Carnaval: The best party in the world

No matter where are you from, you have probably hear of Brazil's and specially Rio de Janeiro's carnaval! It's the biggest party in the year in the country when all the streets of most cities are filled with people with costumes, music, dance and party!

I've been to carnaval in Rio many times and all of the times I had a blast! It happens during february (sometimes march), when it's really hot in Brazil and people feel like going to the beach and enjoying the summer. Carnaval is all about summer.

During a whole week, people stop working (in Brazil we actually say people only start working during the year after carnaval) to go party in the streets. The parties, also called "blocos", take place in the streets during the days (from 9 am to 9 pm) where many sound cars play samba and other brazilian rithms while people follow it around, dancing and drinking a lot of beer.

How to dress

Carnaval is also all about colours and costumes. Most people go to the blocos dressed like characters, but you can dress anything you like. But be sure not to wear many clothes or you'll die of heat.

Either way, be prepared to sweat a lot while dancing samba!

Where to go

The blocos take place in the most important avenues in town. The most traditional ones are in Lapa neighbourhood in Rio, a place known for its bohemian life. Other blocos happen near the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Those are great if you don't like much crowd or heat because you can get into the beach anytime you want and then come back.

Also, during carnaval nights many bars and clubs through parties. If you still have energy to go out at night after spending the whole day in the blocos.

Carnaval is an official and cultural event in Brazil, and there are formal and big competitions of samba schools in the cities. They take place in the Sambódromos, like a samba arena, where samba parades with sound cars and themed dancers perform. To watch, you need to buy tickets, that can be quite expensive, but the shows are really great and represents a lot of brazilian culture and spirit.

Difficulties

It's not all about having fun, though. Just like every party there are some things you need to be careful about.

Rio can be a quite dangerous city if you don't know where you are going. So be sure not to get lost. Also, during the blocos there are lots of pickpockets ready to steal you. My tip is to keep your belongings in a dollar bag inside your shorts - that way no one will reach your money and documents.

It can also be hard to go to the bathroom. Since the blocos are on the street and everybody is drinking beer, the public restrooms will be dirty and crowded and many people will pee on the streets (but don't do that - you can be fined for doing so). Some restaurants let people use their bathroom in exchange of a small fee or if you buy something there. Also, if you're in a bloco near the beach you can always pee on the ocean - it won't affect sea life, I promise!

Last, but not least: don't go to carnaval if you don't like partying or crowded places. The samba will be everywhere and you must be ready to be in the middle of many drunk and wild people. Prepare yourself to have a lot of fun!