The glamour and splendour of the world famous Rio Carnival have come and recently gone for yet another year. But that simply means that all the same cogs are now slowly creaking into action preparing for 2012’s Carnival.
If your travels include a budget there are a myriad of things that are happening in the city at the time of Rio Carnival which are quite cheap while bearing witness to the worldwide spectacle. Besides going to the famous Sambadrome there is another way to enjoy samba parades free of charge, because there are two types of Samba schools those at Sambadrome and those parading on Avenida Rio Branco.
Those on Avenida Rio Branco may not be considered the most prestigious but happen to be top quality and the parades they play in are free. Blocos or street parties are everywhere during Rio Carnival with over a hundred taking place throughout the different neighborhoods each day and for free.
The biggest and most important blocos are Suvaco de Cristo that is below the Christ the Redeemer statue and O cordao de bola preta that is around the historic centre. Local bands compose the music at the parties and people are dressed in special costumes with t-shirts designed for each particular area. The dancing goes on to all hours of the night and everyone is welcome.
In the Lapa district there is an alternative party in the southern corner of the city centre of Rio. A stage gets erected in front of Arcos de Lapa and all styles of bands play each night. One highlight is the opportunity to attend a ball.
