Brazil and its amazing Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

• Rio de Janeiro and its famous music schools

The first night that I arrived we went to the Escuela Portela. Wow, I had seen many videos before coming but to see that in real is amazing.

All the colors, the music, the smile ! It's a religion for Brazilian people, even more at that period of year.

Musicians, dancers, costumers .. Each member of the school works hard all year before to THIS DAY.

We visit different escuela do samba: it's magic in all of them.

I was surprised by the sound that emerges from each Batucada. 150 musicians, it's clear that it's louder than on the videos.

And let's not talk about the dancers! Incredible. From an early age, they know how to dance like never.

When you see the musician and the dancers together, it's just a Whaou effect.

• The Rio Carnival parade

The parade is between 10pm and 6am ! Loong night of music and danse. There are more or less 10 schools that participate to this parade, and they parade during 1hour each. That's why it took all night !

Rio Carnival is the most important tourist event in the municipality of Rio and the most popular national holiday in Brazil, especially in Rio de Janeiro. It has become a real synonym for the celebration of carnival in the country and even in the world. It takes place every year during the 4 days preceding Ash Wednesday, which is the day that marks the beginning of Lent.The carnival is normally in February but with the pandemic it has not taken place for 2 years and this year it is in April.

In Rio, the carnival begins in the streets of the city with pre-carnival balls, parades of batucadas and blocos. Generally, a bloco is organized by the inhabitants of a neighborhood and marches through the streets of that neighborhood. These parades begin well before Carnival, with the first being held more than 3 weeks before the official start of the festivities.

• The streets of Rio during this festive period

Rio becomes an open-air party during the 15 days of carnival. Music, alcohol, love and dance. This is not the right time to come if you want to rest, it's time to party !

There are many tourists who come to party but also many connoisseurs who come to appreciate this music and this timeless moment.

On every street corner, there are sellers of cocktails, beers, street food.

During the carnival, balls are organized in the various clubs of the city. The town hall also holds popular balls open to all in some traditional places in the city, such as Cinelândia.

At this time, there are many people in the streets so you have to be vigilant. I advise to travel by taxi or metro which are quite safe.

On the beaches too, it's always party time. I was a little disappointed because it gets dirty quickly unfortunately.

• Isla Grande

After these 2 weeks of celebrations, it's time to rest. Departure for Isla Grande, located 3 hours from Rio.

Departure for Isla Grande, located 3 hours from Rio.

On the program:

rest, beach, restaurant, calm and sunbathing. Unfortunately, the sun is not there.

But it's a beautiful island, not too touristy with large desert beaches, turquoise water and beautiful fish.