Back in February I went on the trip of a lifetime, Rio de Janeiro to enjoy the carnival! Those people know how to throw a party!
Although Carnival is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil and other Catholic countries, Rio de Janeiro has long been regarded as the Carnival Capital of the World. The Rio Carnaval is not only the biggest Carnival, it has also a benchmark against which every other carnival is compared and one of the most interesting artistic events on the Globe. Almost everyone has heard of the Rio Carnival. Foreign visitors to it alone number around 500,000 every year.
I travelled with two close friends, we had been warned before we went about safety in Rio but we had no problems whatsoever with this, everyone was friendly. And even staying in a hostel with no front door or locks on any doors inside we had nothing stolen and felt safe at all times.
We attempted to learn some samba before we went, but really this was no use because when you arrive in the various street parties its too crowded for much dancing, just a lot of drinking and fun!
Tips for Carnival
- If hitting the Copacabana beach, get a tan before you go!My white scottish skin got more than a fews stares!
- Buy a small bikini :) embrace those curves on the beach, the curvier the better!
- Learn a little bit of samba incase you choose to join in some of the dancing in the streets.
- Common sense but do not wear jewellery, carry large amounts of cash or expensive cameras,phones etc.
- Take change to buy drinks from the street vendors.
- American dollars is not accepted!(only robbing that happened was by the Bureau de change in Scotland!)
- People are very touchy feely in the street parties, just go with the flow.
- Being called an Aeroplane is apparently a good thing ;)
- Try the Coxinhas!!!amazing!
- Have fun, the brazilians are passionate about dance, music and this carnival, so get into the spirit of things and dont expect to get much sleep!
