Carnival Bloco Parade in Ipanema

Posted in Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, Travel Recommendations on 08. Feb, 2010

Carnaval 2010 is now in full swing, and that means a steady string of blocos, street party parades. They are held throughout Rio, and people travel across town to attend the best ones. In a bloco, a specially outfitted truck (a trio eletrico) creeps down the street. Spectators line both sides of the street and also precede and follow the trio. Singers perform from the top of the trucks, which have massive speakers. The spectators seem to know all of the lyrics to every song, and sing along.

Beer flows freely, the streets get really crowded, and there is a lot of bumping and incidental contact, but you rarely see fights. I saw none at all yesterday. It’s the Brazilian spirit. Everyone just comes to have fun! And it’s considered OK to try to steal kisses from the girls!

More Carnaval videos and history about Carnaval (Carnival if you insist on the gringo spelling) to follow.

Bom Carnaval!