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 Brazil's most special time. A time when the entire city explodes in a 5 day log revelry . It happens at the peak of summer, when brazilians are at their best. The festivities  attract thousands of people from all corners of the world. It is a 4-day celebration. It starts on Saturday and ends on Fat Tuesday (Mardi-Gras). (Dates change every year.) Carnival 2006 will be February 25 to 01th. To help you best enjoy Rio at Carnival, the following is synopsis of its main aspects and Events.
Carnival behind the Scenes - Visit a "barracao" or "samba workshop", where devoted artisans use simple materials to craft the opulent floats and costumes that dominate the Carnival Parade. Next, visit the "SAMBODROMO" (where the parade takes place) for a tour of this unique stadium and its museum.
Duration: 4 hrs
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 Street Carnival - Each neighborhood in Rio has its favorite Bandas (bun-dush) or Blocos (blo-cush). They consist of an orchestra marching along a pre-determined route, followed by hordes of enthusiastic samba dancers dressed in costumes, bathing suits, plain clothes, and even in drag. The operation of a Banda is really quite simple. First people gather at some wellknown spot, such as a square or neighborhood bar. After a couple or more hours of concentration, the band starts marching its way down the streets.
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 Carnival Balls - Rio offers a great selection of Carnival balls you really cannot miss. You won't have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. A ticket to most Carnival balls will cost you around $20 to $50. Costumes are not mandatory, with the exception of a few balls. Putting on something special will help you get in the right mood. Coming with a group, you can reserve a table, or even a box.A true Carnival Ball features live music. It's usually 2 bands taking turns, and sometimes there is a guest vocalist. Samba percussion is supposed to be very loud. Bring earplugs, if you have sensitive ears. There are a big variety of balls for all tastes: Gala Balls, Balls for singles, Gay balls etc.
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Carnival Parade - A)Camarotes - mezzanine boxes - are the most covered positions.Cadeiras de pista are sets of tables with four numbered chairs.
B) Tables are located on street level, offering a very close view of the parade.
C) Frisas - Between the tables and the runway, there is a row of frisas, open boxes with numbered chairs where sit from 6 up to 8 people. They are as close to the runway as it gets, too close according to some. Frisas have chairs, and a small table.
D) Arquibancadas (bleachers) are the most reasonably priced seats. The elevated position gives you a better idea of schools as a group. Standard bleachers do not have numbered seats EXCEPT for the VIP bleachers of Sectors 9 and 11 are the most expensive, and have numbered seats. There aren't actual chairs to sit on - the bleachers are not much more than big concrete steps.
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 Carnival like a Native - Our exclusive, one of a kind package will let you live all the emotion and excitement of this special celebration. You will be the honored guest of one of Rio's fabled "Samba Schools", following them from preparations and rehearsals, through the grand parade itself. We will take you to their "barracao" or workshop, where last minute preparations are in progress for the coming parade. We will also fit you with your very own costume of the school. That same afternoon, you will participate in the traditional street celebrations downtown on gracious Avenida Rio Branco. Finally, on parade night you will be transported to the awesome "Sambadrome" and, in the company of our guide and fellow members of "your Escola de Samba", you will participate in the unforgettable parade that is Carnival in Rio. Why just watch Carnival when you can be in it !! Sign up early and get our special Carnival Promotions.
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