20 TRAVEL
Issue 36 / FEBRUARY 2012 SAMBA TO BRA
Revel in excess at the biggest party in the world: Carnival!
While we're all hiding indoors desperately trying not to succumb to hypothermia this winter, Brazilians are out on the streets prepping for the biggest party in the world. We've put together a brief guide to help ensure you're there and having the time of your life.
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As the 17th of February nears, party people worldwide will be flocking to the streets of Brazil to partake in Carnival. The highlight is possibly the Sambadrome Parade in Rio. Held in the purpose-built stadium, you'll be surrounded by hundreds of feather-clad dancers showing off their best booty-shaking moves. Complete with extravagant floats bursting with colour and intricate designs, it's a feast for the eyes. Doors open at 9pm and
the party keeps rocking until well into the early hours.
With a four-day celebration to live up to, neighbourhoods within metropolitan areas will have their own celebrations known as 'Blocos'. Join locals in their hand-made costumes and let loose to the beguiling beats of the local samba bands. If you're up for wading through crowds, then take a trip to Rio's historical city centre to see flourishes of bright and eccentrically dressed partygoers. If you want to experience the true enormity of the carnival atmosphere, head over to Salvador along with two million others for six days of the biggest street carnival in the world. Be sure to dress for summer. It's guaranteed to be a scorcher.
