Travel to Rio Carnival

I highly recommend the Rio Carnival ‘Biggest party on the planet’ held each year on the Friday before Ash Wednesday.  My focus was to attend the main runway for the Sambodromo Samba Parade which seats 80,000.

I visited in 2019 and as a single retired person travelling alone decided, from a safety perspective, not to attend any street parties or balls. I had researched thoroughly and planned my trip well in advance to arrive by cruise ship with transfers to and from the Sambodromo.

In 2019 there were 500,000 visitors with 18 cruise ships in port. The terminal was a hive of scantily clad samba dancers and 24/7 music, a spectacular and exciting arrival!   

I chose the Sunday night (best nights are Sun/Mon) to see the best samba schools and booked a grandstand seat for USD$600. I was unexpectedly upgraded 2 days prior to a front box (called frisas in Portuguese) which accommodate 5 at a cost of USD$2500 PP. These private boxes are as close as you can get to the parade runway and offer champagne and canapes.  

It was without doubt the most exciting show I had ever experienced. I had so much fun and was delighted as I was repeatedly brushed in the face with feathers from the dancer’s dazzling costumes. Very exciting to be watching the sensuous samba dancers, the magnificently designed props and floats and music by the best samba bands on the planet that stirs the soul.

By Glenice Bormann