11 - 16 February 2020

Samba Parade: Sambadrome. Street carnival takes place in different neighbourhoods

Brazil's tradition of ringing in the new year with a wild carnival began with the colonial Portuguese, who instituted Carnival as a period of merriment and street pranks. It has lost none of its pageantry and spectacle, remaining unchallenged as the Brazilian event of the year. The colourful parade of samba dancers, extravagant floats, brilliant costumes and magical music takes place along the Sambodromo, a half-mile long path built specifically for the event, while street parties and costume balls are held throughout Rio. Samba schools also vie for a championship title every year, meaning the competition is stiff and the showmanship of the highest quality.

Website www.riocarnaval.org