Carnival in Rio; Your Guide to the Biggest Party in the World

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I arrived here the first time just three weeks after Carnival in Rio had ended, everyone was telling me about their fantastic experiences. Because of that, eleven months later when I finally got to experience it, I was well pumped up. And did I have a great time? It was something completely different from what I had expected, but it was great! Before the Carnival I had been going to different street parties and samba school rehearsals. During tha actual Carnival week I went to Sambódromo (the samba stadium) both as a spectator and participant in the actual parade. I also went to various street parties. My experiences I wouldn´t trade for anything, it was truly magnificent.

The second year I delved deeper into the street parties building up to Carnival, and there I met my wife to be! The Carnival that year of course became different; the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro will actually never be the same to me. To be in the middle of all that is going on in the city as a single can´t be compared to being in a relationship. The biggest propulsion in all this is sex, it is always present; sometimes clearly visible, but most of the time just simmering under the surface. I still enjoy it, but I will never forget the first time.

I don´t know why I told you all this, probably because I think it´s my personal Carnival history and everyone that comes to Rio to experience it will have one. There are so many components and circumstances that almost anything is possible, in my case I got married.

I have been trying to explain the Carnival in different sections, just click on the links below if you want to know more about that particular subject.

The Carnival Dates & Parade Schedule
Find out all about this on the Rio Carnival 2010; The Dates and Parade Schedule page.

The History
The History of Carnival is quite complex and has roots all the way back to ancient Greece. During centuries it has been influnced by culture and religion from Europe, Africa and South America.

The Carnival Parade & Samba Schools
The actual parade competition takes place in a stadium called Sambodromo . It is the images from here that is what most people associate with the event, in order to get in you have to get tickets. This is where the different Samba Schools explode in colour, fantasy, samba and creativity during a few hot days. You can actually participate in the parade, read more about that in the Carnival Costumes section . Starting in August you can go to so called Samba Schools Rehearsal Parties , here you can meet the community, listen and dance samba and watch some serious ass shaking.

Street Parties
There is also so called blocos that take place all over Rio. Before and during Carnival thousands of people meet up at a certain place at a given time, learn all about it by clicking Carnival Street Parties .

Carnival Photos
If you want to see some pics the Carnival in Rio go to Rio Carnival Photos . Here you will find a collection of pictures from Sambódromo, street parties and samba schools. All are taken by my friend the professional photographer Douglas Engle.

Where to Stay and Some Useful Tips
Just before and during Carnival prices for accommodation goup dramatically. Read about the best ways to resolve your Carnival Accommodation . I finish off with some General Tips for Carnival . Here you have some pointers that will make your stay smoother, better and safer.

What is your Carnival in Rio story?

Have you experienced Carnival in Rio and feel that you want to share it with others? Submit your article and I will review it, you can also submit a photo.