Carnivals in Brazil
According to Guinness World Records, the Carnival of Brazil is the largest festivity in the world, and Rio Carnival is the largest carnival celebration. The Rio de Janeiro Carnival, dubbed "The Greatest Show on Earth," never fails to provide locals and tourists with the party they deserve. There is no better place on Earth to party than in cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo on the days preceding Ash Wednesday. The streets are filled with massive, organized parades led by samba schools. Everyone sings, dances, and dresses up in the most incredible costumes you can imagine. Carnival balls are also held in venues throughout cities, each with its own sub-theme of carnival evenings.
The carnival in Brazil dates back to the Age of Discoveries, when the first Portuguese settlers brought it from Europe to colonized Brazil in the 1600s. The carnival is a Christian tradition of the final celebration before the 40 days of Lent.
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is an event that encompasses and excites the entire country, as it typically takes up to a year to prepare everything, from dazzling costumes to upbeat samba music to explosive dance moves. If you visit Brazil during Carnival, be prepared for massive crowds, even in smaller cities. Because temperatures can soar above 40°C on these days, wear a light costume. However, enjoy the samba rhythm and the colorful crowds. This can be seen as one of the reasons to visit Brazil that you should know.
