Travel News

Carnival Travel 2012: Business & Safety Concerns in Brazil After Police Strike

Image credit, Big Stock "Carnival"

On Friday, opening ceremonies begin by crowning the king of the celebration, who receives a key to the city. There are also tamer parties on Friday like kiddie Carnival. Then the true party starts on Saturday, when there are street bands and parties, carnival parties, samba parades and more.

You can’t talk about Carnival in Brazil without mentioning the Samba parade. This year Oscar Niemey’s famous Sambodromo has nearly completed a $20 million renovation for the upcoming 2016 Olympics and to expand the Carnival celebration. The stadium can now accommodate 90,000 spectators in the newly formed 2, 4, 6 and 8 sectors.

While new sections have been added, the Carnival seating hierarchy is still in place. The luxury boxes still provide the best views and the most refined experience, however they lose a lot of the local party feeling. The general wisdom suggests that participants should aim for the middle sectors or sectors slightly towards the end of the runway. Front seats usually have obstructed views or worse.

Image credit Bigstock "Brazilian Samba Dancers"

As with Trinidad’s Carnival, costumes do play a big part in the celebrations. And believe it or not it’s not too late to join a samba school. Many schools’ costumes have sold out, but you can still find a few open slots. Click here to see the costumes still on hand.

Remember buying a costume, does not mean you have a starring role. High-profile spots like the Queen of Drums are usually purchased for $100,000 or more, since the leading ladies use the platform to launch their modeling or acting careers. Instead, purchasing a costumed you get a change to parade in the wing with a group of 100 people in the school. No rehearsals are required but groups do get together at set meeting times to do a warm up exercise and learn to march in key. Plus, if your school makes it into the top six of the parade then, you’re invited back for Champion’s Parade.

Travel tip: In general, don’t come to the Sambodromo expecting a street party. Instead go for the costumes, the music and the spectacle. And if it the crowds seem too overwhelming remember you can tune in on television too.

For more Carnival ideas and information, check out:

By Lily J. Kosner for Peter Greenberg Worldwide

Related links: Marketwatch, Reuters

Images credit Bigstock