Carnavale in Rio

[wailea4me]

Can someone explain about the Carnavale in Rio. We are looking into a SA cruise and trying to decide if we want to go during Carnavale. Are the parades down the street and can you just watch from there? What is the Sambadrome and do you have to be in Sambadrome to experience Carnavale? How safe is the whole thing?

[Keith1010]

One thing I want to mention that you didn't ask is if your cruise begins during Carnival and starts in Rio you want to spend a couple of day pre cruise you may need to get the hotel through the cruise line if they offer it as part of a hotel program because often hotels are hard to come by.

 

Keith

[Menininha82]

The part of Carnaval that you've probably seen all the photos of is the top level schools' parade in the Sambodromo. The Sambaromo is a special stadium built for Carnaval parade competitions. The top level schools parade on Sunday and Monday, with the most competition, the most money invested in costumes and floats, and the most spectacular. You have to buy tickets. The best sections IMO are the middle grandstands (5,7,6,8) or 11 by the "nook" where the musicians stop. Lots of people and movement and confusion, not necessarily danger.

 

There are also street parties called blocos in all the neighborhoods. These

are free and often pretty rowdy and crowded with thousands, but can be fun. I don't think the schedule is out yet.

 

Carnaval is not the best time to see the sights of Rio, as the city and all the sights are packed with tourists. Tourist crime is said to be reduced recently in Rio, but with Carnaval come a lot of "rich foreign marks" to attract those who prey on them. Be vigilant, not paranoid, though.

[pmacher61]

http://www.rio-carnival.net/rio_carnival/rio_carnival_programs.php