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Pretty much
everyone in the world has heard of the Rio Carnival -
it's the benchmark against which every other carnival is compared.
From the moment the Mayor hands over the keys to the city to a
Dionysian character called "King Momo", the streets of Rio have a
spirit and energy which has everyone enraptured for four days
of infectious rhythmic shuffling, colour, smiles and unbeatable revelry.
There are two classes of samba school: those which parade on the
Avenida Rio Branco and those at the Sambodrome. The former are
considered less prestigious, but are top quality nonetheless.
They're also free. The best views are from the cadeiras (ground
level terrace seats), the arquibancadas (terrace seats) and the
camarotes (boxes). Boxes are recommended if you pick one of the
better viewing areas, which are 4, 7 and 11, but the terraces are
more raucous. There are also bandstands for public dancing and a
selection of carnival balls around the city.
Among the
confetti, floats, skimpy-sequinned costumes and
masquerades, the boundaries of race, gender, sex and class are
transcended and the masses party in the name of samba and carnival.
The Rio Carnival
balls are an exciting option for entertainment. Backpackers and those on a
tight budget might also prefer the "alternative" carnival that takes
place in the Lapa district in the southern corner of the city
centre. Here a stage is erected in front of the famous Arcos de Lapa
(the Lapa aqueduct), and bands of all styles play every night. This
is also a party area year-round, so there are plenty of good clubs
to go to and you'll never be stuck for somewhere to go.
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