The Rio Carnival

The Rio Carnival is the greatest and most famous party on earth, a dazzling explosion of music, colour and spectacle that grips the city for days before Lent. Its centrepiece is the competition of the samba schools, who parade in breathtaking costumes and floats through the purpose-built Sambadrome, while across the whole city hundreds of free street parties, or blocos, fill the neighbourhoods with samba, dancing and revelry.

What you actually see

• The Sambadrome parades - the samba schools competing in dazzling costume.
• The street blocos - the free neighbourhood parties across the city.
• The samba and costumes - the music, feathers and spectacle.
• The all-city celebration - the days-long party atmosphere.

When to go

Carnival falls in February or early March, on the days before Ash Wednesday, its exact dates shifting each year with the church calendar. Book flights and accommodation far ahead, as the city fills and prices soar.

Honest expectations

During Carnival the city is packed and prices soar, so book far ahead. It is a joyous but chaotic and exhausting few days, calling for extra caution with belongings in the crowds and heat. The Sambadrome tickets range from cheap to costly grandstands; the free street blocos are the more spontaneous, local experience.

Nearby

The beaches, Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer are all in the carnival city.