The Carefree Traveller
| 2011 Rio de Janeiro Carnival Friday, March 4th - Tuesday, March 8th. |
SAMBA PARADES IN THE SAMBODROMO
There are 5 different parades in the Sambodromo.
1. Samba Schools in the Special Group
Sunday, March 6th and Monday, March 7th
This is the THE Parade, the high-point of the Rio Carnival.
The must-see show which has made Rio de Janeiro the
Carnival Capital of the world. All the Carnival world
revolves around these two nights.
The schools belonging to this group are especially
magnificent and sumptuous.
The two nights are similar. 6 of the best 12 samba schools
march on both Sunday and Monday.
Doors open at 17:.00, opening ceremony at 20:00,
parades start at 21:.00.
2. Champions Parade
Saturday, March 12th
Starts at 21.00
The 6 best samba schools of the Special Group, from
Sunday and Monday, parade in all their splendor once
more, with fireworks.
(It is beautiful, however much quieter and cheaper than
the principal competition days on Sunday and Monday. This
is the second best parade).
3. Samba Schools in the Access Group (Group A)
Saturday, March 5th , starts at 21:00
There are 12 large samba schools in this group, following
the best 12 schools in the Special Group. The champion of
this parade ascends to the Special Group.
4. Samba Schools in Group "B"
Tuesday, March 8th, starts at 21:00
This is called the base group, from which the big schools
originated. They are small, each school having
approximately 1,500 participants. Nevertheless they also
parade with much vigor to defend their status. (Rather go
to the Champions´ Parade or Access Group).
5. Children's Samba Schools
Friday, March 4th, 19:00 (doors open at 17:00).
These are branches of the big samba schools, formed by
children of each community.
Their parade follows the procedure of the big schools.
There are 5 different parades in the Sambodromo.
1. Samba Schools in the Special Group
Sunday, March 6th and Monday, March 7th
This is the THE Parade, the high-point of the Rio Carnival.
The must-see show which has made Rio de Janeiro the
Carnival Capital of the world. All the Carnival world
revolves around these two nights.
The schools belonging to this group are especially
magnificent and sumptuous.
The two nights are similar. 6 of the best 12 samba schools
march on both Sunday and Monday.
Doors open at 17:.00, opening ceremony at 20:00,
parades start at 21:.00.
2. Champions Parade
Saturday, March 12th
Starts at 21.00
The 6 best samba schools of the Special Group, from
Sunday and Monday, parade in all their splendor once
more, with fireworks.
(It is beautiful, however much quieter and cheaper than
the principal competition days on Sunday and Monday. This
is the second best parade).
3. Samba Schools in the Access Group (Group A)
Saturday, March 5th , starts at 21:00
There are 12 large samba schools in this group, following
the best 12 schools in the Special Group. The champion of
this parade ascends to the Special Group.
4. Samba Schools in Group "B"
Tuesday, March 8th, starts at 21:00
This is called the base group, from which the big schools
originated. They are small, each school having
approximately 1,500 participants. Nevertheless they also
parade with much vigor to defend their status. (Rather go
to the Champions´ Parade or Access Group).
5. Children's Samba Schools
Friday, March 4th, 19:00 (doors open at 17:00).
These are branches of the big samba schools, formed by
children of each community.
Their parade follows the procedure of the big schools.
Carnival Events
Every Carnival Day, March 5th - 8th
Evenings - Popular dances at Cinelândia
20.00 Concerts start at Samba Land and
in Lapa
23.00 Rio Scala Balls
Friday, March 4th
13.00 Opening Ceremony - the Carnival
King (Momo) is crowned by the city mayor
and receives the city´s keys
19.00 Children´s Samba Schools Parade
Saturday, March 5th
09.30 Street Band Cordão do Bola Preta
(Downtown)
16.00 Banda de Ipanema meets at Praça
General Osório, Ipanema
19.00 Official Costume Competition in
Hotel Gloria
20.00 Street Band Competition in Av. Rio
Branco, Centro (Downtown)
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in
the Access Group
23.00 The Magic Ball at Copacabana
Palace Hotel
Sunday, March 6th
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in
the Special Group
Monday, March 7th
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in
the Special Group
Tuesday, March 8th
16.00 Banda de Ipanema marches for the
last time
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in
Group "B"
23.00 Gay Costume Ball in Rio Scala
Every Carnival Day, March 5th - 8th
Evenings - Popular dances at Cinelândia
20.00 Concerts start at Samba Land and
in Lapa
23.00 Rio Scala Balls
Friday, March 4th
13.00 Opening Ceremony - the Carnival
King (Momo) is crowned by the city mayor
and receives the city´s keys
19.00 Children´s Samba Schools Parade
Saturday, March 5th
09.30 Street Band Cordão do Bola Preta
(Downtown)
16.00 Banda de Ipanema meets at Praça
General Osório, Ipanema
19.00 Official Costume Competition in
Hotel Gloria
20.00 Street Band Competition in Av. Rio
Branco, Centro (Downtown)
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in
the Access Group
23.00 The Magic Ball at Copacabana
Palace Hotel
Sunday, March 6th
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in
the Special Group
Monday, March 7th
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in
the Special Group
Tuesday, March 8th
16.00 Banda de Ipanema marches for the
last time
21.00 Parade of the Samba Schools in
Group "B"
23.00 Gay Costume Ball in Rio Scala
The Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace Hotel
This legendary ball is not just the high point of
the night but also the most famous Carnival ball;
the choice for glamour and sophistication.
Luxury costume or black tie/evening dress is
required, and a number of international and local
VIPs are always among the guests. All tickets
include buffet dinner and free open bar. There
are different tickets for the individual dining
rooms. All tickets provide access to all ballrooms.
Best value is the standing ticket. Although it has
no seat assigned, tables are available in the
veranda and other areas close to the buffet.
Ball Masque 2011
Friday, March 11th, 22:00-05:00
Live music taking turns with a DJ and the
drummers of one of the best Rio samba schools.
Dress formal or wear a fancy-dress.
Venue: Hotel Sofitel, Av. Atlântica 4240 / Level E
- Copacabana
Prices include free buffet and drinks
This legendary ball is not just the high point of
the night but also the most famous Carnival ball;
the choice for glamour and sophistication.
Luxury costume or black tie/evening dress is
required, and a number of international and local
VIPs are always among the guests. All tickets
include buffet dinner and free open bar. There
are different tickets for the individual dining
rooms. All tickets provide access to all ballrooms.
Best value is the standing ticket. Although it has
no seat assigned, tables are available in the
veranda and other areas close to the buffet.
Ball Masque 2011
Friday, March 11th, 22:00-05:00
Live music taking turns with a DJ and the
drummers of one of the best Rio samba schools.
Dress formal or wear a fancy-dress.
Venue: Hotel Sofitel, Av. Atlântica 4240 / Level E
- Copacabana
Prices include free buffet and drinks
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is unforgettable. There are hundreds of street festivities and bands
everywhere, but nothing compares to the gigantic party at the sambodrome parade.
Carnival in Rio captures the unique pageantry and euphoria of Carnival, the world's largest party.
The streets of Rio are filled with the sounds and sights of the samba, the dance of Carnival whose
rhythms African slaves brought to Brazil.
everywhere, but nothing compares to the gigantic party at the sambodrome parade.
Carnival in Rio captures the unique pageantry and euphoria of Carnival, the world's largest party.
The streets of Rio are filled with the sounds and sights of the samba, the dance of Carnival whose
rhythms African slaves brought to Brazil.
Rio Samba Parade
The highlight of Rio Carnival is the Rio Carnival Parade called the Samba Parade or Samba Schools
Parade, a totally unique event in the world. The Rio Samba Parade is a fierce competition between the
Rio samba schools. The judges and spectators watch the principal parades in the Sambodromo a
stadium which was especially designed and built for this event.
The Rio Samba Parade is not a street happening where people move chaotically about as they like. It is
a highly orchestrated show of vast proportions. Every parader has a specific role and place according to
his/her costume in a particular wing of a particular section of the samba school he/she is parading for
and supporting.
Preparations for the Samba Parade start in the year preceding Carnival, as each samba school
mobilizes thousands of supporters who create the various parts of the school's display. The costumes
are extremely imaginative, colorful, elaborate, detailed and truly original, designed and made from
scratch each year. They have mirrors, feathers, metallic cloth, silk and sometimes gems or coins. These
costumes take months to make. The work starts roughly 8 months in advance.
Virtually every neighborhood in Rio has a samba club that practices throughout the year.
Street Bands - Rio Carnival
Carnival street bands play music in the streets, revelers joining in, drinking and dancing away.
All you have to do is to turn up and join in. It is all free.
Approximately 300 bands are expected to take to the streets at the 2009 Carnival. The biggest band
procession take place in Av. Rio Branco, Downtown (Centro). From Saturday to Tuesday you can see the
greatest variety of street bands there, and it is where the merry-making is at its wildest with traditional
groups such as Cordão do Bola Preta, Cacique de Ramos, Bafo da Onça, to mention just a few.
The highlight of Rio Carnival is the Rio Carnival Parade called the Samba Parade or Samba Schools
Parade, a totally unique event in the world. The Rio Samba Parade is a fierce competition between the
Rio samba schools. The judges and spectators watch the principal parades in the Sambodromo a
stadium which was especially designed and built for this event.
The Rio Samba Parade is not a street happening where people move chaotically about as they like. It is
a highly orchestrated show of vast proportions. Every parader has a specific role and place according to
his/her costume in a particular wing of a particular section of the samba school he/she is parading for
and supporting.
Preparations for the Samba Parade start in the year preceding Carnival, as each samba school
mobilizes thousands of supporters who create the various parts of the school's display. The costumes
are extremely imaginative, colorful, elaborate, detailed and truly original, designed and made from
scratch each year. They have mirrors, feathers, metallic cloth, silk and sometimes gems or coins. These
costumes take months to make. The work starts roughly 8 months in advance.
Virtually every neighborhood in Rio has a samba club that practices throughout the year.
Street Bands - Rio Carnival
Carnival street bands play music in the streets, revelers joining in, drinking and dancing away.
All you have to do is to turn up and join in. It is all free.
Approximately 300 bands are expected to take to the streets at the 2009 Carnival. The biggest band
procession take place in Av. Rio Branco, Downtown (Centro). From Saturday to Tuesday you can see the
greatest variety of street bands there, and it is where the merry-making is at its wildest with traditional
groups such as Cordão do Bola Preta, Cacique de Ramos, Bafo da Onça, to mention just a few.
2011 RIO CARNIVAL BALLS
Rio de Janeiro, as the City of Carnival, offers a selection of Carnival balls. You should not miss them.
You won't have to spend a fortune to have a great time. Tickets to most balls will cost you around
U$70 to U$150. Exceptions are the two most famous luxury hotels, Copacabana Palace and Gloria.
Other great balls are in Rio Scala. Clube dos Caiçaras and the Hard Rock Cafe's Kid's Folia also
organize animated costume balls for adults and children.
Costumes are not mandatory, with the exception of at a few balls. Putting on one will help you get in
the right mood and will make the night even more special. Bear in mind however that Rio is the capital
of Carnival and costume standards are very high.
A true Carnival ball features live music and samba rules the floor.
Rio de Janeiro, as the City of Carnival, offers a selection of Carnival balls. You should not miss them.
You won't have to spend a fortune to have a great time. Tickets to most balls will cost you around
U$70 to U$150. Exceptions are the two most famous luxury hotels, Copacabana Palace and Gloria.
Other great balls are in Rio Scala. Clube dos Caiçaras and the Hard Rock Cafe's Kid's Folia also
organize animated costume balls for adults and children.
Costumes are not mandatory, with the exception of at a few balls. Putting on one will help you get in
the right mood and will make the night even more special. Bear in mind however that Rio is the capital
of Carnival and costume standards are very high.
A true Carnival ball features live music and samba rules the floor.
Scala Balls
In its 39th year, the Scala nightclub offers thematic
dances every night during Carnival, having the
grandest indoor carnival parties of the city. The venue
is big and very well-known:
Rio Scala, Avenida Afrânio de Melo Franco 296 - Leblon
Mangueira Carnival Ball Thursday, March 3rd
Experience the music and atmosphere of one of the
most traditional and well-known samba schools
(Mangueira) without having to visit its rehearsal space.
Red and Black Ball Friday, March 4th
This night celebrates and is dedicated to the
world-famous Rio football team, Flamengo, with the
red-and-black striped flag. It is one of the most
popular nights.
Ball of the Marvelous City Saturday, March 5th
The night celebrates and is dedicated to the city of Rio
de Janeiro.
A Night in Ibiza Sunday, March 6th
This is the biggest ball in the series with some special
guests.
Ball of ´Beer´ Monday, March 7th
Unlimited and free beer all night. Live music by a
Carnival band taking turns with a Rio DJ
Gay Costume Ball Tuesday, March 8th until 7:00 am
This is probably the most famous night in the series. A
truly exotic collection of characters take to the two
floors and a grand entrance is de rigueur - the ball is
broadcast to the whole of Brazil. A flamboyant crowd
with lots of drag queens and their admirers.
Tickets are on sale through the Ticket Center.
Email ticketcenter@rio-carnival.net
call the Carnival Help Desk at numbers below
USA/CA 1-877-5590088
UK/EUR 44-203-355-6343
OR 1-786-3644650
In its 39th year, the Scala nightclub offers thematic
dances every night during Carnival, having the
grandest indoor carnival parties of the city. The venue
is big and very well-known:
Rio Scala, Avenida Afrânio de Melo Franco 296 - Leblon
Mangueira Carnival Ball Thursday, March 3rd
Experience the music and atmosphere of one of the
most traditional and well-known samba schools
(Mangueira) without having to visit its rehearsal space.
Red and Black Ball Friday, March 4th
This night celebrates and is dedicated to the
world-famous Rio football team, Flamengo, with the
red-and-black striped flag. It is one of the most
popular nights.
Ball of the Marvelous City Saturday, March 5th
The night celebrates and is dedicated to the city of Rio
de Janeiro.
A Night in Ibiza Sunday, March 6th
This is the biggest ball in the series with some special
guests.
Ball of ´Beer´ Monday, March 7th
Unlimited and free beer all night. Live music by a
Carnival band taking turns with a Rio DJ
Gay Costume Ball Tuesday, March 8th until 7:00 am
This is probably the most famous night in the series. A
truly exotic collection of characters take to the two
floors and a grand entrance is de rigueur - the ball is
broadcast to the whole of Brazil. A flamboyant crowd
with lots of drag queens and their admirers.
Tickets are on sale through the Ticket Center.
Email ticketcenter@rio-carnival.net
call the Carnival Help Desk at numbers below
USA/CA 1-877-5590088
UK/EUR 44-203-355-6343
OR 1-786-3644650
Arriving in Rio
Most people fly into Rio's international Airport Galeão.
There are ATM machines at the airport which work with all major debit/credit cards, giving you a better rate than
any Foreign Exchange bureau.
Most people fly into Rio's international Airport Galeão.
There are ATM machines at the airport which work with all major debit/credit cards, giving you a better rate than
any Foreign Exchange bureau.
Rio de Janeiro Roundtrip Airport Shuttle Service
Transfers are available daily from Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. When making a booking, you'll need
to advise your flight details and your Rio de Janeiro city hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed
instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.
Details and Booking Information
Rio de Janeiro Airport Roundtrip Private Transfer
Arrive and depart from Rio with the minimum of fuss and enjoying value for money with a Rio de Janeiro Airport
Roundtrip Transfer. Forget negotiating unfamiliar streets in a rental car, or battling the crowds on public transport,
travel in comfort to the door of your downtown Rio de Janeiro hotel.
Details and Booking Information
Transfers are available daily from Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. When making a booking, you'll need
to advise your flight details and your Rio de Janeiro city hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed
instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.
Details and Booking Information
Rio de Janeiro Airport Roundtrip Private Transfer
Arrive and depart from Rio with the minimum of fuss and enjoying value for money with a Rio de Janeiro Airport
Roundtrip Transfer. Forget negotiating unfamiliar streets in a rental car, or battling the crowds on public transport,
travel in comfort to the door of your downtown Rio de Janeiro hotel.
Details and Booking Information
Carnival and Mardi Gras Celebrations
Carnaval in Recife, Brazil
Carnaval in São Paulo, Brazil
Carnaval in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil
Carnaval in Recife, Brazil
Carnaval in São Paulo, Brazil
Carnaval in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil
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Samba Land (Terreirão do Samba)
February 25th, 26th, March 4th-8th, 11th and
12th
Starting at 19:00 and finishing at around 5:30
the following morning
This is an open-air space that resurrects the
atmosphere of Praça Onze, a big square
downtown near the Sambodromo, which is the
cradle of samba as samba music is supposed to
have been born around here.
Samba Land is officially inaugurated before
Carnival, functioning at full steam through all
the nights of the festivities. You can go, have a
bite and booze in one of the 50 food stands.
You will be listening to a big variety of music
with live concerts on the stage
Venue: Praça Onze, Centro (Downtown)
Admission: R$15.00 available on the door
February 25th, 26th, March 4th-8th, 11th and
12th
Starting at 19:00 and finishing at around 5:30
the following morning
This is an open-air space that resurrects the
atmosphere of Praça Onze, a big square
downtown near the Sambodromo, which is the
cradle of samba as samba music is supposed to
have been born around here.
Samba Land is officially inaugurated before
Carnival, functioning at full steam through all
the nights of the festivities. You can go, have a
bite and booze in one of the 50 food stands.
You will be listening to a big variety of music
with live concerts on the stage
Venue: Praça Onze, Centro (Downtown)
Admission: R$15.00 available on the door
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Carefree Traveller. Travel guides, maps and travel store.
Rio de Janeiro Sightseeing and Tours
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