. A total of 6 different samba schools performed here. An incredible experience!
Little tip: Always book tickets in advance! We paid double, that is, 100 euros per person!
There is room for about 90,000 people in total. The best samba schools (escolas do samba) parade down the 700-meter-long Sambódromo avenue. I couldn't stop marveling. One artfully decorated float after another passed in front of us. I don't even need to start on the fascinating dancers. It was simply impressive!
On top of that, there was a really beautiful fireworks show! The music was brilliant & everyone sang along loudly. Some even danced samba in the stands. It was a totally crazy feeling. You didn't know where to look first!
The fact is: You should see this breathtaking event at least once in your life! Trust me!
I can only say it again: It was breathtaking! Here once more a before, after picture:
In the end, we took an UBER back to the hotel & fell asleep with the catchy tunes still stuck in our heads. Despite the shower in the evening, the next morning everything, really EVERYTHING, was covered in glitter. And that glitter is stubborn, I'm telling you! Even days later, we found glitter in our freshly washed socks. Hallelujah. Finally, we set off on our next adventure: an absolutely fantastic road trip from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo!
Tours and activities: Rio de Janeiro
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tickets for the Carnival parade in Rio cost?
Around 50 euros per person if you book early. We booked at the last minute and paid twice as much, so 100 euros per person. Book accommodation early too: even a really shabby hostel costs 60 euros a night at the last minute.
What can I bring into the Sambadrome?
Bags are usually not allowed, though I had no problems at all with my large tote bag. Each person is allowed 2× 500 ml plastic bottles, including alcohol, plus 2 snacks. Food and drinks are available at reasonable prices at the counter, and toilets are free.
How long does the parade last?
Each samba school performs for a maximum of 2 hours, followed by a break of 20 to 30 minutes. If you want to see all 6 samba schools, expect to be there all night. And don't expect German punctuality.
Do I need to dress up as a spectator?
No. Spectators don't usually dress up much, a little glitter here and there is plenty. Wear comfortable shoes, there will be plenty of dancing, and you won't need a jacket in these temperatures.
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