Brazilian carnivals and carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - holidays of the peoples of the world - travel encyclopedia - catalog of articles - travel with Oleg Baranovsky Brazilian at the Sambodrome 6 letters
The structure is a fenced 700-meter street, on both sides of which there are stands for spectators. The total area of the Sambodrome is 85 thousand square meters. m, which can accommodate up to 80 thousand people. The territory is divided into 12 sectors of three categories: 1) general- relatively cheap tickets without specifying a specific place; 2) 9th tourism sector- the places in it are numbered; 3) VIP boxes- designed for groups of 10 people, for which there are soft sofas and a bar.
During the traditional Brazilian carnival, 6 schools are held every night at the Sambodrome, each of which has up to 4-6 thousand people. The total number of schools is 24, 12 of which are usually called elite (Grupo Especial. First League), and 12 - beginners. During the procession, each school tries to depict a certain composition of people dancing samba.
Usually the carnival lasts 4 nights from 21.00 to dawn. On the first and second nights of the carnival, schools of the Second League pass through the Sambodrome, and then the First. After the jury votes are counted on Ash Wednesday and the winners are identified, a Parade of Champions takes place, in which the best schools participate.
As part of the 2016 Summer Olympics, the Sambodrome will host archery competitions, as well as part of the marathon race. Archers will also compete here as part of the 2016 Paralympic Games.
Sambadromo: View from the stands of sector 9 during the school parade Grupo de Acesso A
Coordinates: 22°54′43″ S w. 43°11′47″ W d. / 22.91194° S w. 43.19639° W d. / -22.91194; -43.19639(G) (I)
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An excerpt characterizing the Sambodrome
“Uh!... uh!... uh!...” he said, looking out the window at the stone sidewalk.- Attention! - Dolokhov shouted and pulled the officer from the window, who, entangled in his spurs, awkwardly jumped into the room.
Having placed the bottle on the windowsill so that it would be convenient to get it, Dolokhov carefully and quietly climbed out the window. Dropping his legs and leaning both hands on the edges of the window, he measured himself, sat down, lowered his hands, moved to the right, to the left and took out a bottle. Anatole brought two candles and put them on the windowsill, although it was already quite light. Dolokhov's back in a white shirt and his curly head were illuminated from both sides. Everyone crowded around the window. The Englishman stood in front. Pierre smiled and said nothing. One of those present, older than the others, with a frightened and angry face, suddenly moved forward and wanted to grab Dolokhov by the shirt.
- Gentlemen, this is nonsense; he will be killed to death,” said this more prudent man.
Anatole stopped him:
“Don’t touch it, you’ll scare him and he’ll kill himself.” Eh?... What then?... Eh?...
Dolokhov turned around, straightening himself and again spreading his arms.
“If anyone else bothers me,” he said, rarely letting words slip through his clenched and thin lips, “I’ll bring him down here now.” Well!…
Having said “well”!, he turned again, let go of his hands, took the bottle and brought it to his mouth, threw his head back and threw his free hand up for leverage. One of the footmen, who began to pick up the glass, stopped in a bent position, not taking his eyes off the window and Dolokhov’s back. Anatole stood straight, eyes open. The Englishman, his lips thrust forward, looked from the side. The one who stopped him ran to the corner of the room and lay down on the sofa facing the wall. Pierre covered his face, and a weak smile, forgotten, remained on his face, although it now expressed horror and fear. Everyone was silent. Pierre took his hands away from his eyes: Dolokhov was still sitting in the same position, only his head was bent back, so that the curly hair of the back of his head touched the collar of his shirt, and the hand with the bottle rose higher and higher, shuddering and making an effort. The bottle was apparently emptied and at the same time rose, bending its head. “What’s taking so long?” thought Pierre. It seemed to him that more than half an hour had passed. Suddenly Dolokhov made a backward movement with his back, and his hand trembled nervously; this shudder was enough to move the entire body sitting on the sloping slope. He shifted all over, and his hand and head trembled even more, making an effort. One hand rose to grab the window sill, but dropped again. Pierre closed his eyes again and told himself that he would never open them. Suddenly he felt that everything around him was moving. He looked: Dolokhov was standing on the windowsill, his face was pale and cheerful.
Sequins and feathers, amazing Brazilian girls, samba rhythms, sheer positivity and uncontrollable joy - is this how you imagined the Brazilian carnival? The way it is!
For Brazil, it's like New Year, Christmas, birthday and March 8th combined. The main holiday for the whole country, their pride, their joy, their religion. For foreign tourists, the carnival in Rio de Janeiro is an object of desire. It's not difficult to get there. But it’s worth preparing your trip in advance.
Carnival in Rio - dates
Since the carnival takes place before Lent, the dates of the holiday are flexible. In 2018, the carnival in Brazil will be held from February 10 to 13.
How to get to the carnival in Rio de Janeiro
A tourist has two options: buy tickets to the stands or walk in the parade by joining one of the samba schools.
Buy tickets to the Rio Carnival
It is better to buy tickets in advance. The first two days of the carnival, samba schools of the second league and children's schools parade through the sambodrome. It's not that interesting, so entry costs less. The second two days feature major league schools and a parade of champions. Tickets for these events will cost more. In addition, the price depends on the sector, row, standing or seated places with numbers, in the middle of the stands or along the edges, etc.: a diagram of the stands is on the official website of the carnival. You also need to buy tickets there.
The cheapest ticket for the procession of major league schools costs 385 reais. The most expensive, in the luxury sector with seats and a waiter serving snacks and drinks, is 2090 reais. Closer to the date of the carnival, tickets will only become more expensive, and good seats will run out.
Sometimes you can buy tickets in person at the entrance to the sambodrome right before the start of the parade for half the price. But it’s not a fact that they will be on your day, that they will be at a bargain price and that someone will not intercept them in front of your nose. Going to the other end of the earth and flying with the carnival, you see, would be stupid. Therefore, it is still better to arrange tickets before the trip.
By the way!
During the day, near the Central metro station, you can closely inspect and photograph the platforms participating in the carnival.
Brazilian Carnival - costumes
It's one thing to look at the platforms and girls in feathers from the stands, and quite another to be in the thick of things. To do this, you will have to buy a costume from a certain school - it’s called fantasy (emphasis on the “and”). Rules of the procession and nuances of buying a costume for the carnival
* it is better to take a suit from a school that is in the major league. They are more interesting, livelier, and besides, “your” school can become a champion. Then you will walk with them around the sambodrome again.
*February in Brazil is summer. Even though the procession takes place at night, it will be hot. Very hot. Therefore, it is better to take something more “naked” (no one bothers you to wear shorts and a top under a suit). Many who have been in this synthetic “skin” remember that most of all they wanted to throw it off. However, later they remember this procession as one of the most vivid impressions in their lives.
* after the end of the parade, no one needs the costumes. They are dumped in a huge pile where the procession ends. Think in advance about whether you are ready to throw away a piece of Brazilian design (for which, by the way, a lot of money was paid) or whether you want to take it home. Your decision will also influence the choice of suit configuration - imagine whether it will be convenient to fold it into a suitcase.
* the ordered and paid fantasy will be delivered to your hotel at the specified address along with the lyrics of the song. Yes, at the Sambodrome they not only dance, but also sing. The song is written specifically for the carnival every year. It is advisable that all participants in the procession sing it. It is clear that few of us are strong in Portuguese, but we will have to make approximately similar sounds or open our mouths. Otherwise, “your” school will lose points and a chance to win. And not only its image, but also its financing depends on this.
* costumes are put up for sale in December. You can also buy them on the official website of the carnival. They will cost 1.3 - 1.5 thousand reais. On the website you need to choose whether it is male or female and the quantity. Some schools ask for sizes and sew almost to order. Closer to February, suits will begin to rise in price.
* some lucky people manage to buy a costume a couple of days before the parade right at the samba school for half or three times the price. However, this option is very unreliable. Decide for yourself whether to take risks or not. Please note, by the way, that English is difficult in Brazil, so it will be difficult to explain.
*you will be assigned a time and place of collection. Don’t be late, otherwise you’ll later lose your people and won’t be able to accomplish what you’ve been striving for for so long. Please note that you will have to wait a long time for your release. Take water with you just in case. Alcohol at the parade is strictly prohibited for participants (you can buy it in the stands). And there is a problem with toilets during the procession.
* The parade lasts all night. You may have to come to the training camp at 11 pm and leave for the sambodrome at five in the morning. Calculate your strength.
* don’t take a large camera with you, you won’t be able to handle it. A point-and-shoot dish or phone will do. Although it is prohibited to take photographs or make videos during the procession, click on the before and after pictures.
* they will show you who to follow, where to stand, what to do. Follow the instructions. And don’t forget to smile - you’re being filmed by TV channels all over the world.
Important!
The parade runs until 5-6 am. After this, or earlier if you are tired, you will need to return to your hotel. If it’s a long walk, it’s better to order a taxi in advance: at the end of the procession, everyone will need to leave, and cars will be in great demand.
Cheap flights to Rio de Janeiro
If you are planning to fly to Brazil specifically for the carnival, start monitoring tickets in the summer. Then discounts or special offers from airlines and prices of 28-30 thousand for a round-trip ticket are still possible. The standard ticket price is from 50 thousand rubles. It may be cheaper to fly to Sao Paulo, from there you can get to Rio by local airlines, train or bus (this is the cheapest option).
Important!
During the carnival, all exchange offices and banks are closed! It will not be possible to exchange currency. The rate at the airport is extortionate. You have two options: withdraw reals from an ATM using your card, or arrive a little earlier than the start of the carnival and exchange them in the city.
Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
During the carnival, it is better to stay closer to the sambodrome. It will be more expensive, but from the cheap outskirts you will somehow have to get to it at night. You can rent more by taxi, and the drivers jack up the price, realizing that people have no other options. If you stay in Rio after the carnival, you can move to other days - closer to the beaches, for example.
Important!
Rain is very likely during the Carnival days. And not just rain, but torrential tropical downpour. Take raincoats made of thick polyethylene with you. Or expect to have to buy them on the spot for 20-50 reais. However, sometimes the rain comes down so hard that they don’t help either. It’s good that it’s hot in Brazil: even if you get wet, you won’t get sick.
On the official website of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival you can buy tickets for the stands, order and pay for costumes, as well as hotels in Rio and transfers from/to the Sambodrome.
Brazilian real to ruble exchange rate: for 1 ruble - approximately 17.5 reais
How long does it take to fly from Moscow to Rio de Janeiro?
There are no direct flights from Moscow to Brazil. The shortest flight with a transfer will last 17 hours. If you are flying through European airports and do not intend to go into the city, you do not need a Schengen visa. When connecting to the United States, a US transit visa is required, even if you sit at the airport the entire time between flights.
Visa to Brazil for Russian citizens
Not needed for up to 90 days. But the border guard may require to show:
Passport valid for at least six months;
Return air ticket;
Confirmation of accommodation - a hotel reservation for the entire trip or an invitation from a friend/relative, which indicates his address and notes that you will live with him.
Photo: wikimedia.org
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is a traditional costumed music competition between samba schools of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The performance traditionally begins on Friday night and ends on Tuesday morning. The winning schools, selected by a jury, march in the Parade of Champions on Saturday to cap off the week of festivities.
On the first two nights (Friday and Saturday), entry-level schools perform, so ticket prices are lower and the performances themselves are visually simpler. On the next two days (Sunday and Monday), major league schools come to the carnival street - Sambodrome, so the tickets are more expensive, but the performance is more interesting and colorful.
The performance begins at 21 o'clock and ends closer to 5-7 o'clock in the morning (depending on the number of schools performing and the pace of the processions). Some spectators arrive at the beginning of the show and sit until the end of the performances. Others watch 1-3 schools and go to bed. How much you are willing to watch is up to you. The ticket is valid for one entry all night, regardless of the time of arrival or departure from the event. By the way, the Sambodrome itself opens before the performances at 17:00.
Drinks and snacks are sold inside the stands for spectators, and there are free toilets. In the VIP area there are tables set with alcoholic and soft drinks, and a buffet of snacks.
All carnival performances are bright and memorable. It is difficult to say who is better and who is worse, as school participants are masters of their craft. To get an idea of the Carnival, one day is enough, especially if you get to the Parade of Champions.
You will learn in detail what Carnival is and what Street Carnivals are, interesting facts, features and history of its occurrence on excursions with a professional Russian guide.
If you are going in Rio de Janeiro not for Carnival,
then plan your trip outside of this holiday
- save a lot of money, it will be more peaceful
in the city and at attractions.
Schedule of carnival processions at the Sambodrome
| Year | Cheaper | Expensive | Cheaper | |||
| Group A (day 1 - start) | Group A (day 2) | Special group (day 3) | Special group (day 4) | Parade of Champions (day 5 - end) |
||
| PT | SB | Sun | Mon | SB | ||
| 2017 | 24 February | 25 February | February 26 | February 27 | March 4 | |
| 2018 | February 9th | February 10 | 11 February | 12th of February | February 17 | |
| 2019 | March 1 | 2nd of March | March, 3rd | March 4 | 9th of March | |
| 2020 | February 21 | February 22 | February 23 | 24 February | February 29 | |
| 2021 | 12th of February | February 13 | The 14th of February | February, 15 | February 20th | |
| 2022 | 25 February | February 26 | February 27 | 28th of February | 5th of March | |
| 2023 | February 17 | 18th of Febuary | February 19 | February 20th | 25 February | |
Please note that there are 5 days of carnival processions. Group A usually includes samba schools that did not take the best places at the last carnival. The special group includes the best samba schools in Rio de Janeiro. And, the champions of the new season will perform again at the Parade of Champions.
Sector 9
Most agencies sell tickets to foreign tourists to Sector 9, promoting that this is the only option - the best, the safest, etc. Accordingly, it is more expensive.
The main difference between sector 9 and others nearby is the numbered places. But, usually, no one enforces this. There is free movement in the sectors and few people sit in one place. Moreover, people often stand to take photos or dance.
Advice for the budget conscious: choose any sector in the middle of the Sambodrome. It will be cheaper and just as good as on the ninth.
Important information
Children
There is no minimum age to attend Carnival. However, all visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by responsible persons and have identification documents and documents proving responsibility for the child.
Food in the stands
You are allowed to bring no more than 1 plastic bottle of drink with a volume of no more than 0.5 liters and up to 2 products (fruit, sandwiches, sandwiches...). The VIP boxes already have tables set with fruits and drinks. A variety of drinks and snacks are sold at the Sambodrome.
Capacity
The Sambodrome seats about 75,000 spectators. The so-called ZERO Sector is free (tribunes for the poor). Located on Presidente Vargas Avenue (Avenida Presidente Vargas) - about 3,000 people.
Opening
The Sambodrome opens at approximately 17:00 every day of the Carnival, however, the performance itself begins only at 21:00. Carnival performances last until 5:00. It is worth noting that you can come to the Sambodrome with tickets at any time from 17:00 to 5:00.
Duration of performance
Carnival processions take place for 5 days from 21:00 to 5:00. Several Rio de Janeiro samba schools perform during the night. You don't have to sit and watch all the schools from start to finish - it's all up to you. Some tourists come especially for the time of the performance of the school in question.
The main issue is Safety in the city and at the Sambodrome
During the carnival, millions of tourists from all over the world come to Rio. The streets are filled with thousands of people celebrating and drinking, therefore, this situation leads to increased tension on the streets of the city. The international media love, especially during the Carnival period, to talk about crime, which is at the same level outside the Carnival and I consider the aggravation of this topic to be some kind of exaggeration aimed at increasing the vigilance of tourists. Large crowds of people in any country can serve as a good platform for petty fraud, which is also abundant here.
At the Sambodrome, about 3,000 people maintain order, including city police officers and special agents. Entrance to the Sambodrome is strictly by tickets through turnstiles with a search for dangerous objects. The best selling sector for tourists is Sector 9, because The seats in this sector are numbered and there are seats for city administration and state government workers.
Accommodation and lodging during the Carnival
The second problem you may encounter is the lack of available hotels. During the carnival, due to the influx of tourists, there is an acute shortage of hotel rooms and an increase in housing prices. Accommodation prices rise approximately 3 times off-season. Many townspeople simply leave the city during the carnival to spend quiet time with their family. Some of them rent out their housing during this crowded event.
How to get to the Sambodrome
Buses
From the southern zone of the city, where tourists usually stop, you can take any bus that goes to the city center and passes the Central Station. Not far from the station and the Sambodrome is within walking distance.
Taxi
From anywhere in the city you can get to the Carnival site by city taxi. When landing, say Sambódromo [sambodromo] (emphasis on the second O).
Metro
By metro you need to get to the Cantral station and walk to the Sambodrome in the direction from the center along Avenida Presidente Vargas.
Transfer
By ordering a transfer you get to the desired sector of the Sambodrome without any difficulties. This method is the most reliable and safe. Transfers are usually made to the Sambodrome and back at any time. Transport awaits tourists at a specified location and can return tourists back to the hotel at any time. Accordingly, the entire night is paid for, regardless of the time of use of transport, if this is an individual service.
Which seats to choose at the Sambodrome
YouTube Video: Sambodrome in Rio de Janeiro
Common open stands without protection from rain. The places are not numbered (except for sector 9). View of the performance from above.
Photo 6827. Large stands - Arquibancada
Places without protection from rain. The places are numbered. View of the performance from the performers' level a little further away. Seats at the end of the show.
Photo 6828. Individual seats in sectors 11 and 12 - Cadeiras Individuais
Places without protection from rain. Numbered. View from the speakers' level close to the performance. Depending on the location, the beginning, middle, or end of the presentation is captured.
Photo 6829. Individual seating close to the performance - Frisa
Places protected from rain. The places are numbered. View from below - from the level of the speakers a little further away. Depending on the location, the beginning, middle, or end of the presentation is captured.
Photo 6830. Covered individual seats - Frasa Coberta
Stock - Camarote
Places protected from rain with air conditioning. View from a little distance from above, from the level of the middle of the platforms with the participants. Depending on the location, the beginning, middle, or end of the presentation is captured.
Carnival in Brazil takes place annually in February or March, begins 40 days before Easter and symbolizes the approach of Lent (carne vale translates as “farewell to meat”). The whole country is partying, but the largest is the carnival in Rio de Janeiro, which even got into the Guinness Book of Records.
The Brazilian Carnival officially lasts 5 days, and the 6th day is the main parade of champions.
- IN Days 1 and 2– the opening ceremony of the carnival and parades of League Two schools, which compete for the right to be among the top 12 next year.
- 3 and 4 days are considered the main ones, because representatives of 12 First League schools will march through the Sambodrome.
- IN 5 day A parade of children's schools is held.
- A parade of champions is held in 3 days - 6 schools will perform in it: 5 from the First League and 1 from the Second League.
In addition to the parade at the Sambodrome, you will have many opportunities to join the carnival processions on the streets of the city. And before the parade, main rehearsals are held at the Sambodrome, which you can watch completely free of charge.
*Sambadromo is a special street for street processions and carnivals with stands for spectators. The Sambodrome in Rio was created in 1984. Its area is 85,000 m², which can accommodate about 80,000 people.
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Carnival in Rio de Janeiro 2019: schedule of events
March 1, Friday
13:00 - the opening ceremony. The mayor of Rio will present the keys to the city to King Momo, the character who rules during the carnival. They choose him from among the local residents, who are tall and weigh more than 100 kilograms.
21:00 at the Sambodrome (Preliminary Parade) part 1.
March 2, Saturday
09:30
– performance by Cordão do Bola Preta(Downtown).
16:00
(meeting point – General Osório square, Ipanema).
20:00
– competition of amateur dance groups on Av. Rio Branco, Centro.
21:00
– “preliminary” parade of samba schools at the Sambodrome part 2.
23:00 - Magic Ball at the Copacabana Palace Hotel.
March 3, Sunday
22:00 – the main parade of samba schools at the Sambodrome part 1.
March 4, Monday
22:00 - the main parade of samba schools at the Sambodrome part 2.
March 5, Tuesday
16:00
– performance by Ipanema's Band.
21:00
– parade of children's samba schools at the Sambodrome.
23:00
– Gay Ball at Scala Rio.
March 9, Saturday
22:00 – parade of champions.
Interesting facts about samba schools in Rio de Janeiro
In total, there are more than 70 samba schools in Rio de Janeiro, which are divided into 6 groups: Main Group, Preliminary Group, as well as leagues B, C, D and E. B. It is the Main and Preliminary Leagues that compete for championship at the Sambodrome. You can see the rest of the schools at the processions that will take place on the streets of the city.
The Main League consists of 12 schools, and the Preliminary League consists of 10. Each school's performance at the Sambodrome lasts 80 minutes, so take this into account when planning your visit.
On Wednesday, the day after the parade of children's schools, the jury sums up the results, and then the Parade of Champions is held with the participation of representatives of the best schools. Schools that take 1st-3rd places receive cash prizes. And the school with the lowest rating in the Main League is demoted to the Preliminary League, and vice versa - the best school from the Preliminary League will play in the Main League next year.
Preparations for the next carnival will begin immediately after the end of the current one. You can imagine how much time, effort and money it takes to prepare programs, costumes, and mobile platforms. Costumes for girls weigh from 5 to 80 kilograms.
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What do you need to get to the Rio Carnival?
1. Flights
2. Housing in Rio
You need to book as early as possible, ideally six months before the carnival, because good budget options sell out instantly.
- A place in a hostel costs $8-15 per day, and the closer the holiday starts, the higher the prices.
- A hotel room or a room in an apartment will cost you from $30,
- and entire apartments - from $60 per night.
To save money, you can live in one of the small towns near Rio, for example, in Niteroi.
You can try couchsurfing, but keep in mind that on the eve of the carnival, locals receive dozens of requests, so it is important to stand out, interest the host and be ready to communicate.
Tips for choosing a hotel: in order not to feed taxi drivers who strive to deceive a gullible (and drunk) tourist, settle within walking distance from a metro station. During Carnival, the Rio subway operates around the clock, with trains leaving every 10 minutes.
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3. Paid participation in the carnival
There are 4 possibilities, the costs of which differ significantly.
3.1. Buy seats in the Sambodrome stands ($95–1000)
The cost of a ticket to the samba parade taking place at the Sambodrome depends on:
- selected event: preliminary parade, parade of First League schools, parade of champions;
- block of places (distance from the street along which the participants are moving);
- sectors.
- Sectors - from $130 to $200.
- VIP sector - from $460 to $1000.
- Separate chairs - $150.
- Sectors - from $95 to $205.
- VIP sector - from $285 to $625.
- Separate chairs - $125.
You can buy a ticket on the official website of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival.
But there is unverified information that buying a ticket on the spot is cheaper than from intermediaries and on the Internet. Tickets appear at the Sambodrome box office in early January. You can try to contact compatriots living in Rio and, for a small financial thank you, get tickets without overpayment.
3.2. Participate in the parade at the Sambodrome ($200–3000)
There is an amazing opportunity to take part in the parade as part of one of the samba schools. To do this, you need to negotiate with school representatives and buy a suit from them.
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3.3. Attend one of the costume balls ($80–185)
Before and during the Brazilian Carnival, costume balls are held in Rio de Janeiro, the most famous and expensive of which takes place at the Copacabana Palace Hotel. Tickets must be purchased in advance (the earlier, the more prestigious the selected event).
3.4. Attend parties at samba schools ($4–8)
This is the most affordable option, usually charging from $4 (15 BRL) to $8 (30 BRL) for entry to Samba Hall (the school's headquarters). The most famous schools are Mangueira, Salgueiro, Unidos da Tijuca and Vila Isabel, they are located close to each other and you can visit several in one night. Dances usually start after midnight, and many schools are located on the edge of the slums, so it is safer to go to the party in a group.
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4. Free participation: carnival on the city streets
Most locals have fun not at the Sambodrome, but on the streets. In different areas of the city, entire blocks are blocked off and dance parties are held there with rousing music, in which anyone can become a participant. Such parties begin long before the carnival, back in January.
The organizers are the so-called blocos - groups consisting of musicians performing samba dance and notorious party-goers. The most popular parties take place in the areas of Copacabana, Leblon, Ipanema, Jardim Botanico, Lagoa, as well as in the city center. There are 269 officially registered “blocos”, which will hold about 500 parties in the 2019 season.
The largest group is Cordao do Bola Preta, their parties are attended by about 200,000 people annually. Simpatia e Quase Amor attracts about 100,000 participants, and Monobloco - about 80,000. They all organize festivities on Avenida Rio Branco, one of the largest streets in Rio.