Carnival in Rio

Carnival in Rio Brazil's carnival is larger, livelier, louder and more diverse than any other and nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer scale of the celebrations that take over the entire country.

And it is the entire country, with the carnival celebrations in Salvador and Recife rivalling those in Rio de Janeiro in the hearts of the resident Brazilian population. Each carnival is unique and plays out to its own rhythms and styles, whether it's the samba schools in Rio, the Trios Eletricos in Salvador or the frevo and maracatu in Recife and Olinda.

Internationally, the most recognizable element of Brazil's carnival is the parade of the leading samba schools, which takes place in Rio de Janeiro.

The paracle really is the greatest show on earth, the ultimate theatrical presentation that combines song, dance, movement, history and storytelling, that is performed in a competitive cauldron over two nights by more than 65,000 actors, dancers and musicians.

Carnival is traditionally a pre-Lent celebration and is therefore a moveable holiday that culminates on Ash Wednesday. The dates for carnival through 2010 can be obtained from the Brazil Tourist Office.

Brazil does not only celebrate at carnival time. There are numerous 'carnivals' held out-of-season and other major events such as the Boi-Bumba, held at Parintins in the middle of the Amazon in June, and the New Year celebrations in Rio.

A list of the main carnivals and Brazilian festivities can be found at www.brazil.org.uk or by contacting the Brazilian Tourist Office.

World's biggest party - in Rio

Best of Carnival in Rio

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