Rio Carnival is a wild wild wild! It’s a colorful, bustling, high octane and crazy four day celebration that is begun 40 days before Easter arrives. It officially starts on Saturday and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday after which one is supposed to abstain from all bodily pleasures, which is quite the reason why most Brazilians go all out to indulge in every human pleasure thinkable during this period.

Carnival is seen to be with all its excesses, glamour and frills, celebrated as a profane event, can be considered an act of farewell to the pleasures of the flesh. Usually beginning in February, the hottest month experienced in the Southern Hemisphere, when the Rio summer is at its peak. Giving ample consideration and justification for the scanty costumes and open air fan fare that goes about.

There are carnival celebrations in virtually every corner of Brazil, the best-known ones taking place in Recife together with the neighboring Olinda (in the North of Brazil) and Salvador. But the biggest and most famous carnival is undoubtedly the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, which this feature will focus on. One of the greatest elements of the Rio Carnaval is that it not only provides entertainment for many visitors from around the world but it also gives them a chance to learn about the true culture of Brazil and its customs.

There are many parties that take place before, during and after Carnival all night and all day – imagine a NON STOP 24 hour party that goes on for four long hot days!!??! Imagine the energy you’d need to keep up or stay awake? But the Brazilians live and breathe for this every year. And its doubtful anyone gets a decent eight hours of sleep during this time.

If you are aiming to take a visit to Rio, you had better make sure you have the energy and drive to survive that long. This is the event for anyone who wants to allow their true heart to come out and have as much fun as possible. The Rio Carnival is the result of months of preparation and hard work by the Brazillians.

People eagerly anticipate the start of each year's Rio Carnival and as it begins with the crowning of the Fat King (King Momo), who is presented with a giant silver and gold key by the city's mayor.

Samba
Almost all of the music played during Rio Carnival is samba. It is a uniquely Brazilian music originating from Rio, a dance form that was invented by the poor Afro-Brazilians. The word samba comes from the Angolan world semba referring to a type of ritual music. The word had a variety of meanings to the African slaves brought to Brazil during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. It meant to pray or invoke the spirits of the ancestors and the gods of the African Pantheon. As a noun, it could mean a complaint, a cry, or something like "the blues".

The Samba Schools
The samba schools are vital elements of Rio Carnival. They are social clubs representing a particular neighborhood, usually a working class community of the slums (favelas). They have a samba hall to entertain and practice their samba, and a separate production unit to make their costumes and floats for their Rio Carnival Parade. The samba schools entertain the community through samba nights and create a pageant for the Samba Parade. They have to pick themes, write music and lyrics, make costumes and floats and practice all year around to succeed in the Parade.

Forces behind the Rio Carnival
One of the most involved groups in Rio Carnival is the poorest neighborhoods, the so called favelas. The favelas are shantytowns or slums, in which houses are made of cardboard or other scraps, and they are often without water, electricity and sewage system. However, no matter how bad a situation the favelas´ residents are in, they join in the festivities and they actually "make" the Carnival in Rio. Carnival really means a lot to them, because for once during the year they get to go out and have as much fun as they can. Residents of the favelas are often members of a local samba school and are deeply involved with the performance and costumes of their groups.

Carnival and samba is their passion alongside football. Gays and drag queens come and help out and become very involved in Rio Carnival. For everyone, this is a time to come together as a whole and have fun together. Brazil once becomes the most tolerant society. Gender and social boundaries vanish; as many parades cross-dressing.

Where to Stay
The so-called Zona Sul (the South End i.e. South Rio) is by far the most pleasant place to stay in Rio. It is by the sea and is the most civilized part of the city. Copacabana and Ipanema together form a big stage offering a carnival happening at every corner. Leblon, being a bit more upscale is also an excellent location. Most hotels only offer a fixed-rate 5 night package during Carnival, against pre-payment, and these rates are significantly higher than at other times of the year. Even though we suggest you to get a hotel room for the service and safety involved, many people in Rio rent their apartments or a room privately during Carnival as rates are so high at that time.

SAMBA PARADES IN THE SAMBODROMO
Rio Carnaval has become world-famous through the Samba Parade, a show, a display and competition of the Rio samba schools. The two major days are Carnival Sunday and Monday. Try not to miss it. If you really can't afford it, at least go on some other day, which is significantly cheaper albeit less grand. The second best option is the Champions´ Parade on Saturday, followed by the Access Group parading on Carnival Friday. There are 5 different parades in the Sambodromo.

1. Samba Schools in the Special Group
Sunday, February 14th and Monday, February 15th
This is the "THE" Parade, the highlight of the Rio Carnival. The must-see show which has made Rio de Janeiro the Carnival capital of the world. All the Carnival world revolves around these two nights. The schools belonging to this group are especially magnificent and sumptuous. The two nights are similar in terms of set-up. 6 of the best 12 samba schools march on both Sunday and Monday. Choose the one which best fits into your schedule.
Doors open at 17:00, opening ceremony at 20:00, parades start at 21:00.
Rehearsals - The schools' 2010 samba songs

2. Champions Parade
Saturday, February 20th
Starts at 21:00 but a small Italian school already parades at 20:00
The six best samba schools of the Special Group, from Sunday and Monday, parade in all their splendor once more, with fireworks. {It is beautiful, however much quieter and cheaper than the principal competition days on Sunday and Monday. This is the second best parade.

3. Samba Schools in the Access Group (Group A)
Saturday, February 13th , starts at 21:00
There are 10 large samba schools in this group, following the best 12 schools in the Special Group. The champion of this parade ascends to the Special Group.

4. Samba Schools in Group "B"
Tuesday, February 16th, starts at 21:00
This is called the base group, from which the big schools originated. They are small, each school having approximately 1,500 participants. Nevertheless they also parade with much vigor to defend their status. {Rather go to the Champions´ Parade or Access Group.}

5. Children's Samba Schools
Friday, February 12th, 19:00 (doors open at 17:00)
These are branches of the big samba schools, formed by children of each community. Their parade follows the procedure of the big schools.

2010 RIO CARNIVAL BALLS
Rio de Janeiro, as the City of Carnival, offers a selection of Carnival balls. You should not miss them. You won't have to spend a fortune to have a great time. Tickets to most balls will cost you around R$30 to R$50 ($15-20) and are available at the door. Exceptions are the two most famous luxury hotels, Copacabana Palace and Gloria. Other great balls are in Rio Scala. Clube dos Caiçaras and the Hard Rock Cafe's Kid's Folia also organize animated costume balls for adults and children. There are more themed balls city-wide such as nights for singles, etc. Costumes are not mandatory, with the exception of at a few balls. Putting on one will help you get in the right mood and will make the night even more special. Bear in mind however that Rio is the capital of Carnival and costume standards are very high. A true Carnival ball features live music and samba rules the floor. The percussion groups are full of vigor and can be just as loud as loud-speakers in a night club.

The Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace Hotel
Saturday, February 13th, from 23:00
This legendary ball is not just the high point of the night but also the most famous Carnival ball; the natural choice for glamour and sophistication. Luxury costume or black tie/evening dress is required, and a number of international and local VIPs are always among the guests. All tickets include buffet dinner and free bar. There are different tickets for the individual dining rooms. All tickets provide access to all ballrooms.

Ball Masque 2010
Friday, February 19th, 22:00-05:00
Live music taking turns with a DJ and the drummers of one of the best Rio samba schools. Dress formal or wear a fancy-dress.
Venue: Hotel Sofitel, Av. Atlântica 4240 / Level E - Copacabana
Admission: R$370.00 Table seat per person: R$500.00
Prices include free buffet and drinks
Tel: 2525-1206 (Alexandra-English spoken 9:00-18:00)

SCALA BALLS
In its 29th year, the Scala nightclub offers thematic dances every night during Carnival, having the grandest indoor carnival parties of the city. The venue is big and very well-known.
Venue: Rio Scala, Avenida Afrânio de Melo Franco 296 - Leblon You will find standard tickets for most events at the door even on the night, just do not arrive too late. You are advised to buy tickets for the Gala and the Gay Costume balls 3-5 days in advance. Reserve tables and boxes 3-5 days in advance with the above number. Table prices are per table with 4 seats. VIP box prices are per person and include unlimited alcoholic drinks (except whiskey) and free buffet with sushi, fruit and snack bar.

Mangueira Carnival Ball
Thursday, February 11th
It is a good opportunity to experience the music and atmosphere of one of the most traditional and well-known samba schools (Mangueira) without having to visit its rehearsal space. The School will have it all - its drummer group, its principal samba dancers and the flag bearer and her escort. It is a true and real samba night; you can dance all night or just watch and enjoy the crowd. This is a traditional event which happens every year.
Standing Ticket: US$ 40 per ticket
VIP box seat: US$ 133 per ticket
Table for 4: US$ 267 per table of 4

Friday, February 12th
Red and Black Ball
This night celebrates and is dedicated to the world-famous Rio football team, Flamengo, with the red-and-black striped flag. It is one of the most popular nights. Standing Ticket: US$ 60 per ticket VIP box seat: US$ 167 per ticket Table for 4: US$ 467 per table of 4

Saturday, February 13th
Ball of the Marvelous City
The night celebrates and is dedicated to the city of Rio de Janeiro. Standing Ticket: US$ 60 per ticket
VIP box seat: US$ 167 per ticket
Table for 4: US$ 467 per table of 4

Sunday, February 14th
A Night in Ibiza
This is the biggest ball in the series with some special guests, with a mix of electronic music and samba.
Standing Ticket: US$ 40 per ticket
VIP box seat: US$ 133 per ticket
Table for 4: US$ 267 per table of 4

Monday, February 15th
Ball of the ´Beer´
A new event in the series. Unlimited free beer all night. Live music by a Carnival band taking turns with a Rio DJ (Mc Marcinho).
Standing Ticket: US$ 50 per ticket
VIP box seat: US$ 167 per ticket
Table for 4: US$ 267 per table of 4

Tuesday, February 16th until 7:00 am
Gay Costume Ball
This is probably the most famous night in the series. A truly exotic collection of characters take to the two floors and a grand entrance is de rigueur. The ball is broadcast to the whole of Brazil. It attracts a flamboyant crowd with lots of drag queens and their admirers. It is very popular with all folks not only gay boys and girls.
Standing Ticket: US$ 80 per ticket
VIP box seat: US$ 200 per ticket
Table for 4: US$ 533 per table of 4

SAMBA LAND (TERREIRÃO DO SAMBA)
Februuary 5th, 6th, February 12th-16th, 19th and 20th
Starting at 19:00 and finishing at around 5:30 the following morning
This is an open-air space that resurrects the atmosphere of Praça Onze, a big square downtown near the Sambodromo, which is the cradle of samba as samba music is supposed to have been born around here.

Samba Land is officially inaugurated before Carnival, functioning at full steam through all the nights of the festivities. You can go, have a bite and booze in one of the 50 food stands. You will be listening to a big variety of music with live concerts on the stage
Venue: Praça Onze, Centro (Downtown)
Admission: R$5.00 available on the door

MERRY MAKING IN LAPA

All Carnival nights (Friday-Tuesday) from 20:00 until dawn
It takes place near the Arches of Lapa, where the young usually gather on Friday nights all year around. Rio Carnival has been long known as a nursery for novelties of rhythm and styles. It always has pleasant surprises featuring concerts ranging from traditional Brazilian music to the latest trends. There is a popular eating area with small drink and barbecue stands. Lots of alcohol and cheap "junk" food. The essence of Brazilian life. Venue: Arcos da Lapa – Lapa

STREET PARTIES
From Carnival Saturday to Tuesday, open-air dances take place throughout the city. The emphasis is on joy and spontaneity. The biggest and most organized one is on Cinelândia Square. Apart from organized street dances, people also simply gather outside little corner bars, booze away and have fun in the street. The place which attracts the biggest crowd is outside the Sambodromo, on Samba Parade days.

Popular street dance at Cinelândia
Friday-Tuesday 17:00-03:00 am
The open-air party lasts for five days to the sounds of acclaimed orchestras and singers. These are symbols of carnival music, reviving the atmosphere of the grand carnival balls of the past. There is a stage on the square with idols and the most well-known singers of the times of early radio (from the 40-60s) - good, old Brazilian-Rio music, mainly samba. The crowd (mainly older and working-class people) join in and dance away to the tunes. Venue: Praça Floriano, Cinelândia, Centro (Downtown)

OUTSIDE THE SAMBODROMO
On Samba Parade nights, it does not only get packed inside the Sambodromo but, before, during and after the Parade, thousands of people gather on the streets that did not get in. They are also joined by those who parade in costume and just want to party more, making the crowd even more colorful with their fancy-dresses. It turns the whole downtown area into a huge and lively open-air bar.

PARADE REHEARSALS IN THE COMMUNITY
These are real parade rehearsals with the parader’s and the drummers more or less in place, marching through the streets. However they happen in the schools’ communities which are sometimes far away and in very impoverished areas. You can go to watch this type of rehearsal of any school but you can only participate in your own school's parade.

SAMBODROMO REHEARSALS
There are grand rehearsals that take place on the samba run-way in the Sambodromo itself. It is almost like the Samba Parade without costumes and floats (they are replaced by busses) and with less participants. They start in December and there will be a few almost every weekend. The last rehearsal in the Sambodromo takes place last Sunday
Sunday, February 7th 21:00-23:00
Testing of lights and sound with the Samba School Salgueiro, the 2009 Grand Champion

You can go and watch it. It's free. You can try most Grand Stand sectors although it will be very busy. It is a good opportunity to warm you up for the great party that will develop during the Samba Parade and see it all in preparation. After the rehearsal, there will be a large free street party with very good live samba music and people dancing on the samba run-way. Some wear costumes and colorful dresses. It is an experience. Outside the Sambodromo there is an eating area (Brazilian style - do not expect any sophistication) which includes small barbecue and drink stands. There is lots of booze and cheap food. The essence of Brazilian life. All efforts are made to keep all dates and times up-to-date. However there may be some mistakes. We cannot take responsibility for decisions made on the basis of this guide. Please check with the venue in question, before making your arrangements. You will find the complete and up-to-date program details for Rio Carnival 2010 in your Guides.

Information on the Rio Carnival history and details are courtesy www.rio-carnival.net