Carnaval in Rio!

by Keri-Ann Freckleton

It’s hard to believe that amidst all the snow in many areas there exist a world of sun and pristine tropical waters. February for Brazil is the hottest month of the year. Meanwhile, this winter has yielded snow storms of record numbers for many states in the US. It’s no wonder that many of us here are suffering from cabin fever, feverishly yearning for warm weather, bikinis, and parties and yes CARNIVAL!!! (In Brazil, they spell it “Carnaval.”)

There is a saying “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…” and the same can be said of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Known the world over for its bikini waxes and hot bodies, Rio knows how to get the party started and steady rockin’. Rio’s Carnaval, one of several Brazilian Carnavals, rocked the planet for four days, starting on February 13th and culminating on Fat Tuesday, February 16th.

In the Sambadromo, the venue for the main Carnaval parade, everyone dances to various styles of samba music. This music was brought to Brazil from Angola in Africa, during the African slave trade. The word “samba” comes from the Angolan word “semba,” which means has several meanings, including “invoking spirits of ancestors,” or “a cry.”
Long regarded by some as the Carnival capital of the world, Rio’s lineup for 2010 included samba parades, legendary Carnival balls, street parties and more. The country of Brazil actually shuts down for about week to party hard!