The Rio Carnival

Posted by .murph.

This week I witnessed Carnival in Rio. I had mixed expectations. I met people who told me they absolutely despise the craziness of Carnival and take the time off work just to get away to a beach house. Some say it's their favourite time of the year...a time to go on the streets, wear whatever you want, do whatever you want...anything goes. Rio de Janeiro has hundreds of street 'blocos' going on all over the city. These are essentially street parties...attracting thousands...if not millions of people (such as the popular bloco: Bola Preta which has seen some 2 Million attendees in the past. These parties begin as early as 6 in the morning and can go on until late at night. However, I found that the most of the blocos happened during the day and rarely went late into the night.

If I were to compare Canadian festivals to carnival...I would say Carnival is where Halloween meets Toronto's Nuit Blanche meets Canada Day times at least 13 days.

Halloween because tons of people are dressed up in costumes at any moment of the day. On the subway, at 6AM, in restaurants, bars, walking on the streets.

Nuit Blanche: because of huge flux of people moving from one event to another...and the entire city appearing the be one big playground. Deciding on which events you want to check out and planning your adventure.

Canada Day: for the free concerts, street parties, fireworks.

Times at least 13 days: well Carnival is officially only Saturday to the Tuesday preceeding Ash Wednesday. Four days. But Rio has extends this party. Blocos begin in during weekends two weeks before carnival: so that's another four days. Then although, carnival 'ends' Ash Wednesday...there are still blocos going on Wedneday, Thursday night, Friday night, and the 'hangover blocos' Saturday and Sunday after carnival. So that's another five days.

In the next few posts...I'll describe my days of Carnival.