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​​Rio Carnival: four essential experiences​​

January 31st, 2024
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Rio de Janeiro takes on a whole other charm at Carnival time. The cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city) becomes the beating heart of the country’s festivities, well known for the sense of joy felt in the streets and the grandiose parades at the Sambadrome.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is an absolute must. It was in 1893 that it was first celebrated for five consecutive days, like now, with the creation of the first rancho carnavalesco (carnival troupe). Since then, celebrations have flourished and expanded, becoming a cultural hallmark of the city’s identity.

During the Carnival period local samba schools strut their stuff on exuberant parades bursting with colour and movement, each with its own narrative, mirrored in the different floats and the clothes worn by the dancers and musicians. That said, during February, particularly during the five days before Carnival (from Saturday to Tuesday), celebrations spill out onto the streets and can be found almost everywhere. It’s estimated that the street carnival (or carnivals) is five times bigger than the official celebrations associated with the samba schools. 

During the Carnival festivities, Copacabana is not only one of the busiest places in Rio but also home to the Pestana Rio Atlântica hotel. To visit the city’s official sambadrome, hotel guests enjoy (very) special conditions, with exclusive access to a box at Marquês de Sapucaí. Getting around the city’s various attractions is made easy with all kinds of transport available right outside the hotel. Wherever you go, the joyous nature of Rio and its people is (even more) contagious during these days. So much so that even the most timid of dancers gets carried away.

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Pestana Rio Atlântica

Stay in Copacabana and enjoy the best of Rio de Janeiro.

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