Carnival Time in Rio By Louise Mumford At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Rio Carnival is said to be the biggest party in the world, so why not arrange yourself a Brazil vacation package and attend the party of your life in February 2010?

The carnival at Rio de Janeiro only lasts four days so if you plan on staying in the country longer then you may want to arrange a Brazil holiday around these dates. With the 2010 event scheduled to begin on February 13th, the date for the carnival is typically 40 days before Easter at the start of Lent. This is also the hottest month in Brazil, with the Rio summer at its best. Every year, the event attracts over 500,000 people on their Brazil holidays with a strong emphasis on samba dancing and generally having a good time.

The carnival ceremonies traditionally begin on the evening before the parade, when the Carnival King, or Momo, is crowned by the Mayor and receives the keys to the city. The Carnival King is always a tall, but rotund, man, matching the stature and physical shape of the original Momo. However, the Carnival Queen must always be in tip-top condition; the 2009 Queen was Jessica Maia De Freitas, a former Playboy model. In a ceremony, not that dissimilar to an American beauty pageant, the Carnival Royal Family are elected before a jury and once crowned they are then able to open the carnival the following morning. However, before this all takes place, the children’s samba schools take part in a mini carnival, which starts at 7pm on the evening before the main event. This carnival is worth attending on your Brazil holiday as it provides a taster of what to expect the following morning.

With the carnival officially open much partying and mayhem ensues and you’re sure to have an incredible time on your Brazil holiday watching the big bands that traditionally open the event. One thing you will discover whilst on your Brazil tours is that the samba school floats are essentially the highlight of the carnival. Each school is made to pick a social or historical theme which is portrayed in both their floats and costumes. Topics have, in the past, included issues as diverse as the arrival of the Portuguese royal family, and the even more bizarre one hundred years of Japanese immigration.

Although the samba parade is definitely the highlight of the first day, the second day is based more around the carnival balls. It’s definitely worth purchasing tickets for one of these events before leaving for your Brazil holiday as they tend to sell out fast. Tickets for the 2010 balls are already on sale and highlights include the Red and Black Ball, dedicated to the famous Rio football team, or the Gay Costume Ball which is the most well-known ball in the city. The club attracts clientele of all sexual orientations, but a grand entrance is definitely a must whilst on your Brazil holidays. Drag Queens are de rigueur at the event and the ball is broadcast out on television to the whole country.

To get a real taste of the country whilst on your Brazil tours try and attend one of the smaller local street parties which take place around the city. The Cinelandia Square is home to both the largest and best organised of these events and even has its own acclaimed orchestras and singers. Lasting a total of five days this street party is the perfect place to experience the country’s culture and atmosphere whilst on your Brazil holiday.

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