Rio Carnival History
Brazilians love Carnaval with a religious devotion, which makes sense, given its history.
Most accounts date the roots of Carnaval to a pagan celebration co-opted by the Catholic Church prior to Lent. Carnaval literally means a 'farewell to meat', the last chance to revel before a 40 day period of introspection and abstinence of worldly pleasures. For the religious, Carnaval represents a massive bender before things get solemn. For everyone else, no excuses are necessary. Americans celebrate Mardi Gras, there are variations in Europe, and huge parties are held throughout Latin America.
But it is the Brazilians who have embraced the holiday most, infusing it with samba music, jaw-dropping costumes, street parties and monstrous parades. Brazil's Carnaval origins date back to entrudo, an event for townsfolk to throw water, perfume, or sometimes rotten vegetables at each other, a way to let off a little steam.
After slavery was abolished in 1888, thousands of former slaves descended upon the illustrious cities of Sao Paulo and Rio, while many more stayed in Bahia, home of the sugar and cocoa plantations. Masquerade balls had already been popular amongst the elite for decades, but it was the introduction and development of these former slaves and their samba music - a blend of Angolan beat, European polka, and Latin musical and dance styles - that expanded the celebration of Carnaval to the masses, and into the streets.
Book everything early as places for accommodation, samba parade tickets & Rio tours sell out!
Green Toad Bus Carnival
SECTOR 12 or 13 Cheap Sambadrome Tickets or upgrade to better seats. Tickets available for the Sunday 15 February or the Monday 16th February Para...
US$55.00
CARNIVAL GROUP TOUR PACKAGE 2018 - 6 days / 5 nights (also available is a 3 night package, just ask us!) Starts - Friday 1st of March Ends - Wedn...
US$935.00
