Brazil's Top 5 Carnival Destinations

February is on and the Carnival as well! Get to know the places you should definitely visit during Carnaval and become familiar with some expressions and events that occur all over Brasil!

5 - PORTO SEGURO

No matter when you come to Porto Seguro you’re guaranteed to have fun; the second most visited destination in Bahia which only gets more exciting during Carnaval. Carnival sees tourists come from all over the world to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and festivities. Porto Seguros’s most famous event is CarnaPorto, widely known as the best Micareta of Brasil.

Carnaval in Porto Seguro is a unique experience, with people flocking to it from the city all the way to the coast. Need a break from Carnival? Relax in Passarela do Álcool, visit the markets, dine at some of the great restaurants and try the local drinks.

4 - FORTALEZA

Fortaleza has one of the most famous coasts in the northeast of Brazil while also playing host to one of the better known carnivals in Brazil. As famous for the carnival as it is for the pre parties it has tourists and locals alike partying days before the official start of carnival. Carnival sees many bands on the streets playing Samba and Forró (two brazilian music styles) keeping the crowds happy and the drinks flowing.

There are many places to have fun in Fortaleza, including: Bar da Mocinha (Mocinha's Bar), which offers amazing samba concerts during Carnaval, Praia de Iracema (Iracema Beach), which promotes folk music presentation with traditional events, Avenida Domingos (Domingos’ Avenue) where you can see the parades and finally Praça Ferreira (Ferreira Square) which is the main spot for the most famous carnival groups.

3 - SALVADOR

Carnaval de Salvador (Salvador Carnival) is another hotly disputed Carnival in Brasil.

Displaying great performers of Axé (music and dance style), the Trios Elétricos (trucks driving singers performing on a moving stage throughout the city streets) walk predefined circuitos ("routes"), with the crowd following them. There are those who bought abadá (traditional costumes for Carnival) and have a privileged place, but if you haven't bought one, not to worry, join the Turma da Pipoca ("popcorn crowd" is the name given to a famous crowd that participates yearly on the carnaval) and have a lot of fun!

Dozens of artists from Bahia have been made famous performing at the Salvador Carnival, which today brings together trios of big names such as Ivete Sangalo, Banda Eva, Asa de Águia, Cláudia Leitte and Chiclete com Banana (possibly Carnival's most traditional band).

In Salvador Tios Elétricos (electric trios) shake up the parties, with many famous singers running the show. The routes are divided between the: "Batatinha" in the Centro Histórico (Historical Centre), "Osmar" which starts from Barra Avenida to Campo Grande and the "Dodô", which starts from Barra to Ondina.

Take a walk and revel in many of the street parades that take place weekly, such as “Camaleão”, “Eva” e “Timbalada”.

2 - RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio de Janeiro has one of the most famous Carnavais (carnivals) and is the image of the festas brasileiras (brazilian parties) to the world. The carnival is huge, with no expense spared on floats and costumes. It snakes its way over the city through the Marques de Sapucai, in the Sambódromo (specific path where people watch all the Samba schools passing by to be judged by the referees). The Escolas de Samba (samba schools) are known all over the country and are very creative with their customes and preparation of each member walking on the parade. All this charm enchants thousands of Brasileiros who every year crowd the Sambódromo to join in the festa (party).

The rich colorful costumes make the Escolas de Samba (Samba schools) parade of Rio de Janeiro the ultimate symbol of Carnival in Brazil.

If you prefer the parties, Rio de Janeiro also has many Blocos de Rua (street parades) happening at the same time. Don’t worry if you feel lost! Street guides are available to make sure you know where everything is happening at what time!

1- RECIFE / OLINDA

Recife and Olinda play host to famous carnivals, each with their own particular blend of attractions and appeals during the Carnival in Pernambuco (state where both cities are locatet at).

Considered one of the most traditional Carnivals, Olinda's is held among the Bonecos de Olinda (Olinda dolls) parade, considered a global symbol of the city. The parade features 2-meter high dolls among a sea of people on the streets, a beautiful traditional party.

Topping it off, the traditional frevo (music and dance style) happens throughout the day and night, played by street parades that walk throughout Olinda.

Recife's Carnival on the other hand is seen as very popular and diverse, ideal for families. Shows of artists from Pernambuco happen during the party days at the Marco Zero de Recife ("Ground Zero"), such as Lenine and Alceu Valença. Make sure to check out the world's biggest parade, the Galo da Madrugada (picture below), which has been making the crowds happy throughout the years.

Every year, a massive crowd gathers in Centro Históirico de Recife (Recife Historical Center) streets to attend the parties and concerts that take place at Marco Zero (Ground Zero) during Carnival.

Have you chosen a place to spend Carnival? Leave your comment and tell us where you had your best Carnaval or where your are planning to go!