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Admin
02-22-04, 23:58
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BM Rio
02-25-04, 19:25
Wow no one seems very interested in this topic so far which is a shame. From the posts I’ve read in other sections Carnaval appears to be considered as nothing more than a period with higher prices and lower service. I however enjoy the parades of the samba schools and like to attend their “ensaios” (rehearsal sessions / parties) held in the months beforehand.

As well as the rich culture and local community spirit there is also the attraction of beautiful women dressed in revealing costumes dancing in a manner that tells you they are going to be dynamite in bed! It’s not impossible to meet them either apart from the actresses and celebrities who are used by the schools to attract media attention. Whilst you’ll find some “passistas” (dancers) working the Copacabana bars, clubs and discos for the usual going rate, you’ll also find some who wouldn’t be seen dead in these places but are still open to a foreign boyfriend/lover. Remember that the “passistas” are considered the beauties of the school and there are plenty of other men including some of the directors and composers who are interested in them or already their husbands, boyfriends or lovers.

Just to give the doubtful an idea of what I’m talking about I’ve attached a press photo showing some of the “passistas” at an “ensaio” held by the Tradição samba school in Madureira. Whilst I’ve not met these girls in the picture I have met plenty like them from other schools around the city.

The most popular schools visited by tourists are Mangueira and Salgueiro both within easy reach by taxi and in relatively safe areas. Grande Rio also tends to hold some rehearsals at Club Monte Líbano in Leblon to attract those not prepared to travel to Duque de Caxias which is neither close, attractive nor safe. If you want to be one of the few foreigners in the crowd then the smaller schools such as those in the access groups are the ones to visit. There are some in Zona Sul such as Alegria de Zona Sul and Unidos de Vila Rica in Copacabana as well as São Clemente in Botafogo (whose quadra is on Avenida Presidente Vargas near the Sambódromo).

During the parades themselves access to the Sambódromo is very expensive but worthwhile as it is an incredible and beautiful experience to watch. For those not willing to pay for overpriced tickets from touts or keen on sitting in the rain on uncomfortable concrete steps then a walk around the concentração (forming up area) is also very interesting. This year I remember seeing the bizarre sight of an Arab tourist in full traditional dress wandering around hand in hand with his Brazilian female companion! Here you can look at the ornate “carros alegóricos” (floats), see the colourful costumes and visit the Terreirão de Samba, an open air dancehall with many women looking for men to enjoy carnaval with. Remember however that this is working class Rio and fights break out very quickly with the occasional stabbing or shooting.

Add to all of this the many “blocos” and “bandas” that party all over Zona Sul makes it worthwhile getting out there during Carnaval with many good options for meeting local women. After all if you don’t meet anyone interesting you can just go back to Avenida Atlântica or your favourite “terma” for the sure thing.

Silent
02-26-04, 01:11
Okay, I may not have much insight, but I am no more than 24 hours removed from the streets of Rio de Janeiro.

I am a black male, some 6 foot 4 inches tall, about 252 pounds, and I don't think I have a very menacing look, but others may assume that.

I walked the streets of Rio with relative ease, I wore a gold chain, with a diamond encrusted charm, a pinky ring, and a nice watch by American standards.

I had NO PROBLEM out of the ppl of Rio de Janeiro. After reading some of the forums here, and others online, it amazed me that ppl ran into so much trouble in these places.

I virtually hung out in Leblon, in Leme, in and around Club "6" (not sure of the area), hell, I even ventured into (supposedly dreaded) Vidigal Favella with a female friend of my buddies female friend. We went in there 3 black american males, and 2 women from the favella, and the ppl were NICER IN THE DAM FAVELLA, than they were on the streets of Copacabana. Now what's wrong with this picture?

I think a lot of people are painting wrong pictures of Rio and it's people. I can honestly say that I NEVER felt threatened at any time, leaving clubs drunk, getting in taxi's, walking the streets of Copacabana after 3 and 4 AM, even walking around after being in the Sambadrome, where there were hudreds of thousands of brazilians on the street. No one once attempted to pick pocket me, no one once attempted to grab my digital camera, no one once attempted to show me a gun, nor knife to rob me.

Nothing. I got a false sense of security after awhile, hell, I started believinng I could just walk anywhere.

Now, this is not to say that I didn't get looks from some people on the streets, and also, ALOT OF WOMEN were trying to warn me, (speaking in broken english coupled with portuguese), alot of them would tell me to put my chain in my shirt and take off my ring, and put my camera away, but nothing ever happened, and I never tucked my jewelry.

I ran into a few white guys who someone had ATTEMPTED to snatch one of their cameras, but they were able to get it back from the guy, but I didn't see no such crime, or mishap.

Now, I did witness a body in the middle of the road, but not from any act of violence, from a car accident in Ipanema, that's about the most crime I saw the whole time while I was in Brazil, LOL

I will say, that kids are very pestering, but they can be warded off with a simple "Nao Obrigado!" said very loudly and directly, and sometimes you have may have to give them a very stern look for them to get the message.

At one point, me and 3 of my buddies rounded up about 8 little boys and 2 little girls who were working as a team begging and selling, and we took them to this barbecue buffet place in Leme, and the guys at the door looked at us like we were fools, until we pulled out American Dollars and said "Can we have a table for 13 please!!".

The kids (only one of whom spoke broken english) were VERY thankful, and every time we saw them for the rest of the trip, they gave us chiclets, and always wanted to stop and talk to us, and laugh with us. I found that to be very welcoming.

the vendors are no bother, there are way to deal with them. Also, my line of the week, when someone tried to sell me something was (my typing of the portuguese language is AWFUL so please pay it no mind, you'll understand what i'm saying, and I'm assuming I said it correctly to them, because they would stop trying to push it on me).

I used to always say "eu tenhu dois e mi apartamento". "I have two in my apartment".

The kids can rush you in numbers either begging for handouts, or trying to sell you chiclets, but as long as you're civil with them, even if you have to say no about 15 times b4 they leave you alone, they are not a big obstacle.

The Brazilian Men are so small, that I never really viewed any of them as a threat. Despite all the "gunplay" that alot of you have spoke about here on this board, I never saw a gun the whole time there, other than on the hips of a few of the police officers.

The most words I got from Brazilian Men was "hello" in Portuguese.

The garotas told stories of gringos being robbed at gunpoint, but I guess I was a "lucky gringo" that week.

My next trip to Fortaleza, Bahia, or Recife in May, I will research it and see if people speak the same negativity about these places, and assess the situation likewise.

EDITOR's NOTE: Posting of this report was delayed pending revisions to remove the multiple periods throughout the text. To avoid delays in future reports, please consider using a comma to separate the phrases in your sentences and a single period at the end of each sentence. Thanks!

GabrielPontello
02-26-04, 09:14
silent,
I felt the same as you in Rio even if I'm not so tall and big
me and my buddy also paid some food for the kids that hang around the av. princesa isabela in copa and since then they've been our best friends

Rezza
02-26-04, 23:23
I have also never felt threatend and always had good experiences, even with the kids, as long as you give them a couple of R$ for carrying those huge umberellas for you which is a bargain or just give them 1R$ anyway :-) BUT, I also think having such a build and weight is definitly a BIG advantage.

Three I
02-27-04, 07:41
When I went to Brazil in 1998 all of my white Brazilian friends were so scared of everyting and they got me scared too! But I am a black American guythe is 6 foot 3 inches 240 at the time and I had no problems When I spoke English to many Brazilian s white or black the mood changed for the better!

PM me bro if you want to exchange experiences!

Also only whites are gringos keep your street face on playa!

Tomb
02-27-04, 14:35
Guys:

Dunno how a Carnaval discussion turned into one about safety in RIo but whatver, let's go with the flow.

Glad you all had good experiences in Rio. As you found out, "safety" and how people treat you in Rio (as is true in the rest of the world) is ALL about street "cred". If you walk down the street like you know what you are doing and you own the place, you are already 99% ahead of the game. Doesn't matter if you are white, black or blue (I have a very good friend who is chinese and 5'2", but people BACK AWAY from him just by the way he walks and looks at you). Of course, let's be honest, being black helps in that you are not instantly marked as a gringo, people do a double-take. Can't believe your gold chains didn't get snatched, though! I guess it's kind of like when I take my white ass to Washington Heights (NY) - the bangers figure I'm either crazy as shit or packing a howitzer, so they leave me alone. Still, along with a street face and the right attitude, do keep your eyes open when rolling around Rio.... it's no different from the street anywhere else, really.

BTW, you did the right thing with the street kids in more ways than one. Besides being "good karma", they are part of a "network" - the street kids are the spotters for the local pickpockets, etc - they keep an eye on the marks and steer the other guys to them. So by getting a good "rep", the kids let it be known throughout the neighborhood that you are "good people" and not to hassle you. (Whenever I settle in at an apartment or house for more than just a few days, I always make sure to get friendly with the local beggars, street kids, sidewalk vendors, etc.. I watch out for them, they watch out for me). Anway, I'm not suggesting that everyone "pay off" all the street kids, it's impossible, and just shows that you've got LOTS of money, so you're a target. I'm just saying don't be an asshole.

Well, it's really good to see some Americans go to Rio and go out of their way to be part of the "scene" instead of teh typicla "ugly American." Thanks for showing how it's done!

Abraco,

Tom B.

Silent
02-27-04, 17:23
Sorry for turning this into a "safety" thing, I just found it amazing that people ran into all these problems, but I guess it's true enough about street cred also.

It's a natural and human thing to do, when your money goes so far, and they've got none, to help someone get something to eat.

Carnival was AMAZING though. The Sambadrome is an experience that i'd recommend EVERYONE have. Watching how much life the Samba Schools gave to the people was just amazing.

Wanting the true Carnival Experience, we passed on sitting in the Camarotes, and figured we'd sit in Sector 13 with the regular folk because from previous reports, we heard that's where the true meaning of Carnival is shown.

They were right, the regular folk (non-snobby) were the life of the party. When Salgueiro Samba School got announced and the fireworks began to go off, my god, I have never seen or heard so many screaming and cheering people in my life... it was as if the entire stadium turned RED AND WHITE.

I had ONE HELL of a time.

I'm going to Bahia to scout in May, because I think I will be attending Carnival in Bahia next year, since it's more of a street oriented carnival and anyone can participate.

Ff not, i'm going to certainly pay the $500 or whatever to march with one of the schools in the Sambadrome next year in Rio!

Sperto
02-28-04, 16:49
Silent,
I hope you will enjoy your Carnaval in Bahia next year.
Don´t try walking in the Salvador Carnaval with your gold chain, your pinky ring and your nice watch (or anything else in your pockets). You will lose it for sure.
Your size, colour or toughness won´t matter.

Cutting Edge
02-28-04, 18:26
Silent, you can never buy friends, you win them.

Like you said, those people network but there is no honour amoungst thieves. If word gets around that there is an American walking around with $$$, gold and diamonds in his pockets , you never know if you are going to be set up. You may also get attention from the cops if you become too conspicuous, especially when entering/leaving favelas where they may assume you've been to buy drugs.

BM Rio
02-28-04, 19:23
Silent,

Glad to hear you enjoyed Carnaval and are planning to come back next year. Carnaval in Salvador is excellent as well but a different type of experience. More geared to Axé local pop music (although some singers like Margereth Menezes are fantastic), mixed with parades by Afro-Brazilian cultural groups like Filhos de Gandhy, Olodum and Ilê Aiye.

In Rio for the popular experience try to get tickets for Sector 1 which are distributed to samba schools for their members although some get sold usually by touts. This is where the schools form up and salute their supporters before entering the Sambódromo. The only problem with Sectors 6 and 13 is these are at the end of the parade where the dancers are tired and looking to disperse quickly to prevent bunching up and loss of points.

Parading with a school is quite an experience and the costumes are not very expensive in dollar or euro terms. As well as the 14 schools of the “grupo especial” special group which parade on the Sunday and Monday there are the schools of “grupo de acesso” access group which parade on the other nights with fierce competition to win a place in the grupo especial or the next higher grupo de acesso. Costumes are cheaper and there will be fewer tourists (mainly from São Paulo) than in the schools of the grupo especial.

Some good schools (as well as those I mentioned in my previous post) that are close to Centro and Zona Sul are Acadêmicos da Rocinha whose “quadra” hall is in São Conrado rather than in the favela; Unidos da Tijuca whose quadra is near the Rodoviária Novo Rio main bus station; Estácio de Sá whose quadra is near the Sambódromo and Paraíso do Tuiuti whose “quadra” is in São Cristóvão near the Feira do Nordeste northeastern fair pavilion.

Ceylon1
02-29-04, 03:45
Silent & Others

15 visits to "Cidade Maravilhosa" & never felt any danger - but must add that I never went to a favela.

I am a South Asian-American of average height & size. Senior citizen with 2 major heart surgery - so will be unable to run or fight in case of danger.

But I have been to the cheapo "Casa's" in Rio's Centro alone & without much Poruguese language skills - everytime, I have been treated very well.

99% of the Brasilian people are very hospitable & friendly, specially to foreigners. Strangers helped me, when I travelled by bus between cities & also on a boat on the Amazon.
It is only the 1% criminal element - mainly due to poverty - who target the tourists.
Yes, there are crime & violent crime - just like in any other city worldwide - dont show your $$$ & take the usual precautions.

Muito obrigardo to all for feeding the street kids.
Image all the food thrown away daily in the USA.
My 1st visit to Rio - took some local kids to the McDonalds on Rua Copacabana, behind the Debret Hotel - the joy on their faces was worth more than $$$.
Now, at a restraurant, I always ask for a "doggie" bag & then hand it to a street person.

I wear sneakers, but if an shoeshine boy comes along as I am sipping a Coconut on Ave Atlantico, I give him coins or a Reals.

Why ??, life has been good to me & even some of us mongers do have a heart.

Ceylon1 ( WorldTraveller aka Charles )

Mate Oriental
03-01-04, 22:30
Two years ago I went to Rio in Carnaval and I went to the Sambodromo to see one of my favorites "scola de samba" Mangueira win.

One of the most incredible experiences of my life. Dancing, singing and drinking with de crowd.

This time I couldn´t go, but I was there in December and went to see an “ensaio” held by the Salgueiro samba school.

I’ve attached a photo showing some of the “passistas”.

I’ve not met these girl in the picture but I want to share with all of you guys what I saw.

Mate Oriental
03-01-04, 22:37
Carnaval in Rio funs,

Here are more pictures of the "ensaio" in Salgueio samba school.

I'm posting here in this section because it feets better the topic than posting in the photograph section.

Mate Oriental
03-01-04, 22:43
The girl in this shot is the same "passista" of the first photo.

Mate Oriental
03-01-04, 22:44
More pictures of the "passista".

Mate Oriental
03-01-04, 22:47
Another shot of this beatifull garota.

Mate Oriental
03-01-04, 22:49
A general view of the place, when all was still quiet.

Mate Oriental
03-01-04, 22:56
Some friends from England having much fun.

BM Rio
03-02-04, 21:44
Mate Oriental,

Great photos and these passistas are exactly what I was talking about in my initial post in this section! Glad to see we are back on topic - Carnaval (and women) rather than safety in Rio.

Gatorman
03-03-04, 02:42
Hey Mate Oriental,

I recognize that hottie in the red pants from the passista photos. One Sunday in late October of last year I stumbled out of my hotel onto Avenida Atlantica. This girl was out there practicing with a samba group doing a rehearsal. They were singing a song to the joys of Brazilian music tradition and spirit of Zona Sul. They played the same song for well over an hour with a very loud volume and many dancers and kids following along. Apparently they practice on Sunday in Copa as Carnaval starts to draw near. This was the first time I had ever seen girls samba dancing. This girl in particular could really shake her ass and I couldn't help but imagine how great she must be in the sack. I couldn't keep my eyes off of her. Man, thanks for bringing back a great memory. She is a superstar.

Cash Works
03-04-04, 12:40
silent, et al,

if you go to salvador for carnaval next year, heed everyone's advice and leave the jewelry (and watch & most of your cash & all of your credit cards and anything else of value - definitely do not carry your passport with you) in the safe at your hotel while you're out mixing it up with the crowd in the street.

that said, i did the salvador street carnaval way back in 1986 and had a great time. there were two attempted robberies (of me), that i know of, in one circuit (or one lap, if you prefer) with the crowd. they both happenned near my hotel, which was right on the street where the crowd travelled (sorry, don't remember the name of the hotel). the first one was an attempted pick pocketing which was unsuccessful because i had nothing in my pockets - two lovely young ladies danced up to me and started rubbing up against me & i of course thought i was in heaven - when i felt a hand in my pocket, i thought one of the ladies was reaching down to play with mr. happy. i noticed, however that both girls had both their hands on my torso, so i looked down and found that the hand in my pocket was attached to a rather hairy arm, which i grabbed & pulled out of my pocket - the guy who was attached to the hairy arm ran away & unfortunately, so did my two lovely dancing companions - they were apparently working with the guy to distract me and "trap" my arms while he tried to pick my pockets.

during the circuit with the crowd & parade, i wound up dancing with a lot of women which included them feeling me up in most cases and me feeling them up in virtually every case - it was lots of fun!

the second attempted robbery happened after completing one complete circuit with the parade/crowd. i was off the street walking through a kind of muddy patch towards the sidewalk, didn't think anything about the two guys who were walking towards me, as i was still paying attention to the crowd in the street. the first guy bumped into me, making me lose my balance, and the second guy grabbed the watch on my arm that i had not bothered to leave in my hotel room since it was not valuable at all (casio [CodeWord120] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord120) that had cost me $10 at k-mart originally - i had a velcro watchband that cost nearly as much as the watch). the guy who grabbed for the watch, got his fingers under the watch and watchband, but was unsuccessful at tearing it off my wrist because the watchband had a backing of rip-stop nylon. he did manage to spin me around as i was in the mud and off balance and he was continuing to walk in his original direction - as i spun around (falling) i managed to connect a punch with my right hand to the back of his elbow, so i had the satisfaction of thinking i may have caused the thief a little pain (as i lay face down in the mud). i still have a scar on my wrist from where his fingernails dug into my skin while he was trying to get the watch.

i'm sure that things have changed in the nearly 20 years since i joined in with the salvador canaval crowd, but i would definitely encourage you to go and check it out. just remember, keep your wits about you and never carry anything with you that you don't mind losing.

another place that used to get high marks for carnaval was olinda, which is in the north eastern part of brasil. i think it's between natal and recife. in the mid '80's people in fortaleza used head to olinda for canaval since there was nothing happening for canaval in fortaleza.

i definitely need to get back down there!

cw

Elmo
03-09-04, 05:37
Here is at least one good reason to go watch the parade at the Sambadrome during Carnival. She was dancing with Mocidade this past Carnival.

Member #1668
03-20-04, 23:39
I had a good time at carnaval girl all over help was ok was outside help was crazy every nite termas was ok but I only found out about them my last 3 days I when to moni carlo somthing like that. I had a girl name nicole she was hot and a girl I forgat her name she was short dark hair very wild I aslo had some girls from help over nite me and my friend had 3 girls with us over nite it was wild 2 of us 3 of them for only $200 3 girls all nite was good. next year I'm coming back.

EDITOR's NOTE: Posting of this report was delayed pending revisions to remove the multiple periods throughout the text. To avoid delays in future reports, please consider using a comma to separate the phrases in your sentences and a single period at the end of each sentence. Thanks!

Sperto
05-10-04, 20:30
There is a good Carnival in Rio, Salvador, Porto Seguro, Recife and Aracati.

It´s a huge country with lots of people who can´t afford to travel. Can anybody report abou the carnaval in other cities? What about Manaus, Goiánia, Cuiba etc..?

Brazil Specialist
05-13-04, 02:09
Some comments about safety.

No matter if you are meaner then Mike Tyson, it still is unwise to wear gold and diamond jewelry. 8 big street toughs can easily wipe you out, especially if they have knives, broken bottles, or even guns.

Yes, inside favelas it is safer. Security is enforced not by inefficient police but by the powerful local crime boss. You only have trouble if there is war with police or rival crime gangs, or if you annoy the crime boss. Otherwise, it is totally safe. Small criminals get executed by the big ones.

My comments about carnival I better post in a separate report.

Brazil Specialist
05-13-04, 02:14
Carnival is over for this year. True or false?

True. Carnival season is over.

False. Plenty of off season Carnival festivities all over the country, every month.

Some of the stuff I post here is old, has been posted before. But still, it is information that most tourists are not aware of.

====================

Carnival, Axé vs Samba, off season carnival

Basically they are not of the samba-spectator kind as in Rio, but Axé music (much nicer, IMHO) and you usually dance behind the trio eletrico (18 wheeler consisting only of loudspeakers, a power plant, and with a famous band on top). Also it is much cheaper then the Rio carnival. Even airline tickets are not at high season levels if you chools off season carnival instead of regular carnival.

Many people outside Rio don't like Samba and think the Rio carnival parade is more like a Las Vegas spectacle. If you want to get a feeling for Axé music, look at Kazaa (careful, get the paid version without the spyware in it!) for Axe, Tchan, Chiclete com Banana, Micareta, Ivete Zagalo, etc.

All the info below is dated, you need to confirm the info before embarking on a trip. Try http://www.micareta.com or http://www.carnasite.com. Brazilian consulates and tourist agencies, local hotels, etc. When searching these sites, make sure you get a full fledged off season carnival and not just a small party.


MICARETAS
JANEIRO
Arraial D´Ajuda Folia - 02 a 05/01 - Arraial - BA
Atrações:
Ricardo Chaves e Batukerê (02)
Ara Ketu e A Zorra (03)
Daniela Mercury e Super Fly (04)
Banda Pinel (05)

Farol Folia - 18/01 - Aeroclube Plaza Show - BA
Blocos:
A definir

Recifolia - 16 a 19/01 - Recife - PE
Blocos:
Cerveja&Cia - Ivete Sangalo (17, 18 e 19)
Nana Banana - Chiclete com Banana (17, 18 e 19)
Maluco Beleza - Timbalada (16) e Asa de Águia (17, 18 e 19)
Beijo - Gil (16), Netinho e Gil (17), Olodum (18) e Netinho (19)
A Barca - Olodum (16), Pimenta N`Ativa (17), Cheiro de Amor (18) e Ara Ketu (19)
Tesoura Maluca - Almir Rouche (17, 18 e 19)
Pernambucanidade - Marcílio Lisboa
Chocolate Baby - Palhaço Chocolate
Pirata - Diversas bandas locais

CaboFolia 2003 - 23 a 26/01/03 - Cabo Frio - RJ
Atrações - Bloco Sol:
Cheiro de Amor (23)
Asa de Águia (24 e 25)
Ivete Sangalo (26)

Atrações na pipoca:
Harmonia do Samba
Olodum
Terra Samba

FEVEREIRO
Micaroa - 07 e 08/02 - João Pessoa - PA
Blocos:
Nana Banana - Chiclete com Banana (07 e 08)
Coco Bambu - Asa de Águia (08 e 09)
Uau - Babado Novo (08 e 09)
Timbalada (07)

Pré-Cajú - 13 a 16/02 - Aracajú - SE
Blocos:
Nana Banana - Chiclete com Banana (13 e 14)
UAU - Babado Novo (13 e 14)
Dino - Ara Ketu (14), Harmonia do Samba (15) e Pimenta N`Ativa (16)
Papagaiu´s Pituca - Patchanka (13 e 16) e Timbalada (14 e 15)
Eva - Banda Eva e Jammil (13 e 14)
Coco Bambu/Com Amor - Asa de Águia (15 e 16)
Peraê - Gil (15 e 16)
Cerveja&Cia - Ivete Sangalo (15 e 16)
Xô Preguiça - Eliana (15)


MARÇO
CarnaPorto - 01 a 08/03 - Porto Seguro - BA
Atrações:
Moraes Moreira (01)
Nata do Samba e Cafuné (02)
Axé Blond (03)
As Meninas (04)
Banda Eva e Harmonia do Samba (05)
Ara Ketu e Banda Pinel (06)
Timbalada e Patchanka (07)
Banda Capilé (08)


Parnaíba Fest - 29 e 30/03 - Alphaville - SP
Atrações:
- Bloco
Ivete Sangalo (29)
Ara Ketu (30)

- E Mais
Mika7
Inimigos da HP
Banda Eva
Patchanka



Trivela - 29/03 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Atrações: Asa de Águia e outra à definir
Local: Área Verde do Riocentro
Preços:
Feminino R$ 50 + 1Kg de alimento não perecível
Masculino R$ 70 + 1Kg de alimento não perecível
Vendas: (021) 2493-0370


ABRIL
Micarande - 03 a 06/04 - Campina Grande - PB
Blocos:
Spazzio - Chiclete com Banana (04, 05 e 06)
Coco Bambu - Asa de Águia (04, 05 e 06)
Demais atrações à definir


Carnabeirão - 12 e 13/04 - Ribeirão Preto - SP
Blocos:
Nana Banana - Chiclete com Banana
Eva - Banda Eva


Micareta - 24 a 27/04 - Feira de Santana - BA
Blocos:
Auê - Beto Jamaica (25) e Harmonia do Samba (26 e 27)
Bafo&Baco - Ara Ketu (25) e Timbalada (26 e 27)
Da Praça - Asa de Águia (26 e 27) + uma atração à definir
Beijo - Gil (24 e 25)
Papatchanka - Patchanka (26 e 27)
A Tribo - Chiclete com Banana (24 e 25) e Ivete Sangalo (26 e 27)
Point da Malhação - Kionda (24)


Sanatório Geral - 26 e 27/04 - Uba - MG
Atrações:
Ara Ketu (26)
Bom Balanço (27)


MAIO
Miconquista - 30/04 a 04/05 - Vit. da Conquista - BA
Blocos:
Massicas - atrações à definir
Toa Toa - atrações à definir
Executivo - atrações à definir


Trivela - 01/05 - São Paulo - SP
Atrações: Asa de Águia e Inimigos da HP
Local: Estância Alto da Serra
Preços - 2o.Lote:
Feminino R$ 50
Masculino R$ 60
Vendas: (11) 3845-7207


Micarana - 01 e 04/05 - Itabaiana - SE
Blocos:
Cristal - Harmonia do Samba (02) e Gil (03)
Beijos&Cia - Babado Novo (02) Ara Ketu (03)
Tchan - Beto Jamaica (01) Timbalada (04)
Terremoto - Patchanka (01) Ricardo Chaves (04)


GevêFolia - 02 a 04/05 - Gov. Valadares - MG
Blocos:
É o Bicho - Asa de Águia, Ara Ketu e Jammil
Banana Bakana - atrações à definir


Trivela - 10/05 - Belo Horizonte - MG
Atrações: Asa de Águia
Local: Minas Náutico/Alphaville


Garanheta - 15 a 18/05 - Garanhuns - PE
Blocos:
O Bicho - Babado Novo (15 - alternativo), Asa de Águia (16) e Chiclete com Banana (17 e 18)
Pileke - A Zorra (16), Gil (17) e Timbalada (18)


Carnaitu - 31/05 e 01/06 - Itú - SP
Bloco:
Eu&Tu - Asa de Águia (31/05) e Chiclete com Banana (01/06)


JUNHO
Belô Elétrico - 19 a 22/06 - Belo Horizonte - MG
Atrações/Shows:
Chiclete com Banana (19)
Jammil e Uma Noites (20)

Bloco:
Coco Bambu - Asa de Águia (21 e 22)


JULHO
Fortal - 24 a 27/07 - Fortaleza - CE
Blocos:
Nana Banana - Chiclete com Banana
Sirigüella - Chiclete com Banana
Coco Bambú - Asa de Águia
Cerveja&Cia - Ivete Sangalo
Quero Mais - à definir


SETEMBRO
Carnágoiania - 20 e 21/09 - Goiânia - GO
Blocos:
Nana Banana - Chiclete com Banana
CocoBambu - Asa de Águia


OUTUBRO
Uberaba Folia - 11 e 12/10 - Uberaba - MG
Bloco:
Nana Banana - Chiclete com Banana



O Carnasite.com não se responsabiliza caso haja mudanças na programação dos eventos


============

here is my post, dated 1999. Some details might be outdated!!

Off season Carnival

So you thought Carnival is only a few months long, starting in December and culminating in a weekend in February or March?? You are mistaken. Most cities have an off season Carnival (carnaval fora de epoca). It is 3-4 days long and brings the city to a standstill. You can find such an off season carnival at any month of the year. If you plan ahead you can schedule your trip so you get into some town at the right time. Ask your travel agent or Brazilian consulate.

Trio eletrico. It is a huge 18 wheeler truck whose entire surface area is filled with nothing but loudspeakers (earplugs are recommended). On top of the truck a famous band, very attractive lightly dressed ladies dancing wildly. If it were in the US, imagine Madonna performing on such a truck. And a few slightly less famous bands on the other 6 trucks coming by in half hour intervals.

In Recife, on one evening, they had 1 Million visitors. If you pay R$30-900 (US$27-800), you can join the crowd inside a roped off area. This area is about 200 * 30 meters. The rope is held in place by hundreds of security guards. Thus you acompany the trio on its 1-3 mile long course, which takes many hours.

Security:
inside the roped off area, security is pretty good. Outside, expect hell. There is a huge army of police, but the crowd is too big for them. Beer consumption is huge, fights are frequent, gangs fight each other, many people have firearms, expect people to get shot at, .. I saw the lead singer atop the Trio Eletrico stopping and calling aloud for police several times, because of fights or shootings.

Imagine Michael Jackson interrupting a concert and thundering at you, with 50 000 Watt amplifiers, that you are a murderous criminal, and pointing to you so the police can find you. This guy will remember this to the end of his days!!


It seems, small towns are a bit safer. Recife and Salvador are probably worst.






Because a few months of Carnival is not enough, many cities have, at different times, a "carnaval fora de epoca", an additional off season carnival. (ex. Recife, Fortaleza, Vitoria, Natal, ..) It is said to be extremely hot and you are supposed to have good chances to get laid. You should buy the clothes of one group (watch out, it may stain your other clothes). This Abada' is your entry ticket, which gives you the right to join them inside their roped off area. This costs 50 to 200 R$ for the entire few days. In Salvador you pay up to 900 for a week of Carnival. You might plan your trip (airpass) in advance so that you hit a few cities exactly during this time (ask your specialized Brazilian travel agency or consulate about the dates). Try to search alta vista for all the following words: Embratur Carnatal Recifolia Micareta Micaro. Embratur has English language pages about all event dates.


During real carnival Season culminating in Feb. or March: avoid Rio carnival, best places are said to be Porto Seguro, Salvador, Recife, Fortaleza, ...


Some names, places and dates:
* Micarande Campina Grande Paraiba May
* Micaru, Caruarú, August Pernambuco
* Micareta, Salvador, Bahia, September
* Micareta, Vitoria da Conquista, Bahia September
* Micaro,Joao Pessoa, State of Paraiba, November
* Aracaju, Sergipe has its Carnival a week before the final week of the regular Carnival.
* Porto Seguro is said to have Carnival and Trio Eletrico daily for several months during Carnival Season
*not a real carnival is the Octoberfest in southern states, e.g. Blumenau

http://br.dir.yahoo.com/Lazer/Eventos_e_Baladas/Feiras_e_Festas/Micaretas/

Check this excellent link!

Panman
05-13-04, 08:08
Very good post by Brazil Specialist, I myself enjoy going to the Micaretas. If you like axe music I would highly recommend trying it. It's very safe inside the "bloco", however to be a part of it you have to buy the shirt, which increases in price as the event gets closer. I bought one for the Teresina (Micarina) party in july last month for 280 Reais to go see Chiclete com Banana for 3 nights. However they can easily start from 500 Reais or sell out by the last week before event. Women are plenty in these events, so easy to score you get confused trying to figure out which one to make a move on first. From experience Salvador (Farol Folia) is more expensive to participate, followed by Recife (Recifolia) , Fortaleza (Fortal) , Sao Luis (Marafolia) and Natal (Carnatal).
Some other websites: http://www.portaldocarnaval.ba.gov.br and http://www.centraldocarnaval.com.br specializing on Salvador. http://www.sapojoe.com.br and http://www.sossegaleao.com.br/micaretas.htm have calendars of events.

Sperto
05-16-04, 09:29
Brazil Specialist,
Lots of good Information.

Any recommendations, personal experiences, for which Micaretas that are better than others?

Personally I like Arraial D´Ajuda Folia, Carnaporto, Oktoberfest in Blumenau and the Pre-Carnaval of Ilhéus. Micaroa, in João Pessoa, didn´t impress me.

Buying an abadá and participate inside a bloco is surely a safe way to pass a street-carnaval like in Salvador. Another advantage is the high percentage of beautiful girls inside the blocos. Lots of patricinhas who wants to have fun.

Personally I think it´s much more fun being pipoca, staying with the crowd outside the blocos. I see several advantages. As pipoca you can enjoy all the blocos which will pass, it´s for free, the crowd is happier and there are lots of nice girls. Mostly lower-class girls which are easier to pick up than the patricinhas inside the blocos.

The feeling of being pipoca when Chiclete com Banana pass, in the carnaval in Salvador, is indescribely. Pure adrenaline, joy and lots of sweating bubble-butted mulattas.

Of course you don´t have the security that you get inside a bloco. I think the police patrols in the carnaval in Salvador do a good job. When eight Policia Choque pass by, the crowd stays very calm. Of course there occurs robberies and fights, mostly with gangs passing through the crowd.

Anyway I don´t see any serious security problems being a pipoca. Just dress in sneakers, shorts and put some money for beer (copy of your passport and condoms) in a purse attached inside your underwear. Don´t put anything in your pockets. Again, leave watch, jewellery, camera etc at home.

Cheers

Panman
07-21-04, 23:13
Sperto,

Just got back from the Northeast and seems that Fortal and Marafolia are indeed the best ones that draw more attention and bigger crowds. Still, they do not compare to Salvador, where everything happens in February. As far the bands are concerned, Ivete Sangalo is the most popular this year with the women and Timbalada still the most fun. Avoid Babado Novo or Nana Banana because it's full of patricinhas and adolescents.

Good thing you know the pipoca rules, because I had my wallet taken with 200 reais. Was thinking the velcro would hold it shut, but between the beer and women I never felt a thing. Just another life lesson for me.

Lover Boy
07-26-04, 03:27
Winning the Copa America must be a major pussy day today in Brazil.

Viva Brazil

Let us know.

Lover Boy

HeadGames
01-04-05, 20:38
My understanding is that Carnaval starts pretty early this year, Feb. 5. Is this right? (I never understood how the start date can vary so much. I was there in 2000 and it started in March!).

Quick thoughts on spending C. in Rio vs. SP? Also any thoughts on being in Vitoria or Belo Horizonte?

Mean Mike
01-04-05, 21:07
My understanding is that Carnaval starts pretty early this year, Feb. 5. Is this right? (I never understood how the start date can vary so much. I was there in 2000 and it started in March!).

Quick thoughts on spending C. in Rio vs. SP? Also any thoughts on being in Vitoria or Belo Horizonte?Any Brazilian will tell you that the best Carnaval is in Salvador.

Elmo
01-05-05, 05:34
My understanding is that Carnaval starts pretty early this year, Feb. 5. Is this right? (I never understood how the start date can vary so much. I was there in 2000 and it started in March!).

Quick thoughts on spending C. in Rio vs. SP? Also any thoughts on being in Vitoria or Belo Horizonte?The dates of Carnaval vary every year because the Easter varies every year. Carnaval is the celebratory period that occurs just before the beginning of the 40 days of Lent when individuals give up something for Lent, leading up to Easter.

To find out when Carnaval is going to be in any given year - look in a calendar for when Ash Wednesday is - Carnaval ends the night before (the previous Tuesday night) - and runs from Fri night thru Tuesday night. In 2005, it will be Fri Feb 4 to Tue Feb 8.

As for where to spend Carnaval - there really are only three options in Brazil - Rio, Salvador, and Olinda-which is next to Recife. Each city has its own different events - every other city's celebration pales in comparison. Expect to pay a heck of a lot more for everything during Carnaval - especially hotel rooms.

HeadGames
01-05-05, 19:51
Thanks for the explanation about the dates!

I have to do some business in some of these other cities, so that's why I was interested in feedback on those. But I might be able to slip over to Rio.

Silent
01-12-05, 21:31
Alright gentlemen, once again its time for the exploits of ole Silent. I have been checking back on the forum on and off over the past few months just to stay focused on my prime directive, and also to get useful information for my next mission so to speak.

It begins in just 17 short days of this actual post. I know many of you may have read and commented on my post about last years Carnival, and my overall experience in Brazil during "Carnaval 2004" in Rio de Janeiro. This time, as I stated in my post of last year, my exploits will take me to Salvador de Bahia for Carnival 2005. I have been trying to take in as much reading and information as I could on Salvador, and also have been practicing my Portuguese like a crazed man.

As it stands today, I leave for Brazil on Jan. 30th, and come back on Feb. 13th/14th, these dates are what I booked the ticket around, but should things be going well, or not well for that matter in Salvador, I plan to jump over to another city. 2 of my buddies (whom accompanied me last Carnival in Rio) are also going to Salvador along with me, but they are jumping over to Rio on the 7th, leaving me in Salvador alone for about a week. I will certainly be loooking for things (both touristy and women) to do.

We get there before Carnival to get an early scout on the lay of the land, also to scope out any sweetspots in which to play the Carnival circuit, also to purchase shirts for participation in the Camarotes, and sample a little of the local talent (food, drink, fun, and last but not least, pussy!) before the masses arrive around the 3rd or 4th of Feb.

I have only been able to make it back to Brazil only once since my trip to Rio last year for Carnival, and that was to Fortaleza for 10 days in May, you may read my full and detailed report on Fortaleza in the appropriately named section.

I have read all the info given about Salvador, and will take heed to the warnings and well-wishes. I usually like to go in and survey the situation before I actually act on whether or not to wear certain items of clothing, and/or jewelry.

I more than likely WILL NOT be wearing any jewelry (other than a cheap Casio velcro band watch and my U.S. Army Ranger Dog Tags) in Salvador, for obvious reasons of not wanting to entice a robbery, but even still, its going to be one big clusterfuck of people I hear, and with that many people in close proximity to your person, there's no way you can successfully prevent pickpockets and petty thieves.

I have dropped a little fat weight since last Carnival where I was 6'4 252, now I'm down to 245 and more defined. I will continue to keep my head on a swivel and to exude confidence and prevent looking like the next victim. I think that is what worked for me in both Rio and Fortaleza. I will never walk around with a false sense of security in a foreign land, but I have noticed that sometimes size, weight and the look of "street cred" are factors which may help prevent you being chose as the next victim, and with that being said, I'll be super aware of everything that goes on in my immediate surroundings. I know if I was a criminal, and I saw a guy coming who was 6'5, 280, I'd chose the next person and let him alone. Just on general purposes LOL

Anyway, I will give a full report on the inner-workings of the mongering scene and Carnival likewise in the appropriate sections upon my return.

I had hoped to be able to get on-line daily and update the info, but depending on internet access in the Apart/Hotel we will be staying, that may be a far fetched hope.

If I'm not feeling Salvador, then I'll probably end up springing for an AirPass and jumping over to either Recife or Porto Seguro. I don't feel I need to go back to Rio again during Carnivak, I've already experienced that once before.

Gentlemen, wish me well, and I will certainly party, drink, eat, fondle, kiss, and fuck for those of you who can't make the trip this year, but I will most certainly give you information for which to use if you ever consider going to the places I am going.

Until next time gentlemen. Monger safely!

Java Man
01-12-05, 22:47
Silent:
I'll be in Brazil about the same dates as you. I arrive jan 27 and leave feb 13. This will be my first Carnival, but not my first trip to Rio. Can you tell me where you purchased your tickets for the Sambadrome last year and how much they cost?
Obrigado

Mars Blackmon
10-12-05, 16:20
A silent, I've been down to salvador 3 times for carnival. And my first trip, I was kinda paranoid also. I felt that I stuck out, and people would try to target me. But Man, was I wrong. They're were more people set out to help, than to harm. You will have an excellent time. Please get camarotes to 2 diffrent blocos. The variety helps, because the girls notice when you've fondled every girl in your bloco. Its worth coming the next day to an entire difrrent flock. The girls in the parade are very approachable with-out portugese speaking. The girls that cant afford the blocos, and simply dance as the blocos go-bye are the one's you want. But, be prepared to know how to speak a bit.

Porto seguro is a good choice for carnival cool down. So is boi-pebba.

I recommend taking a lady here. Very tropcal island. Only a cheap ferry+bus ride from bahia. Cheap cabana's where the river enters the ocean. Snorkel, good food, non tourist. . Did I say cheap?

As far as chicas. Well, all I can say is. ? theyre all over. And you might be a bit too tired to play, after all the partying.

My main advice. Conserver your energy during the days, because you'll need it come night. Have fun my friend.

Sperto
10-13-05, 13:32
Please get camarotes to 2 diffrent blocos.
You can't get camarotes to a bloco. Camarote is one of the stands from where you can view the Carnaval. I guess you meant "abadá".

Amerioca
11-21-05, 12:49
Silent:
I'll be in Brazil about the same dates as you. I arrive jan 27 and leave feb 13. This will be my first Carnival, but not my first trip to Rio. Can you tell me where you purchased your tickets for the Sambadrome last year and how much they cost?
Obrigado

Two Carnivals ago, I purchased tickets from a friend (Brasilian tour operator) on the day of the show. It was for the parade of the champions. I paid actual face value. I believe they were Section 7, in the middle of the strip. Great seats.

Like tickets here, pricing comes down to who you know. Tickets are plenty, however, you will likely pay a premium. Any tour operator will have tickets available. Just be very careful of fake tickets.

My first Carnival was spent in Copa. An interesting and fun experience. The women are buck wild...and that is the truth. They just get loose. Hard to explain. Scoring is gravy...to easy. Prepare for many people, and lotsa noise. Just do what the Brasilians do and you will have fun ;-)

Second Carnival was spent with ex and family in the suburbs of Rio. It was an intersting experience as well. Got to see how the majority of Brasilians celebrated this event.

Nutty101
01-19-06, 19:50
I'm ready for Carnival. :)

Torujapan
02-14-06, 08:07
Any Mongers on the ground want to meet and kick it , please PM.

El Austriaco
03-01-06, 21:40
Just watched the highly anticipated announcement of the results of the big carnaval parade at the Rio sambodromo (desfile das escolas de samba) live here on Brazilian television. Gotta say, what an exciting finish as they came down the stretch, trying to edge each other out by just a mulata´s nipple :). But seriously, it ultimately did come down to the very last judge scoring the Samba-Enredo!

1. Vila Isabel 397.6
2. Grande Rio 397.6
3. Viradouro 397.2

Traditional favorites Beija-Flor and Mangueira came in tied for 4th with 397.1 points, just another notch behind.

Apparently, the tie-breaker went in Vila´s favor (don´t remember exactly how, but will investigate). As you can see, Vila Isabel and Grande Rio were actually tied down to one tenth of one point after a total of 40 judges evaluated their performance in a total of ten categories (4 judges each per category). In the order in which the individual categories are judged:

1. Bateria: Drum Section
2. Enredo: Overall Theme
3. Mestre-Sala e Porta-Bandeira: Master of Ceremonies and Flag-Bearer
4. Conjunto: Overall Coordination
5. Harmonia: Harmony
6. Commissão de Frente: Vanguard (Front) Commission
7. Evolução: Choreography
8. Fantasias: Costumes
9. Alegorias e Adereços: Floats and Decorations
10. Samba-Enredo: Samba Theme Song

In each category, four judges post scores between 0 and 10 (maximum score), broken down by decimals (like 9.9, 9.8). Lowest score I ever saw was 8. The four individual scores in each category and all forty scores in all categories are simply added up to determine the winner. In other words, the maximum (perfect) score would be 400.00.

The two last-placed of the 14 competing samba schools will be relegated to the minors next year:

13. Caprichosos 383.5
14. Rocinha 371.7

Congratulations, Vila! Saw you drumming up support in Copacabana one weekend in early February, and had to say, your theme song definitely was the catchiest of them all! Definitely liked it much better than Mangueira´s (I went to their rehearsal, while skipping Salgueiro´s).

EA

Amerioca
03-02-06, 07:49
Just watched the highly anticipated announcement of the results of the big carnaval parade at the Rio sambodromo (desfile das escolas de samba) live here on Brazilian television. Gotta say, what an exciting finish as they came down the stretch, trying to edge each other out by just a mulata´s nipple :). But seriously, it ultimately did come down to the very last judge scoring the Samba-Enredo!

1. Vila Isabel 397.6
2. Grande Rio 397.6
3. Viradouro 397.2

EA

Tight finish.

El Austriaco
03-02-06, 21:11
So why did Vila Isabel win? Well, apparently, prior to the announcement of the results, in a blind drawing, the samba-enredo had been chosen as the tiebreaker in the case of a draw. Vila Isabel finished this category one tenth of a point ahead of Grande Rio, 39.9 to 39.8, which clinched it.

It is also interesting to note that all of this wouldn´t have mattered if Grande Rio had not been penalized 0.2 points for exceeding the alloted time for their parade by roughly a minute. Tough...

Rocinha, as a matter of fact, was penalized a whopping 1.2 points for a float breaking down and not clearing the exit of the Sambódromo. In addition, they were also fined 45,000 Reais for this incident... But at least, the hair of their sambista de destaque did not catch fire (like in Sao Paulo). Luckily, the poor girl got away with second-degree burns after actually finishing (!!!) the parade. Now that´s what I call committment...

On a noteworthy side-note regarding Vila Isabel, it was their first title in 18 years, and they did it without their most prominent member, samba superstar Martinho da Vila, who decided to drop out over an artistic dispute. Also, Vila Isabel received about 1 million Reais in financial support by the Venezuelan Government for their samba enredo, "Soy loco por ti, América: a Vila canta a latinidade". Rumors to the contrary, however, Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez actually did not show up.

Next year, there will be only 13 samba schools in the big parade (Grupo Especial): Vila Isabel, Grande Rio, Viradouro, Beija-Flor, Mangueira, Unidos da Tijuca, Portela, Império Serrano, Imperatriz, Mocidade, Salgueiro, Porto da Pedra, plus Estácio de Sá (the newly promoted winner of the minor league, the so-called Grupo Acesso A).

Let the preparations begin...

EA

Bloggs
03-07-06, 18:27
Has anyone got pictures or clips of all the naked girls?

Thanks

El Austriaco
03-08-06, 17:28
Here are a few shots from the general craziness in the streets (carnaval de rua) in Barra do Pirai, Rio de Janeiro. BdP is about two-and-a-half hours from Rio, in the vicinity of Volta Redonda, close to the border with Minas Gerais. Since this year´s parade was actually cancelled, carnaval here consists of drummer groups in the street (saidas de bloco) and general mayhem all over town over a period of four days (or more). Here are a few shots to give you an idea (just from my digital camera, the other pix are yet to be developed). As you can see, lots of fun... and the girls (all non-pros) are not too reluctant to share :)

EA

El Austriaco
03-08-06, 17:38
At the beginning of February, I finally had a chance to go to one of the so-called rehearsals (ensaios) of Mangueira in Northern Rio. A caveat upfront: for those expecting a preview of what a samba school will look like at the famous parade, an ensaio might actually be a disappointment. None of the members are dressed in costume (fantasia), the drummer section is a far cry from its strength during carnaval, and you WON´T see any half-naked girls. Ensaios are essentially three to four-hour parties at the headquarters of the samba school (in the case of Mangueira, at the bottom of the Mangueira favela) and nothing more. Still, they offer a fascinating insight into things to come during carnaval and are therefore recommended. In the weeks leading up to carnaval, trips to all of the major samba schools are offered (any hotel reception desk can book them for you), but Mangueira and Salgueiro always seem to be particularly popular. All the girls in the pix are non-pros (although I saw at least two girls there that I know are Copacabana GdPs).

El Austriaco
03-08-06, 17:48
Just a few shots of Vila Isabel parading and presenting their samba-enredo in Copacabana at the beginning of February.

Crash
03-10-06, 19:03
Here are a few shots of the local beauties from the parade. Unfortunately my camera had only 3x zoom.

El Austriaco
05-07-06, 22:34
Here are some pix with carnaval themes. The first three, I took during a show by a samba school (I think it was Uniao da Ilha) in Copacabana back in 2004, the rest during the Vila Isabel parade in Copacabana this February. Enjoy.

EA

El Austriaco
05-07-06, 22:42
Here are some pix I took during a show at Plataforma back in April 2006.

EA

El Austriaco
05-27-06, 01:39
The last time I was in Brazil, back in late March, I decided to check out the newly constructed Cidade do Samba (Samba City) in downtown Rio, the new permanent home for the Samba Parade participants. Well, while open, there was basically nothing to see for visitors other than a quick glimpse of some costumes or carnaval floats (carros alegóricos) through the closed doors. Upon inquiry, I was told that full operations would start up by June, probably.

According to today's O Globo report (http://oglobo.globo.com/online/rio/plantao/2006/05/26/247434278.asp), Cidade do Samba is scheduled to open full steam after the end of this year's WC in Germany, i.e. sometime in July. There will be guided tours, exhibitions, shows, and opportunities to march in a parade, according to the report.

So finally, for those that are NOT going to Rio during carnaval, there will finally be a glimpse into what all the fuss is about and a first taste of Rio's big carnaval parade, the biggest party in the world.

Cidade do Samba is located at Rua Barão da Gamboa and Rua Rivadávia Corrêa in Centro. The easiest way to get there is probably to either take a cab straight there or a combination of the metro (to Central) and a cab from there. I would not recommend walking from Central, since you have to go through a pretty long and dark tunnel (Bento Ribeiro) to get there. For more information on Cidade do Samba, check out http://www.papodesamba.com.br/site/index.php?a=lc&c=cidadedosamba.

The same site has a GREAT list of links to the different samba organizations and associations, including all samba schools:

http://www.papodesamba.com.br/site/index.php?a=lc&c=links


EA

El Austriaco
10-17-06, 22:42
Cidade do Samba is now officially open for visitors Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 12:00 noon to 08:00 PM. There are performances, drummers, sewing and sculpture and brief shows at 02:00, 04:00 and 06:00 PM. On Thursdays, from 12:00 noon to 06:00 PM, there are workshops at 04:00 and 06:00 pm as well as a show with 100 components starting at 08:00 PM with passistas (carnival dancers), percussionists, the mestre-sala (ballroom master) and porta-bandeira (flag bearer), baianas and highlights and a mini-parade in which the visitors can participate as well as a firework display. Tickets for this show are R$ 80.00 and R$40.00 (Rio de Janeiro residents with proof of residence).

Address: Rua Rivadávia Corrêa, 60 - Gamboa. In the Cais do Porto area.
Phone numbers: (21) 2213-2503 or (21) 2213-2546.

Sources:
http://www.rio.rj.gov.br/riotur/en/pagina/?Canal=343
http://www.rio.rj.gov.br/riotur/en/guia/?Canal=168

Mangera
10-18-06, 01:08
Can a tourist take Samba lessons in any of these places? Obviously, for beginners. I would be interested in taking some lessons, thanks, Laters!

El Austriaco
10-18-06, 07:51
Can a tourist take Samba lessons in any of these places? Obviously, for beginners. I would be interested in taking some lessons, thanks, Laters!
Not that I know of. The easiest way to go about it is basically ask any Brazilian girl you meet to teach you... at least the horizontal variety. Not that you need lessons with that :)

But seriously speaking, several of my GDPs have told me they are passistas in different samba schools during carnaval. I specifically remember a few from Mangueira, Beija Flor, and Salgueiro. So if she moves well in bed, just ask her whether she would be interested in teaching you samba, too. Possibly for free!

But I do understand, when one hears "samba school" (escola de samba), one might be inclined to take the name literally. But there are no samba lessons offered at a samba school involved in Carnaval, no. They are more like a theater company working yearlong to stage a huge production at a one-time event during Carnaval.

I suppose most language schools offering culture programs in Rio also include lessons on music and samba, of course.

EA

Rio Bob
10-21-06, 12:26
The Disneyland of Carnival
by Gibby Zobel in Rio de Janeiro
Friday 20 October 2006 6:32 PM GMT

Visitors can dress in costume and parade
For the first time in its history, Rio de Janeiro will play host to a year-long party in a new purpose-built theme-park, Samba City, which has been dubbed the 'Disneyland of Carnival'.

Rio's tourist chiefs are cashing in on the world's most famous party, which traditionally lasts for five days in February or March, and have created a space to attract visitors throughout the year.

Ailton Guimarães, the administrator of City of Samba, said: "If we have the demand, we could do shows on other days which would be excellent because we could give work to more people."

Tourism is booming despite a weak dollar - up by 11 per cent on 2005 - and Rio de Janeiro attracts 1.8 million foreign tourists a year in an industry worth $4 billion annually.

Samba City, Rio de Janeiro

Samba City, which opened its doors in September, also provides a permanent space for the enormous samba 'schools' to practice and the president of the city's samba groups describes it as "the realisation of a dream for half a century".

Visitors can dress in costume and parade with the samba schools. Each 'school', often numbering thousands of participants, has a weekly full rehearsal for six months until their big night during the carnival.

Samba workshops

Six months ahead of the 2007 carnival, work is already in full throttle, with thousands of elaborate costumes being sewn and the enormous floats created.

Annual parade at the Sambadrome
But not everyone is happy, complaining that the 'Disneyland' is just a commercial proposition that has nothing to do with the spirit of the real thing.

Renato Figueiredo of the Institute of Carnival told Aljazeera: "The presentation for tourists isn't interesting and not even viable financially, for the public in general. There should be shows with known artists."

Katia, a Rio resident and samba fan, thinks the whole set up is too touristy and that there is not enought for Rio residents.

She said: "If it continues like this then City of Samba will turn into the Cemetery of Samba."

African art

The 92,000 square-metre theme-park, which cost $35 million, was constructed in an old industrial district in the exact area where the first samba was played by slaves brought from Africa.

Until 1800, Rio received around 12,000 slaves a year. Between 1800 and 1850 more than a million Africans were brought to the port city. In the 19th century, Rio had the biggest concentration of slaves in the world since the end of the Roman Empire.

In this very spot samba was born, as the slaves played and sang between the docking of cargo ships.

Many samba schools take themes reaching back into their roots. The school of Porto de Pedra, for example, will base its themed dances for Carnival 2007 around the suffering and turmoil of the Apartheid era in South Africa.

Rio is where samba, the music most associated with Carnival, was created and with the construction of a city in its name it is hoped that a future for the 'schools' will be secured for generations to come.

Jorge Castanheira, the vice president of Rio's league of samba schools, said: "The City of Samba project rescues the dignity of the workers of carnival, giving them adequate conditions for their activities."

Cesar Maia, Rio's mayor, said: "The City of Samba and the Sambadrome are two spaces that compliment each other. Samba has its theme-park which will be a factory of creation of popular culture, constructed on sacred soil in the neighbourhood where samba carioca was born."

Aljazeera
By Gibby Zobel in Rio de Janeiro

You can find this article at:
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/EE8FDADA-C34B-4BD2-BB7D-BED3823EF90B.htm

Bubba Boy
01-25-07, 00:55
Carnaval dates..........(they change each year)
2007 February 17, 18, 19, 20
2008 February 2, 3, 4, 5
2009 February 21, 22, 23, 24
2010 February 13, 14, 15, 16

Java Man
02-18-07, 21:51
Rio Carnaval Parades live webcast tonight at:

www.ftv.com

starts about 9p Rio time

Java Man
02-19-07, 06:55
Ftv.com is a paysite, "F" that!! Gotta pay in euros no less!
Pics and videos of the parades at:

http://carnaval.globo.com/

El Austriaco
02-20-07, 09:38
Ftv.com is a paysite, "F" that!! Gotta pay in euros no less!
Pics and videos of the parades at:

http://carnaval.globo.com/
FTV.com is a paysite, yes, but you can watch the parade on television on the FTV channel. As a matter of fact, I am watching Beija Flor right now live.

EA

Java Man
02-20-07, 19:31
Sadly, that channel is not available to me here in Chicago.
I think I was able to get it on my satellite dish. Reminds me to get it fixed.

Scooby1
02-20-07, 21:38
Solarium Carnaval Poster

Benjoe
02-21-07, 01:38
O Globo is available through some cable and dish providers. It provides live coverage of the desfiles de Carnaval.

Member #4643
06-01-07, 22:16
Does anyone have a suggestion for a place for Carnaval next year in Salvador?

I am looking for something really nice for two guys and up to 4 additional garotas. :-))

Delaware Guy
06-12-07, 21:05
I know it's early but I'm making my plans now. Carnaval in Rio has been on my to do list from way back when I was married to a woman who never wanted to do nuthin. Now that I don't have that handicap I'm making up for lost time. I have my reservations in Mercure Aparthotel, a smallish aparthotel in Leblon. I will be sure to go to Baile Vermelho e Preto as well as a few others at Scala. I have also heard of singles balls at Help which must be wild. Additionally, I will do as much of the street parades as I can survive and still have energy for the late night action.

I know Carnaval week is far from prime time from a strictly mongering perspective. But for this trip, having a blast is number one on the list. Finding time for the professional ladies, while certainly on the agenda, will be worked into what might otherwise be idle hours between Carnaval Balls and street parades. Any other suggestions, besides to be extremely cautious with my safety, would be much appreciated.

Sprite13
11-12-07, 02:43
I thinking of coming for Carnaval this coming February. :Perhaps not the best time of the year to hit Rio, cost wise, but a blast nonetheless. I know that during that time of the year, accomodations are scarce and uber expensive and that they have to be booked way in advance and for a 5 day package. Now the question is: how much is the going rate for a decent room in either Copacabana or Ipanema? I'm not talking about 5 star accomodation here, just a nice and clean room. Would I be way off to expect something decent for 1000 reais for the 5 days during Carnaval?
Any feedback and/or recommendations are welcomed.

Valeu.

Java Man
11-12-07, 04:38
sprite13:
I'm not sure about a 5 day package. They usually want a 10 day package. Expect to pay about 3x the daily rate. The airlines get involved in it too: higher airfare, about double the normal fare.
Help's cover also increases. R80, maybe, I can't remember.

Sprite13
11-22-07, 05:04
Thanks Chingon for the reply. Sorry for the delay, I had almost forgotten about this post.

My usual hotel in Ipanema quoted me $2000 (that's not a typo), US$2K for the Carnaval period and Chingon is right, they ask for a minimum 10 days. Insane! There must be a more reasonable way to spend Carnaval in Rio. Anyone?

Country Counter
11-22-07, 08:09
Thanks Chingon for the reply. Sorry for the delay, I had almost forgotten about this post.

My usual hotel in Ipanema quoted me $2000 (that's not a typo), US$2K for the Carnaval period and Chingon is right, they ask for a minimum 10 days. Insane! There must be a more reasonable way to spend Carnaval in Rio. Anyone?Hi Sprite13,

I booked a carnival '08 package couple of months ago through Ipamema.com. Fairly painless, I had to take a 5 night package. They send you a list of hotels in Copa and Ipamema with prices. The cheapest I saw was the Arpoador Inn for $700. Enjoy.

Perkele
11-22-07, 13:12
Thanks Chingon for the reply. Sorry for the delay, I had almost forgotten about this post.

My usual hotel in Ipanema quoted me $2000 (that's not a typo), US$2K for the Carnaval period and Chingon is right, they ask for a minimum 10 days. Insane! There must be a more reasonable way to spend Carnaval in Rio. Anyone?

Actually this time of the year is ridiculous. When I still lived in an apartment the landlord wanted to raise the rent for months december to february, all because it was high season.

I resolved by moving out....

The truth is that there are more people during Carnaval, but last few years number of the tourists has been declining.

As far as I know, there is no way finding anything reasonable during "high season", atleast not in Zona Sul.

Professor 1
11-22-07, 15:23
Thanks Chingon for the reply. Sorry for the delay, I had almost forgotten about this post.

My usual hotel in Ipanema quoted me $2000 (that's not a typo), US$2K for the Carnaval period and Chingon is right, they ask for a minimum 10 days. Insane! There must be a more reasonable way to spend Carnaval in Rio. Anyone?If you own a timeshare, attempt to trade into Rio approximately six to nine months in advance, or greater. When I wanted to trade into Costa Rica, for example, I started looking one year prior to a hot week. Likewise, I started looking into LOS for November 2008.

UniversalX
11-25-07, 03:06
Globo is available on Dish Network and on Direct TV. If you have these services you can add it to your channels temporary or permanent. one good thing to having Globo is RJTV which is news specifically for city/state of Rio de Janeiro. if you get globo now you'll get a idea of christmas and carnival preparations.

Member #4042
11-26-07, 06:40
Globo is available on Dish Network and on Direct TV. If you have these services you can add it to your channels temporary or permanent. one good thing to having Globo is RJTV which is news specifically for city/state of Rio de Janeiro. if you get globo now you'll get a idea of christmas and carnival preparations.I was told by Dish Network TV that I needed to change my dish because the one I have do not work with the satellite carrying the Globo signal. I live in Miami.

So make sure you check on that before February and get the extra money ( Yes they will charge you for the new dish).

I don't have that problem, I am going in person ;)

Ee2002
11-26-07, 10:12
With Directv you can upgrade to the larger Dish for just $21 or so. You cannot get any international programming without the larger satillite.

Thanos
11-29-07, 02:06
Thanks Chingon for the reply. Sorry for the delay, I had almost forgotten about this post.

My usual hotel in Ipanema quoted me $2000 (that's not a typo), US$2K for the Carnaval period and Chingon is right, they ask for a minimum 10 days. Insane! There must be a more reasonable way to spend Carnaval in Rio. Anyone?If its your first Carnaval its worth it just to see otherwise salvador bahia is much better. Rio becomes the ultimate tourist trap during Carnaval. Everything from hotels to restaurants to girls goes up 3 to 5 times. Help is usually empty because girls don't want to pay the high entrance fees and the few who do go inside charge ridiculiously high prices. They do have special nights where girls can wear anything. Bikinis, see through, even topless. Like I said if its your first time enjoy. Just be ready for rip off central and alot of headaches caused by closed stores and traffic jams. Try finding a place in Niteroi.

Madd Love
01-13-08, 01:36
Anyone know of any places besides club HELP to party and meet girls during carnival?

Wouldn't mind to travel elsewhere in a taxi to go to other good parties.

Java Man
01-18-08, 06:36
The 2008 Rio Carnaval Guide:

Probably the best one for Carnaval week events;

http://www.carnaval.com/main.htm
This is a world wide Carnaval guide. On the right side click Rio Carnaval events.

other guides:

http://www.rio-carnival.net/

http://www.rioturismoradical.com.br/carnival_rio.htm

This one is in Portuguese:

http://www.carnavalrio.dahora.net/

Off Road
01-18-08, 09:51
For those of you who have not been to Help Friday night of carnival (Feb 1 this year) you have to go. Their is no dress code. It is fantasy costume night. I have seen girls with just paint on, no clothes. Many exotic costumes, and the girls seem to be better looking than most days. Outside is quite a show too if you do not want to spend the R$50 to get inside.

We had a problem with some girls when taking photos outside, but not inside. However inside there is so much smoke that fotos just do not come out. Have one of just a mask the gal had on..

Madd Love
01-18-08, 13:33
The 2008 Rio Carnaval Guide:

Probably the best one for Carnaval week events;

http://www.carnaval.com/main.htm
This is a world wide Carnaval guide. On the right side click Rio Carnaval events.

other guides:

http://www.rio-carnival.net/

http://www.rioturismoradical.com.br/carnival_rio.htm

This one is in Portuguese:

http://www.carnavalrio.dahora.net/Thanks for the info, I wanted to keep my options open In Rio.

Madd Love
01-18-08, 13:35
For those of you who have not been to Help Friday night of carnival (Feb 1 this year) you have to go. Their is no dress code. It is fantasy costume night. I have seen girls with just paint on, no clothes. Many exotic costumes, and the girls seem to be better looking than most days. Outside is quite a show too if you do not want to spend the R$50 to get inside.

We had a problem with some girls when taking photos outside, but not inside. However inside there is so much smoke that fotos just do not come out. Have one of just a mask the gal had on..What are the price ranges for the girls during carnival? I heard some outrages prices but I also know its more competition to get the woman since many guys will be in Help and all over Copa. So they can turn you down for another guy that wants her.

Java Man
01-18-08, 19:34
Smokey? What about crowded! I've never seen it so packed. These pictures were taken during Carnaval 2005.

Jan 156
01-19-08, 16:02
I went to see Mocidade at Sambodrome last night with JazzyDaddy (who´s a cool. well-travelled hombre). Great stuff - enough to make us both swear to pay whatever it takes to do Carnaval in good seats next year.

For those wanting to do this freebie (there´s two more schools rehearsing tonight and another two on Sunday, then more next weekend) I should mention you don´t get to see the float, but fabulous drumming, dancing, crowd emotion, a few thousand of performers etc.

Sambodrome is about 2 bus stops from VM, so guess what we did next . . .

There´s also late night stuff on at the regular venues (see O Globo etc just now, or phone Riotur). These are pretty well all off the beaten tourist track so please don´t wave big bills and things around if you go. Costs vary from nothing to about 20R.

BrasilForever
01-22-08, 08:14
What are the official dates/days for Carnaval this year?

Jan 156
01-22-08, 19:17
What are the official dates/days for Carnaval this year?

2nd to 9th as far as I know . . .

Java Man
01-22-08, 20:29
Carnaval officially begins on Friday Feb 1, when King Momo is given the keys to the city by the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro.
Carnaval officially ends on Ash Wednesday, Feb 5. (Same dates as Mardi Gras.)

There are events scheduled from Thursday Jan 30 to Sunday Feb 10. check the links in my previous post.

Jan 156
01-24-08, 14:39
Are there any experts on here who have experience of buying Sector 9 (best tickets)?

I´ve put together some info from Riotur - maybe a bit long to post here, especially before checking it, but trying to plan best way to get tickets for 2009.

Sector 9 is the only section that is not sold direct by LIESA. It´s the section near the judges with numbered seats. LIESA sells them on (base price this year was 500R) to travel agents who then re-sell at a profit. There are, of course, hurdles like not getting the ticket you booked actually in your hand, especially if you book via Internet or through an overseas agent.

Riotur suggests getting one at least two weeks in advance, in person, and in Rio. I´m looking at tickets for the two main days (Sunday and Monday). Fourteen schools is enough for me take in at the moment ;-)

Has anyone bought Sector 9 for this year? If so, what did you pay and how did you get your tickets?

Exec Talent
01-24-08, 15:21
Are there any experts on here who have experience of buying Sector 9 (best tickets)?


I really do not see the value in spending a lot of money on these tickets. In reality it is not that large a venue and the view is fine from anywhere.

Jan 156
01-24-08, 16:00
I really do not see the value in spending a lot of money on these tickets. In reality it is not that large a venue and the view is fine from anywhere.

In which case you will be happy with one of the cheaper sectors. It is only if you are a bit fanatical about samba and the competition and so on that sector 9 carries a big premium. For instance, dancers will choreograph to present the best view to the judges. It also strikes me that if you are going to the time and trouble of doing Carnaval, paying exhorbitant prices around town for everything and so on, you might as well at least do the main event in style.

Sambodrome might not be *that* large - but it is too long to see well or get a good photo to even the next sector, much less the other end. If you have been you will know it stretches all the way to Vargas (Sector 1), whereas on the map it sometimes looks smaller. But if you are not going to Rio primarily for Carnaval you are better off going at a different time of year anyway, not just getting concrete seats.

Urcarioca
01-24-08, 16:07
I really do not see the value in spending a lot of money on these tickets.I've never had any problem buying the tickets for "arquibancadas" from the "ambulantes" near the Sambodromo during the "Desfile". And I've never paid more than R$ 70 for the 7 or 9's sectors. If you need a seat in a "frisa" (seats near the alley) it's an other story.

For sure it's not a good advice for people who don't speak portuguese or aren't with brazilians friends.

Anyway, there are also for free the monoblocos parades in the streets. I love the "Cordão da Bola Preta" in the Centro, "Simpatia e Quase Amor" or Que merda é Essa? " in the Zona Sul. Just check the local newspapers for the date/time.

Urcarioca
01-27-08, 17:40
It's free, noisy, cool and a nice way to arrange non-pros :

30/1/2008 Qua. 17:00 Manguinhos Discípulos de Oswaldo Bar do Chico - Rua Castro Tavares, 185
30/1/2008 Qua. 18:00 Cosme Velho Esse é bom mas ninguém sabe Pça São Judas Tadeu - Estação do bondinho
31/1/2008 Qui. Centro Libertos do Arquivo Saindo do Arquivo Nacional - Pça da República
31/1/2008 Qui. 17:00 Centro Banda da Rua do Mercado Rua do Mercado em frente a Bolsa
1/2/2008 Sex. 17:00 Santa Teresa Bloco das Carmelitas Rua Dias de Barros esquina com Ladeira de Santa Teresa
1/2/2008 Sex. 17:00 Ipanema Vem ni mim que eu sou Facinha O bloco é daqueles que não desfila, mas “fica”. Sua batucada é animada. Concentração: a partir das 17h, na Rua Prudente de Moraes, 10, Ipanema
1/2/2008 Sex. 19:00 Centro Rio sem Rival Teatro Rival - Cinelândia
1/2/2008 Sex. 19:00 Ipanema Rola Preguiçosa Suas cores: branco e laranja. Concentração: Rua Maria Quitéria
1/2/2008 Sex. 20:00 Santa Teresa Badalo de Santa Teresa Largo das Neves
1/2/2008 Sex. 20:00 Laranjeiras Concentra mas não sai Rua Ipiranga
1/2/2008 Sex. 20:00 Leblon Azeitona sem caroço Bar Azeitona - Dias Ferreira com Bartolomeu Mitre
2/2/2008 Sab. 10:00 Centro O Berro da Viúva Av. Gomes Freire entre Rua da Constituição e Visconde do Rio Branco
2/2/2008 Sab. 10:00 Centro Cordão da Bola Preta Cinelândia
2/2/2008 Sab. 14:00 Botafogo Bloco Dois pra lá dois pra cá Rua da Passagem (início)
2/2/2008 Sab. 14:00 Botafogo Bloco do Caveira Final da Marquês de Olinda
2/2/2008 Sab. 14:00 Copacabana Bloco o remédio é o samba Atlântica esquina com Xavier da Silveira
2/2/2008 Sab. 14:00 Copacabana Banda da Bolívar Rua Bolívar
2/2/2008 Sab. 15:00 Ipanema Banda de Ipanema Tradicional Banda do Carnaval de rua carioca. Concentração: Pça Gen. Osório com R. Teixeira de Melo
2/2/2008 Sab. 15:00 Centro Bloco Carioca da Gema Rua do Lavradio em frente ao nº 168
2/2/2008 Sab. 15:00 Botafogo Bloco do Barbas Assis Bueno esquina com Arnaldo Quintela. Concentração a partir das 14hs
2/2/2008 Sab. 16:00 Centro Cordão do Prata Preta Rua Sacadura Cabral em frente ao nº 373
2/2/2008 Sab. 16:00 Bairro de Fátima Devassos da Cardeal Bar do Galo - Rua Cardeal Leme
2/2/2008 Sab. 16:00 Copacabana Banda Sá Ferreira Rua Sá Ferreira esquina com Atlântica
2/2/2008 Sab. 16:00 Lapa Carioca da Gema Rua do Lavradio
2/2/2008 Sab. 16:00 Copacabana Banda Santa Clara Rua Santa Clara com Domingos Ferreira
2/2/2008 Sab. 17:00 Laranjeiras Laranjada Samba Clube Pça do Chorinho - Rua Gen. Glicério
2/2/2008 Sab. 17:00 Copacabana Banda da Duvivier Rua Duvivier
2/2/2008 Sab. 17:00 Leblon Empurra que pega Pça Cazuza - perto do Canal da Visconde
3/2/2008 Dom. 10:00 Ipanema Banda de Ipanema Tradicional Banda do Carnaval de rua carioca. Concentração: Pça Gen. Osório com R. Teixeira de Melo
3/2/2008 Dom. 14:00 Ipanema Que M... É essa Rua Nascimento Silva com Garcia D'Ávila
3/2/2008 Dom. 14:00 Jardim Botânico Bloco Bangalafumenga Rua Pacheco Leão. Concentração na Pça da Von Martius
3/2/2008 Dom. 15:00 Copacabana Banda da Miguel Lemos Miguel Lemos com Aires Saldanha
3/2/2008 Dom. 15:00 Ipanema Bloco do Afro Reggae Vieira Souto entre Posto 7 e 9
3/2/2008 Dom. 15:00 Ipanema Simpatia É Quase Amor Suas cores: amarelo e lilás. Concentração: Praça General Osório, em Ipanema
3/2/2008 Dom. 16:00 Flamengo Cachorro Cansado Bar Planalto - Rua Barão do Flamengo, 35
3/2/2008 Dom. 16:00 Centro Cordão do Boitatá Rua do Mercado
3/2/2008 Dom. 17:00 Leme Bloco Boca Seca Rua Gustavo Sampaio
3/2/2008 Dom. 21:00 Centro Cacique de Ramos Rio Branco com Presidente Vargas
4/2/2008 Seg. 11:00 Santa Teresa Songoro Consongo Largo do Curvelo
4/2/2008 Seg. 12:00 Jardim Botânico Pede Passagem Jockey Club até a Pça Santos Dumont na Gávea
4/2/2008 Seg. 12:00 Leblon Sobrinhos do Tio Bio Rua Dias Ferreira início
4/2/2008 Seg. 13:00 Leblon Corre Atrás Rua Dias Ferreira início
4/2/2008 Seg. 14:00 Humaitá Bloco de Segunda COBAL do Humaitá pelo lado da Voluntários
4/2/2008 Seg. 14:00 Copacabana Banda do Lido Rua Ronald de Carvalho
4/2/2008 Seg. 15:00 Laranjeiras Volta, Alice Rua Alice esquina com Mário Portela - Tasca do Edgar
4/2/2008 Seg. 15:00 Leme Cordão da Confraria do Peru Sadio Rua Antonio Vieira esquina com Gustavo Sampaio
4/2/2008 Seg. 17:00 Leblon Bonde do Corno Rua Dias Ferreira com Gen. Venâncio Flores
4/2/2008 Seg. 20:00 Centro Cacique de Ramos Rio Branco com Presidente Vargas
5/2/2008 ***. 9:00 NITERÓI Se melhorar, afunda Pça São Domingos - Gragoatá
5/2/2008 ***. 11:00 Gávea A Rocha Pça Santos Dumont até a PUC
5/2/2008 ***. 14:00 Jardim Botânico Último Gole Entorno da Pça Pio XI
5/2/2008 ***. 14:00 Copacabana Banda da Bolívar Rua Bolívar
5/2/2008 ***. 15:00 Copacabana Banda Boca Maldita Av. Prado Junior
5/2/2008 ***. 15:00 Ipanema Rio Maracatu
5/2/2008 ***. 15:00 Ipanema Banda de Ipanema Tradicional Banda do Carnaval de rua carioca. Concentração: Pça Gen. Osório com R. Teixeira de Melo
5/2/2008 ***. 15:00 Copacabana Meu bem volto já Princesa Isabel com Atlântica
5/2/2008 ***. 15:00 Copacabana Banda da Miguel Lemos Miguel Lemos com Aires Saldanha
5/2/2008 ***. 16:00 Copacabana Banda Braguinha Copacabana Palace lado Atlântica
5/2/2008 ***. 16:00 Largo do Machado Largo do Machado, mas não largo do copo Lgo do Machado
5/2/2008 ***. 16:00 Copacabana Banda Sá Ferreira Rua Sá Ferreira esquina com Atlântica
5/2/2008 ***. 16:00 Jardim Botânico Vagalume-o verde Pacheco Leão até a Von Martius
5/2/2008 ***. 16:00 Laranjeiras Bloco da Ansiedade Mercadinho São José perto do Parque Guinle
5/2/2008 ***. 16:00 Copacabana Banda Santa Clara Rua Santa Clara com Domingos Ferreira
5/2/2008 ***. 17:00 Copacabana Banda da Duvivier Rua Duvivier
5/2/2008 ***. 17:00 Ipanema Vem ni mim que eu sou Facinha O bloco é daqueles que não desfila, mas “fica”. Sua batucada é animada. Concentração: a partir das 17h, na Rua Prudente de Moraes, 10, Ipanema
5/2/2008 ***. 17:00 Leblon Empurra que pega Pça Cazuza - perto do Canal da Visconde
5/2/2008 ***. 17:00 Leme Bloco Boca Seca Rua Gustavo Sampaio
5/2/2008 ***. 18:00 Santa Teresa Bloco das Carmelitas Largo dos Guimarães
10/2/2008 Dom. 9:00 Copacabana MONOBLOCO Posto 6 - Hotel Sofitel

Sprite13
02-03-08, 23:53
For anyone interested about the prices of the tickets for the Rio parade at the Sambodromo:

Camarotes between 16K to 50KReais? Now, I'd like to know what warrants those outrageous prices? I mean, what comes with that price tag? Does it include a hot model as well or not?:D
Has anyone bought any of these camarotes?

An interesting deal seems to be the boxes/frisas for 6 people at 3000 Reais per day of the parade. Now is that 3K per person or for the 6 people?

Here's the link to the full article in Portuguese. Enjoy. :)

http://www.guiadasemana.com.br/Yahoo/CARNAVAL/rio.htm

PREÇOS:
ARQUIBANCADAS:
Popular
R$ 10,00 (R$ 5,00 no sábado, desfile das campeãs)

Arquibancadas Especiais
De R$ 110,00 a R$ 290,00 dependendo do setor
(Sábado, de R$ 70,00 a R$ 145,00)

Arquibancadas Turísticas
R$ 500,00 / R$250,00 (Sáb)

CADEIRAS INDIVIDUAIS
R$ 110,00 / R$ 70,00 (Sáb)

CAMAROTES
Ao todo são 104 camarotes, divididos em nove setores, com valores entre R$ 16,000,00 a R$ 50,000,00 - Esgotados

FRISAS
Boxes fechados para seis pessoas, descobertos, divididos em filas e comercializados por dia de desfiles
Algumas unidades ainda disponíveis no setor 04 - R$ 3,000,00

Yankee 617
02-12-08, 16:28
Saw this news item and thought I'd share.

======
Rio Carnival Dancer's Costume Comes Off

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- There was sad news out of the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro this year.

A dancer apparently cost her samba group a first-place prize when her costume -- all 1.5 inches of it -- inadvertantly came off while the group performed for judges.

The Sao Clemente samba dancer's fashion faux pas broke the rules which state that no one can appear completely naked.

The missing costume cost the group half a point, causing them to lose out to samba school Beija Flor, whose floats paid homage to legends of north Brazil, including jungle giants and drum queens, and whose costumes stayed on.

The yearly honor gives national pride to the winning group, which is usually from a poor neighborhood or slum, where most samba schools have their roots.
======

Unfortunately, I haven't been to Brazil in a few years now (so I've not been visiting this forum much). But I have some fine memories of past visits... from Jericoacoara all the way to Floripa (and MANY places, mostly along the coast, in between).

Jesuscola
02-12-08, 16:49
Saw this news item and thought I'd share.

======
Rio Carnival Dancer's Costume Comes Off

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- There was sad news out of the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro this year.

A dancer apparently cost her samba group a first-place prize when her costume -- all 1.5 inches of it -- inadvertantly came off while the group performed for judges.

The Sao Clemente samba dancer's fashion faux pas broke the rules which state that no one can appear completely naked.

The missing costume cost the group half a point, causing them to lose out to samba school Beija Flor, whose floats paid homage to legends of north Brazil, including jungle giants and drum queens, and whose costumes stayed on.

The yearly honor gives national pride to the winning group, which is usually from a poor neighborhood or slum, where most samba schools have their roots.
======

Unfortunately, I haven't been to Brazil in a few years now (so I've not been visiting this forum much). But I have some fine memories of past visits... from Jericoacoara all the way to Floripa (and MANY places, mostly along the coast, in between).

It's still a matter of some dispute, but from the pictures and video I've seen, I believe, that, no, it did not come off. It was just so small that it wasn't clear she was wearing anything down there at all.

Her school, incidentally, finished dead last and that half a point would not ultimately have made any difference.

Perkele
02-12-08, 21:46
It's still a matter of some dispute, but from the pictures and video I've seen, I believe, that, no, it did not come off. It was just so small that it wasn't clear she was wearing anything down there at all.

Her school, incidentally, finished dead last and that half a point would not ultimately have made any difference.

No, no.

It fell too.

P

Cho 637
02-13-08, 02:49
It's still a matter of some dispute, but from the pictures and video I've seen, I believe, that, no, it did not come off. It was just so small that it wasn't clear she was wearing anything down there at all.

Her school, incidentally, finished dead last and that half a point would not ultimately have made any difference.

Thanks for clearing that up! :)

Jesuscola
02-13-08, 13:08
No, no.

It fell too.

P

Whether it fell or not has been the subject of much debate since Carnaval. There are those who say it did, and those who say it did not. It's been all over television. It is very easy to find pictures and video of her performance with it ON, but impossible to find pictures or video of her with it OFF. Given that the parade is televised, I wouldn't think it would be so hard to find evidence if it really fell.

You have to understand that the news media in Rio is ridiculously unreliable. Half of what they say is outright lies. Like that story last week about the three gringos who got lost in Tijuca forest. Most of that was lies.

It was reported that they got lost because they'd downloaded their trail map from the internet. But they BOUGHT the trail map AT THE PARK. The official one. It was reported that they called the American Embassy, who then called the Bombeiros. But they called an American agent with the local travel agency where they rented their cell phone. HE called the Bombeiros. It was reported that the Bombeiros tracked their cell phone signal to find their exact whereabouts, but the American travel agent stayed in contact with the gringos and the Bombeiros from 8pm until 1am. He got the names of the last two trails the guys had traversed and had them describe the clearing they were in, and passed that info along to the authorities. The Bombeiros knew exactly where the guys were but waited for the sun to rise before going in to "rescue" them.

Point being, the news media in Rio, if not in all of Brazil, is more concerned with sensationalism than fact (even moreso than in the US), and you can't necessarily believe what they tell you. So the debate about whether or not that little patch fell has been raging for the last week and a half, but so far, no one has been able to prove that it really fell.

Yankee 617
02-13-08, 16:15
Here's an interview with her. My Portuguese is too rusty to get the gist of the conversation, but she is one burnin' hot babe!!!

http://www.pornkolt.com/viviane+castro/carnaval/brazil/girl/latin/model/bikini/sexy-62800.html

She has her "costume" on throughout this video interview.

Here are some vidcaps...

http://www.dumparump.com/gallery.php?gid=M52kNoO

and a couple more photos...

http://www.toxicmagazine.com/display03.shtml??4245
http://www.toxicmagazine.com/display03.shtml??4246

Another video of her dancing in street clothes...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WqTCnCR7sE

Some nude photos of her...

http://coliriosdosedentario.********.com/2005/09/viviane-castro.html

This leads to a download of 33 photos of her...

http://www.ebookee.com/Sexy-Club-Magazine-with-Viviane-Castro_140240.html

Yet another photoshoot featuring Viviane...

http://www.viviane_castro.theblog.com.br/viviane_castro01.html

Anonymous
03-03-08, 08:08
Help was extremely crowded during Carnaval. Sadly, I did not see any Garotas in body paint.

During Carnaval 2006, there was a live band on stage, and Dancers in samba costumes dancing on the speakers. They were missing this year. Luckily, on the first night of Carnaval a group of young garotas took command of the stage area.

Anonymous
03-03-08, 08:25
Lots of Garotas in fantasy costumes.

Some in bikini's and a few that didn't catch the spirit, in street clothes.

Saw lot's of new faces, and many familiar ones.

Only time will tell if this was the last Carnaval celebrated at Help.

Louie OK
03-03-08, 09:23
Here's an interview with her. My Portuguese is too rusty to get the gist of the conversation, but she is one burnin' hot babe!!!.....Gorgeous girl she is and a perfect ass.

Bravo
03-03-08, 19:08
Great pics Chingon, thx for posting them!

Hojeobrigado
03-04-08, 02:06
Help was extremely crowded during Carnaval. Sadly, I did not see any Garotas in body paint.

During Carnaval 2006, there was a live band on stage, and Dancers in samba costumes dancing on the speakers. They were missing this year. Luckily, on the first night of Carnaval a group of young garotas took command of the stage area.Chingon,

Nice to see Francielle is back in Rio (furthest on left in pic 0912) after her little "tour" of Hamburg.

Cheers,

Hoje

Java Man
03-14-08, 09:23
Read this piece of non-sense in Oglobo yesterday:

"RIO - A Assembléia Legislativa do Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) aprovou na quarta-feira o projeto de lei que cria o carnaval fora de época no calendário turístico do Rio. De acordo com o projeto, de autoria do deputado Dionísio Lins (PP), a nova data será comemorada todo o ano no mês de julho, durante um fim de semana.

A justificativa do projeto de lei, que foi aprovado nesta quarta-feira com 48 votos a favor, é garantir às escolas de samba o direito de se apresentarem mais uma vez, além de aquecer o setor turístico do Rio no mês de julho. No documento, o deputado afirma ainda que a festa vai contribuir para a economia e o comércio da cidade.

O carnaval fora de época ***á três dias, que devem ser decididos pelo poder Executivo. Além disso, as secretarias de Cultura, Turismo e Esportes e Lazer poderão firmar convênios com entidades privadas para patrocinar o evento, que será realizado no Sambódromo. As despesas para execução do carnaval fora de época serão previstas em dotações orçamentárias próprias para eventos de natureza cultural.

Segundo o deputado, as escolas de samba participariam do evento com um número menor de carros alegóricos e integrantes, e não haveria nenhum tipo de premiação para as agremiações. A idéia, segundo Dionísio Lins, é levar o carnaval fora de época para todas as prefeituras do interior que estejam interessadas.
Assine O Globo e receba todo o conteúdo do jornal na sua casa"

http://oglobo.globo.com/rio/mat/2008/03/13/assembleia_legislativa_aprova_carnaval_fora_de_epoca_no_rio-426208480.asp

The State Legislature, (I think,) passed a law establishing an off-season Carnaval to be celebrated over a 3 day weekend in July. This "Carnaval" would be smaller with lesser floats and participants. No awards would be given. It is hoped this would help stimulate the local economy.

Oglobo is conducting a poll: so far 63.58% of respondents think the legislative body should be occupied with more important matters. If you can read Portuguese, some of the posted comments are hilarious.

Brazil Specialist
04-08-08, 01:07
Read this piece of non-sense in Oglobo yesterday:

"RIO - A Assembléia Legislativa do Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) aprovou na quarta-feira o projeto de lei que cria o carnaval fora de época
The State Legislature, (I think,) passed a law establishing an off-season Carnaval to be celebrated over a 3 day weekend in July. This "Carnaval" would be smaller with lesser floats and participants. No awards would be given. It is hoped this would help stimulate the local economy.

Oglobo is conducting a poll: so far 63.58% of respondents think the legislative body should be occupied with more important matters. If you can read Portuguese, some of the posted comments are hilarious.

Rio is probably the only city in Brazil without an off season carnival.

Every month somewhere in Brazil there is a carnival.

I love the Bahia Style carnival with Axe instead of Samba and the big 20 wheeler trucks with blaring music bands on top of them. I will go to an off season carnival in a week.

Look for micareta in google or youtube

I actually have a lot of pics to post and a short report. Not much sex and gore, just culture. Is there an easy way to post a report like this? I don't want to upload 50 pictures one by one. Would love to post it as html .........

Cox Cock
08-24-08, 00:21
Hey I have noticed from the text that most of the action will be in the streets and the Sambadrome during Carnival I will be coming to Carnival for the first time from 16 FEB-26FEB 09 and I want to know is it worth it spending the extra money to get Oceanfront apartment if most of the action will be in the city and not at the beach. Would anyone like to report on events by the beach. I would like to really find out if it is worth getting a Oceanfront if the beach is going to be deserted (highly unlikely). And also if it is not to much can anyone table out the "posto's" by the Copacabana Beach with things like the type of crowd, access to banks, girls, restaurants (etc) (etc). I have not being to Rio so I can't really comment.

To the moderators if I have done something wrong here Ii apologise, this is my first post.

Trippleecks
08-24-08, 15:55
Hey I have noticed from the text that most of the action will be in the streets and the Sambadrome during Carnival I will be coming to Carnival for the first time from 16 FEB-26FEB 09 and I want to know is it worth it spending the extra money to get Oceanfront apartment if most of the action will be in the city and not at the beach. Would anyone like to report on events by the beach. I would like to really find out if it is worth getting a Oceanfront if the beach is going to be deserted (highly unlikely). And also if it is not to much can anyone table out the "posto's" by the Copacabana Beach with things like the type of crowd, access to banks, girls, restaurants (etc) (etc). I have not being to Rio so I can't really comment.

To the moderators if I have done something wrong here Ii apologise, this is my first post.

I would not spend the extra money for an ocean front apartment. Unless you like to look out the window. Since most of the official action takes place in the Sambadrome any apt. 1-3 streets off the beach should be just fine. I rented an ocean front apartment once and I had a fun time at sunrise with a girl. I had her assume the position at the window. It was fun busting a nut in her as the sun rose.

Bubba Boy
08-24-08, 16:32
I used to stay in an ocean front apartment a lot, like half of the year. Yeah sure it is nice, but you don't see any events per se from the window. The events kind of move around a bit, you will be in the streets most of the time . Even New Years Eve is not worth it, the fireworks are average, much better to spend it on the actual sand than an apartment.

Brazil Specialist
08-25-08, 00:33
Hey I have noticed from the text that most of the action will be in the streets and the Sambadrome during Carnival I will be coming to Carnival for the first time from 16 FEB-26FEB 09 and I want to know is it worth it spending the extra money to get Oceanfront apartment if most of the action will be in the city and not at the beach. Would anyone like to report on events by the beach. I would like to really find out if it is worth getting a Oceanfront if the beach is going to be deserted (highly unlikely). And also if it is not to much can anyone table out the "posto's" by the Copacabana Beach with things like the type of crowd, access to banks, girls, restaurants (etc) (etc).


I could not understand your last question? table out?

The beach certainly will not be deserted.

Ocean front is always a nice view that comes at a premium price. If you can afford the steep price, go ahead, it is nice. But you can get by living a few blocks away from the beach.

I live 1 block from the beach, and rent suites in my apartment, with great air con, internet, excellent mattresses and, whenever possible, my own advice and help. PM me if interested. Also I am open to chat with anyone who comes to Rio, so PM me before you come.

Off Road
08-25-08, 01:22
I could not understand your last question? table out?


I think he ment a list of the Postos and where they are and who is there. This is not particularly useful. Posto 1 is Leme, Posto 2-6 are Copacabana, Posto 7-9 are Ipanema and Postos 10-12 are in Leblon.
But, if you want to know where the action is during the day, in front of major hotels (othon palace, copacabana palace, for example) have more GDPs. Ipanema has nicer looking people, but also GLS places.

As BB said, getting an ocean front apt is probably not the best investment, get a place a block or so away, Posto 4-6 areas.

Cox Cock
08-25-08, 01:36
Thank for the reply's the reason I really want a Oceanfront is to get a panoramic view of the garotas down below and take photo's to my hearts content without my camera being stolen I'm still on the fence with this one.

I think people knowing which posto's are for use and others. I heard that they is one posto for gays (where non-pro girls escape because of hassling by guys), one for upper-class, middle-class youths, one specially for US and one for a mix of everyone just wanted to know before I went I'm sure when I get there I will not be in the gays posto's.

Jan 156
08-25-08, 02:50
Postos are useful reference for local people. If you are coming for Carnaval, why stay in Copa?? High prices and miles from Carnaval. Centro, where I'll be, is almost walking distance. If you're not really interested in Carnaval itself, it's probably a bad time to come.

Off Road
08-25-08, 12:59
Postos are useful reference for local people. If you are coming for Carnaval, why stay in Copa?? High prices and miles from Carnaval. Centro, where I'll be, is almost walking distance. If you're not really interested in Carnaval itself, it's probably a bad time to come.I agree, I do not like Carnival, per se, in Copa. I had a great time here this year only because about 7 guys showed up and we hung out in bars and on the street and beach for all of carnival, we still keep in touch. It was a blast.

Salvador is, for me, much better, because samba shows for me are not my thing.

Sperto
08-25-08, 15:54
Salvador is, for me, much better, because samba shows for me are not my thing.
I agree. Carnaval in Rio isn't even an option for me. Salvador is the best place for street Carnaval.

Cox Cock
08-25-08, 16:18
Salvadour is where the action is at not really Rio, is they garatos in Salvadour that are up to Rio de Janeiro starnard. Thanks for the response guys your response is noted.

Brazil Specialist
08-26-08, 02:59
Salvadour is where the action is at not really Rio, is they garatos in Salvadour that are up to Rio de Janeiro starnard. Thanks for the response guys your response is noted.

We Rio residents should not shoot ourselves into the foot recommending Salvador Carnaval.

Personally, I also like Axe music over Samba.

There are a few Salvador escort sites whose photos are so good that they get copied all over the internet for fake photos in other escort sites. Pricing is about 250 to R$ 400. I would have to dig to find the urls.

In my rare visits to Salvador I did not find too many escort outlets, probably because regular girls in Salvador are so easy.

So it might not be easy for a short time tourist in Salvador to find sex for pay, though certainly possible.

All of the northeast Brazil has the same type of Carnival like Salvador. Natal, Fortaleza, Recife, everywhere.

Be aware that crime is a problem in these carnival activities, especially in Salvador. It can be overcome but needs knowledge and investment (main solution is staying INSIDE the expensive corded area around the music trucks (trio eletrico), but that ties one onto one music truck only)

I recommend OFF season carnival which happens about every month of the year in some city somewhere in Brazil (check micareta.com if I remember correctly).

I posted about this a few years ago, and I have a post with lots of photos half way done but am too lazy to finish it. Prod me and I will try to finish and post.

Looking For Eden
08-26-08, 06:23
Personally Recife gets my vote. Galo de Madrugada is an experience not to be missed. A million and a half people all partying together downtown is something I can't imagine ever experiencing anywhere else. The street carnival of Olinda is great too. Lots of great costumes and people kissing and having fun partying. Many people of Brazil including residents of Rio go to Recife for their carnival.

Sperto
08-26-08, 07:56
Salvador is the place where you'll have the biggest street carnaval.

You have two expensive solutions of staying safe in the carnaval. Spending a lot of money buying an abadá to get inside a bloco or buying a ticket to a camarote.

BLOCO:
* You buy an abadá, a T-shirt that works like a ticket to get inside a bloco. If you want an abadá to one of the most popular blocos with Chiclete com Banana or Ivete Sangalo it will cost you a lot! Some of the most popular and expensive blocos have almost just light-skinned people inside the blocos, which are guarded by hundreds of black people.
* Advantages: You're quite safe and there will be a lot of good looking middle- and upperclass girls in the bloco.
* Disadvantages: Expensive and it gets quite boring going with the same bloco several days.

CAMAROTE:
* Buying a ticket to a camarote in a good location might cost you >R$ 60/day. You will stay in a big stand with everything you need. Bar, restaurant, toilets, security and sometimes even a private discoteque.
* Advantages: You will be safe, have a good comfort and hopefully a good view of the blocos passing by.
* Disadvantages: Expensive and it gets very boring staying in the camarote several days. Mostly the same people every day in the camarote. Often wanna-be-rich brazilians who think they are so special just because they are in a stand looking down on the crowd below. It's very painful standing in a camarote when you see lovely girls below the stand calling for you and you know that it will take you a lot of hard work getting out of the stand to reach them.
* Note: If you want to spend one day taking photos or filming the carnaval it will be a good option to buy a place in a camarote for just one day.

PIPOCA:
* As a pipoca you stay on the street among the crowd who doesn't participate inside the blocos. Here you'll find all the people who doesn't want to participate in a bloco or camarote, or can't afford it.
* Advantages: You'll be able to see all the blocos with your favourite bands. The people in the pipoca knows how to party. It will only cost you beer money. You will have beautiful girls passing by all the time. Often they just stop and kiss you and move on. The pick-up potential in the pipoca is sky-high. If you want a break you just head one block behind the avenida to sit down and have something to eat and drink.
* Disadvantages: A gringo in the pipoca will be a sure target for pickpockets and gangs that will try to strip you out of all your valuables. There is also a risk of violence when two gangs of locals meets and do their "boxing-dance".

STAYING SAFE IN THE PIPOCA:
* Follow these steps: Dress down, no watch, no neckless, no rings, no cap, definitely no cameras, no backpack, have nothing at all in your pockets (preferably using bermudas with as few pockets as possible) and have beer money in a purse inside your underwear (tied to your underwear).
* Dresscode: Sneakers, bermudas and maybe a T-shirt if you feel the need.
* Don't stand on the street stiff and paranoid. That way you'll attract unwanted attention. Dance, drink, flirt and make friends with the people next to you. If there are trouble they will help you out.
* Drink, but don't get wasted.
* Have fun, but be on you alert when you see a gang sizing you up eying your pockets. Give them your evil eye and big smile.
* Do some recon during the day. Find a good spot to hang out. That is a spot where you will have a good view, preferably a police-post close by and close to the stairs leading to the beach (if you stay in Barra) where you'll [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140). In Barra you preferably don't stand on the beachside of the avenida because it might be awfully crowded. On the other side you can easily sneak out through one of the alleys.

LEARNING-PROCESS FOR PIPOCA:
* There is also a lot of hard learning. If you're not prepared for that the crowd will go totally nuts when Chiclete com Banana and Ivete Sangalo pass by, then you will have a big surprise. You will just see a big mass of big black capoeira guys and hard-assed black beauties passing by like a tsunami. Dancing, drinking, kissing and grabbing asses.This will get your adrenaline pumping! The crowd is nothing to be scared of as long as your pockets are empty. There will be a lot of pushing and gangs challenging each other. Just stay cool and push back with a smile on your face.
* Learn how to move in the crowd. It will be very crowded. Just push your way through in a gentle way with a repeated "licença". If you suddenly see the crowd in front of you stepping aside you better do the same. They don't step aside to give you space. Most definitely there is a police patrol coming up behind you. If you don't step aside quickly you might have the unwanted pleasure of a big stick in your back.
* Police: There are lots of police patrols. There are Polícia Militar, Polícia de Choque, Polícia Civil and Policia do Exército. The police are very efficient and sometimes a bit brutal.
* Moving quickly: If you want to move quickly you just hang on after a police patrol that passes by. Stay close to the guy in the back. That way you can move quickly through the crowd.

PLACE TO STAY:
* IMO an apartment is the best choice, preferably in Barra where you'll have a lot of action. Choose an apartment at least two blocks away from the avenida so you can get some sleep. Don't stay to far away. An apartment nearby the action will be your heaven where you'll sleep, take a crap and invite the girls for a drink, to chill out, a refreshing shower, taking cover for heavy rain or just the opportunity of trying out a gringo.

PAYING FOR SEX:
* Carnaval days must be a real low season for the GP's. Regular girls are widely available everywhere. In the carnaval everybody is supposed to flirt, kiss and get laid. If you don't score regular girls in the Salvador Carnaval you are a hopeless case.

Stay safe and enjoy your carnaval.

Ryjerrob
08-26-08, 16:26
I recommend OFF season carnival which happens about every month of the year in some city somewhere in Brazil (check micareta.com if I remember correctly).

I posted about this a few years ago, and I have a post with lots of photos half way done but am too lazy to finish it. Prod me and I will try to finish and post.

I tried the link, but it didn't work. If you have time, I'd love to see what you've put together.

ryjer

Watchman4400
08-26-08, 19:44
Sperto,

This is one of the best reports I have read in a while. Very informative. I have heard that Carnival was insane in Salvador. Best on your report, I am thinking about going there this year.

Thanks


Salvador is the place where you'll have the biggest street carnaval.

You have two expensive solutions of staying safe in the carnaval. Spending a lot of money buying an abadá to get inside a bloco or buying a ticket to a camarote.

BLOCO:
* You buy an abadá, a T-shirt that works like a ticket to get inside a bloco. If you want an abadá to one of the most popular blocos with Chiclete com Banana or Ivete Sangalo it will cost you a lot! Some of the most popular and expensive blocos have almost just light-skinned people inside the blocos, which are guarded by hundreds of black people.
* Advantages: You're quite safe and there will be a lot of good looking middle- and upperclass girls in the bloco.
* Disadvantages: Expensive and it gets quite boring going with the same bloco several days.

CAMAROTE:
* Buying a ticket to a camarote in a good location might cost you >R$ 60/day. You will stay in a big stand with everything you need. Bar, restaurant, toilets, security and sometimes even a private discoteque.
* Advantages: You will be safe, have a good comfort and hopefully a good view of the blocos passing by.
* Disadvantages: Expensive and it gets very boring staying in the camarote several days. Mostly the same people every day in the camarote. Often wanna-be-rich brazilians who think they are so special just because they are in a stand looking down on the crowd below. It's very painful standing in a camarote when you see lovely girls below the stand calling for you and you know that it will take you a lot of hard work getting out of the stand to reach them.
* Note: If you want to spend one day taking photos or filming the carnaval it will be a good option to buy a place in a camarote for just one day.

PIPOCA:
* As a pipoca you stay on the street among the crowd who doesn't participate inside the blocos. Here you'll find all the people who doesn't want to participate in a bloco or camarote, or can't afford it.
* Advantages: You'll be able to see all the blocos with your favourite bands. The people in the pipoca knows how to party. It will only cost you beer money. You will have beautiful girls passing by all the time. Often they just stop and kiss you and move on. The pick-up potential in the pipoca is sky-high. If you want a break you just head one block behind the avenida to sit down and have something to eat and drink.
* Disadvantages: A gringo in the pipoca will be a sure target for pickpockets and gangs that will try to strip you out of all your valuables. There is also a risk of violence when two gangs of locals meets and do their "boxing-dance".

STAYING SAFE IN THE PIPOCA:
* Follow these steps: Dress down, no watch, no neckless, no rings, no cap, definitely no cameras, no backpack, have nothing at all in your pockets (preferably using bermudas with as few pockets as possible) and have beer money in a purse inside your underwear (tied to your underwear).
* Dresscode: Sneakers, bermudas and maybe a T-shirt if you feel the need.
* Don't stand on the street stiff and paranoid. That way you'll attract unwanted attention. Dance, drink, flirt and make friends with the people next to you. If there are trouble they will help you out.
* Drink, but don't get wasted.
* Have fun, but be on you alert when you see a gang sizing you up eying your pockets. Give them your evil eye and big smile.
* Do some recon during the day. Find a good spot to hang out. That is a spot where you will have a good view, preferably a police-post close by and close to the stairs leading to the beach (if you stay in Barra) where you'll [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140). In Barra you preferably don't stand on the beachside of the avenida because it might be awfully crowded. On the other side you can easily sneak out through one of the alleys.

LEARNING-PROCESS FOR PIPOCA:
* There is also a lot of hard learning. If you're not prepared for that the crowd will go totally nuts when Chiclete com Banana and Ivete Sangalo pass by, then you will have a big surprise. You will just see a big mass of big black capoeira guys and hard-assed black beauties passing by like a tsunami. Dancing, drinking, kissing and grabbing asses.This will get your adrenaline pumping! The crowd is nothing to be scared of as long as your pockets are empty. There will be a lot of pushing and gangs challenging each other. Just stay cool and push back with a smile on your face.
* Learn how to move in the crowd. It will be very crowded. Just push your way through in a gentle way with a repeated "licença". If you suddenly see the crowd in front of you stepping aside you better do the same. They don't step aside to give you space. Most definitely there is a police patrol coming up behind you. If you don't step aside quickly you might have the unwanted pleasure of a big stick in your back.
* Police: There are lots of police patrols. There are Polícia Militar, Polícia de Choque, Polícia Civil and Policia do Exército. The police are very efficient and sometimes a bit brutal.
* Moving quickly: If you want to move quickly you just hang on after a police patrol that passes by. Stay close to the guy in the back. That way you can move quickly through the crowd.

PLACE TO STAY:
* IMO an apartment is the best choice, preferably in Barra where you'll have a lot of action. Choose an apartment at least two blocks away from the avenida so you can get some sleep. Don't stay to far away. An apartment nearby the action will be your heaven where you'll sleep, take a crap and invite the girls for a drink, to chill out, a refreshing shower, taking cover for heavy rain or just the opportunity of trying out a gringo.

PAYING FOR SEX:
* Carnaval days must be a real low season for the GP's. Regular girls are widely available everywhere. In the carnaval everybody is supposed to flirt, kiss and get laid. If you don't score regular girls in the Salvador Carnaval you are a hopeless case.

Stay safe and enjoy your carnaval.

Sperto
08-26-08, 20:28
I tried the link, but it didn't work. If you have time, I'd love to see what you've put together.
ryjer
http://www.micareta.com.br/

Cox Cock
08-27-08, 00:48
Sperto,

Well that is a real detailed guide thanks alot thanks for the contribution. I will keep the report with me all the time in Rio maybe we could hook up if you are in the city. Well it is quite funny how Rio de made out to be carnival-central meanwhile all the other cities have more life in them. Also apartments in Salvadour are quite hard to come by but not so expensive will look for some and report on my finding of apartments in Salvadour.

Tjmee
08-27-08, 03:02
PAYING FOR SEX:
* Carnaval days must be a real low season for the GP's. Regular girls are widely available everywhere. In the carnaval everybody is supposed to flirt, kiss and get laid. If you don't score regular girls in the Salvador Carnaval you are a hopeless case.

Stay safe and enjoy your carnaval.Haha. That was funny. So basically its like a party get them drunk and bone?

Tjmee
08-27-08, 03:03
When is the next carnaval for next year?

Sperto
08-27-08, 05:52
When is the next carnaval for next year?
Salvador: 19-25 of February, 2009.

Also apartments in Salvadour are quite hard to come by but not so expensive will look for some and report on my finding of apartments in Salvadour.
In Salvador there are lots of people offering apartments for rent during the carnaval. They often ask for absurd prices, but the last years there have been much fewer gringos so it has been quite easy finding apartments for R$ 1000.

Haha. That was funny. So basically its like a party get them drunk and bone?
Getting them drunk isn't necessary. At least it's not my tactics.

Poucolouco
08-27-08, 15:51
When is the next carnaval for next year?Rio de Janeiro 2009 - 21 a 24 de Fevereiro

http://www.rio.rj.gov.br/riotur/pt/pagina/?Canal=157

Sprite13
08-30-08, 07:03
Thanks Sperto for your very detailed report on the Salvador Carnaval.
Very much happreciated!

Valeu moço!

Brazil Specialist
08-31-08, 14:32
Great report, Sperto.
This should receive a link as an important report .............

Over half of what I would write in my off-season-carnival report.

If you just consult www.micareta.com.br you probably already find some off season carnival parties .............

A few comments .............


*** Pipoca is not for the faint of heart.

You are talking death by shootings and stabbings. Happens every year, not all the time but it happens.

Police beating the crap out of some people, hopefully only the ones that deserve it.

At least you will be among [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) drunk low life criminal favela rats with their gang friends showing off to the girls how tough they are

Unless you are guided by highly trustworthy street savy locals. And even most locals are scared of the Pipoca. I would not try it, unless you are extremely well informed and guided.

Why do you think so many people save all year to pay 1000 Reais to buy an Abada!? Like a simple girl pays 2 months' salary for it! Mainly it is safety .......


I never did a camarote, but it might be interesting. You can carefully venture in and out of the camarote, maybe stay close the the entrance. Maybe tip the security guys. Call girls to meet you at the back entrance of the camarote .........

Now I spent several micaretas at a hotel RIGHT at the avenida. Brought great ear plugs (a must) and also used them for sleep.

I picked a room at the back so the noise was not totally deafening. But you could not afford such a room at the main carnival in Salvador, but I was at a micareta in a small town.

Now I could walk in and out as often as I wanted and I stayed near the police posts.

Sperto
08-31-08, 15:56
Police beating the crap out of some people, hopefully only the ones that deserve it.....
At least you will be among [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) drunk low life criminal favela rats with their gang friends showing off to the girls how tough they are
Unless you are guided by highly trustworthy street savy locals. And even most locals are scared of the Pipoca. I would not try it, unless you are extremely well informed and guided.
Wow, you really know how to exaggerate. :)

* Pipoca in Salvador.

Of course there will be some violence. What else can be expected when millions of people party together?
I've seen gunfights, stabbings etc in the pipoca, but very few. I think the Salvador Carnaval is much less violent nowadays than it used to be.

There are still fights, mainly between overheated gangs. These gangs have like their "mission" to follow the blocos with Chiclete com Banana and Ivete Sangalo (which happens to be the most popular bands). They consider themselves to be true "chicleteiros". When these blocos pass everybody knows that it will be turbulence in the crowd.

Police brutality. Brutal and very efficient, but much less brutal than thery used to be. The police nowadays are all wearing kind of vests with numbers identifying them.

The avenida down in Barra is all covered by cameras during the carnival. They have a PM post down at the Farol where they have guys monitoring the crowd and direct police patrols to pick up trouble makers. I've seen these monitors once. Very impressing how they zoom in on the bad guys and pick them up.

I've spent the carnaval in Salvador almost every year since 1992 and I never had any real bad experience. The same goes for most of my friends with whom I spent the carnavals.

I've tried bloco and camarote. Nice, but not my cup of tea. In a street carnaval I want to be on the street and have fun.

If you really want to be totally safe and avoid all risks you're better of watching the carnaval at home in front of the TV. I doubt it will be that fun, but surely much safer.

Brazil Specialist
09-02-08, 09:01
Wow, you really know how to exaggerate. :)

* Pipoca in Salvador.

Of course there will be some violence. What else can be expected when millions of people party together?
I've seen gunfights, stabbings etc in the pipoca, but very few. I think the Salvador Carnaval is much less violent nowadays than it used to be.

There are still fights, mainly between overheated gangs.

For the faint of heart, like me, actually SEEING stabbings and gunfights is not my kind of relaxing fun atmosphere. So basically you confirm what I said.

I did not go to so many occasions, so I did not even personally witness any deadly violence.

Rather I just heard the lead singer of the trio eletrico swearing at a violent troublemaker (at 50 000 Watts of power certainly an experience the gangster will never forget) and showing police which way to go.

So I feel reconfirmed in my opinion. "Pipoca is not for the faint of heart" like me. I am a careful person that likes to avoid risk and danger.

Now, Sperto, you don't seem to be of faint heart, if actually witnessing gunfights and stabbings does not upset you.

Sperto
09-02-08, 11:45
For the faint of heart, like me, actually SEEING stabbings and gunfights is not my kind of relaxing fun atmosphere. So basically you confirm what I said.
I did not go to so many occasions, so I did not even personally witness any deadly violence.
Rather I just heard the lead singer of the trio eletrico swearing at a violent troublemaker (at 50 000 Watts of power certainly an experience the gangster will never forget) and showing police which way to go.
So I feel reconfirmed in my opinion. "Pipoca is not for the faint of heart" like me. I am a careful person that likes to avoid risk and danger.
Now, Sperto, you don't seem to be of faint heart, if actually witnessing gunfights and stabbings does not upset you.
Well, I didn't say that I didn't got upset.
Guns and knifes are exceptionally cases. The fight I witnessed, with guns involved was 15 years ago and it was over just as quickly as it started. Reasoning like you are doing you shouldn't go to the beach in Copa at New Year. Last year there were shootings at the beach (close to R Bãrao da Ipanema). There were also some lunatics with syringes sticking people among the crowd in front of the show.

Considering the amount of people in the Salvador carnaval I consider it quite calm. I've seen comparitively just as much (and sometimes more) violence in Micaretas in Fortaleza, Porto Seguro and Ilhéus.

In the pipoca I have no worries at all getting robbed. If they want to take my purse they have to get inside my underwear. I've seen many gringos becoming victims for pick-pockets and having their bags stolen. They have themselves to blame. In the carnaval you don't carry bags and don't put money in your pockets.

It's basically very simple: see how the locals do. You will not find anybody with a wallet in their pockets. Just for fun, ask somebody about the time. Just about nobody is wearing a watch.

Like always in Brazil there is one simple rule of avoiding danger and staying safe: USE COMMON SENSE!

The only violence you risk, if you're not of a provocative nature, is when getting stuck between two gangs that challenge each other. These gang-challinging almost just occur when Chiclete and Ivete pass by. The gangs always follow close to the trio, so maybe during 15 minutes in one day you will see this turbulence.

You're making a picture of the pipoca as highly dangerous adventure with a lot of drunk low-life favela-criminals doing their best to make the lifes miserable to the others.

That's absolutely the wrong picture. The majority in the pipoca are just ordinary brazilians with the intention of having a good party and maximum of fun. In the spot on the avenida where we usually hang out during the carnival we meet a lot of people coming back year after year. They are a total mixture of bahianos, cariocas, mineiros, black people, white people, middleclass and "lowclass". Nobody cares about the others background or social status. The only thing they care about is having fun and enjoying the carnival.

The feeling you get in the pipoca when a good trio pass by and everybody is going nuts, dancing, jumping, singing, kissing is just unbelievable. It's just like pipoca, that is popcorn.

Participating in a bloco is also fun, but don't fool yourself believing there doesn't occur violence inside the blocos. I've seen plenty of violence inside the blocos.

Carnaval in Salvador is about partying, having fun, enjoying great music, flirt and getting laid.

I think the best is to let everybody decide for themselves what suits them best. If it's their first time in the Salvador carnaval they can buy an abadá and go with a bloco a couple of days and stay in the pipoca the other days. If it's to much pressure on them they can buy a ticket to a camarote.

Bubba Boy
09-02-08, 18:18
I think you post is excellent on Salvador. I would not suggest any first time visitor to Brazil with no portuguese try to do it though. For experienced visitors it would be an option though.

Sperto
09-02-08, 19:26
i think you post is excellent on salvador. i would not suggest any first time visitor to brazil with no portuguese try to do it though. for experienced visitors it would be an option though.
i would recommend pipoca in salvador to anybody that likes to party and have sense enough to hide his money in his underwear.

every year there are thousands of gringos going there. they are having a great time. that goes for both male and female gringos. it seems like their only problem is pick-pockets.

i would recommend pipoca in salvador to anybody except to:
1. people who doesn't stand crowds.
2. people who doesn't like music and dancing.
3. people who doesn't stand a 6,5 days street-party.
4. people that easily get nervous, irritated and loose control.
5. people in very much need of high comfort. the beer you buy on the street might not be cold enough, the foodstand's hold low class, you might have to [CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134) on the beach and rain will get you soaking wet.
6. people who are paranoid and think that all bahianos with dark skin have the intention of robbing them.
7. people who get disturbed when a total stranger comes up and kiss you and then just dance away.

the warnings about pipoca seems very exaggerated to me. it reminds me of the horror-stories i heard about brazil before i went there the first time. "if you wears a watch they'll cut of your hand just to get it..."

Ryjerrob
09-02-08, 20:47
Carnaval is a great experience, and experiencing it at least once, I think, is a most. I think there's been some great information shared by Sperto, and others. I agree, certain areas aren't for the faint of heart, but it's a great experience. I for one would love to check this out. I don't necessarily scare easily, but I'm not someone to stand around and watch the violent activity. It's like driving in the states. Whenever there's an accident, traffic slows to a crawl, so people can just gawk. Not that I'm comparing the two in seriousness, but it's human nature to do it I guess.

Thanks for all the valuable info guys, much appreciated..........

ryjer

Leblon
09-03-08, 00:20
Use tennis shoes and tennis socks and put your money in socks. That is what locals do.

Money from pockets disappears without you even noticing.

I have been in these "blocos" (groups) in the street many times, it is really fun. But you need to be very fit physically, especially if you go many nights, it is possible to to six nights in a row, and every time it is like maraton. You are walking/dancing many kilometers and many hours in the street, inside your bloco. If your bloco starts in daytime, then there is sun/heat as additional burden. And second night you already have hangover when you start, but not for a long time.

By bloco I mean this group that is surrounded by rope and security guys, and everybody have same shirt, showing that they belong to bloco. There is trio electrico car playing music, and other car which have bar and toilet. There may be 4000 participants in biggest blocos, plus security guys holding rope around these 4000 people.

Everybody in bloco are drunk, many are drugged, everybody kissing everybody.
Don't take your girlfriend there because a) you cannot kiss other girls b) all the guys try to kiss/grab your girlfriend.

I have never had serious security problems, although I have seen lot of violence outside bloco. Sometimes it gets too crowded there, if you have problems with that it is better not to participate.

In my opinion there are two carnevals: Rio = all the foreign tourists go there and sit in the Sambadrom?? watching the parade.
Salvador = all the Brasileans who can manage go there to dance in the street and have fun.
From my opinion Salvador is million times more fun than Rio, I have been there maybe five times, participating these blocos every time. Pipoca is this restaurant where you are watching street life, right ?? It is safe but all the fun is there in the street in bloco.

If you go to Salvador carneval you should participate these blocos at least once, it is really fun. Buy ticket to more expensive bloco, then you are among higher income brasilians, many of them from Sao Paulo, they may behave better.

For mongering Rio carneval is better, it is difficult to find working girls from Salvador carneval, and anyway working girls all around the Brasil go to Rio in Carneval to cash all the foreign tourists.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

Sperto
09-03-08, 06:17
Pipoca is this restaurant where you are watching street life, right ??
Restaurant?

Bubba Boy
09-03-08, 07:00
Leblon, Pipoca is the Portuguese word for popcorn.

It is popular to call hyper active people or children in Portuguese "pipoca" because they resemble popcorn as it is being made IE jumping up and down making a lot of noise. Hence a certain section of the carnaval crowd dancing in the street is called the "pipoca".


What is obvious to some is not so obvious to others.

Sperto
09-03-08, 08:18
What is obvious to some is not so obvious to others.................True, but if somebody have passed carnaval in Salvador five times it's quite amazing that he has not picked up the word "pipoca". It's not like it's a secret word.

Leblon
09-04-08, 00:14
Leblon, Pipoca is the Portuguese word for popcorn.What, me stupid ?? Now I don't understand.

Yes, I am confusing two words here, Pipoca and barraca. So barraca is actually what I meant, these restaurant where you can watch streetlife.

I had to check that from google, first hit for Salvador Carneval was quite nice:
http://www.bahia-online.net/Carnival.htm

Buttman Returns
09-08-08, 11:16
Hi there,

I plan to stay in Salvador during carnaval (first time!) and was wondering how much it would cost to rent a small (studio) unit close to the beach in Barra?

I can appreciate that prices may vary significantly. What I'm after is nothing fancy, just a basic place to entertain garotas in, but preferably not too far from the action and with a safe to keep valuables.

Has anyone got any recommendations? Any information that I should consider? (E.g., is there a security man that might not let chicas in? Apologies if this question sounds stupid, but it's better be safe than sorry... ;-) )

Cheers,

BR

Sperto
09-08-08, 11:36
Hi there,

I plan to stay in Salvador during carnaval (first time!) and was wondering how much it would cost to rent a small (studio) unit close to the beach in Barra?

I can appreciate that prices may vary significantly. What I'm after is nothing fancy, just a basic place to entertain garotas in, but preferably not too far from the action and with a safe to keep valuables.

Has anyone got any recommendations? Any information that I should consider? (E.g., is there a security man that might not let chicas in? Apologies if this question sounds stupid, but it's better be safe than sorry... ;-) )

Cheers,

BR
If you book something in advance it will be very expensive, propably >R$ 2500.

If you arrive in Salvador the week the carnaval starts there will be lots of people everywhere in Barra offering apartments. These people are very greedy and will try to charge absurd prices.

The last days before the carnival starts they will understand that they will not rent their apartments unless they lower their prices. Prices will drop. A decent small apartment in a decent location in Barra should cost between R$800-1500 for the carnaval.

Just shop around and look at what they have to offer and bargain hard.

This year I paid R$ 1500 for the carnaval package. But it's a huge apartment in the best location. The apartment is very chique and should really cost much more. The girls loves the apartment. The owner is a wealthy female lawyer who would never rent it to a stranger. She makes an exception to me as I'm a "young and well-behaved" man (if she only knew what orgies I had in her bed). :D

P.S It might be hard to find an apartment with a safe.

Buttman Returns
09-09-08, 13:13
If you book something in advance it will be very expensive, propably >R$ 2500.

If you arrive in Salvador the week the carnaval starts there will be lots of people everywhere in Barra offering apartments. These people are very greedy and will try to charge absurd prices.

The last days before the carnival starts they will understand that they will not rent their apartments unless they lower their prices. Prices will drop. A decent small apartment in a decent location in Barra should cost between R$800-1500 for the carnaval.

Just shop around and look at what they have to offer and bargain hard.

This year I paid R$ 1500 for the carnaval package. But it's a huge apartment in the best location. The apartment is very chique and should really cost much more. The girls loves the apartment. The owner is a wealthy female lawyer who would never rent it to a stranger. She makes an exception to me as I'm a "young and well-behaved" man (if she only knew what orgies I had in her bed). :D

P.S It might be hard to find an apartment with a safe.

Thanks mate! I shall arrive in Salvador next month and stay for a month or so before heading north, so I'm hoping to be able to book in advance but not on the web, which may mean reasonable price? After all, I'm a 'young and well bahaved man' myself... ;-) hehehe

Well, at least now I've got some benchmark re prices, so thanks for that! :-)

Re safe, so what did you do with your valuables? I'm guessing you entertained some garotas you hadn't known personally beforehand? I would be worried about credit cards etc.?

Sperto
09-09-08, 13:58
Thanks mate! I shall arrive in Salvador next month and stay for a month or so before heading north, so I'm hoping to be able to book in advance but not on the web, which may mean reasonable price?
As I said...

If you book something in advance it will be very expensive, propably >R$ 2500.
I don't think you should expect any reasonable price if you make a booking.
Also, booking in advance would mean a payment in advance. Four months in advance... very bad idea if you don't know the owner of the apartment. When you come back in February the apartment might be rented out to somebody else.

Re safe, so what did you do with your valuables? I'm guessing you entertained some garotas you hadn't known personally beforehand?
1. In Salvador I target non-pro's, which are often reliable.
2. When I have a visit I always lock the door and hide the key. She can't leave unless I open.
3. I hide valuables in any good spot. There is normally a woman living in the apartment I rent. I hide my valuables in her clothes, in the kitchen or just any place at all that looks good.

Ryjerrob
09-09-08, 16:17
As I said...

2. When I have a visit I always lock the door and hide the key. She can't leave unless I open.

This is true of any apartment when bringing a girl home with you. It may be different if you develop a rapport with her. I always, I mean always, lock the door, and hide the key. I can remember being so trashed one night, that it took me 3 hours to find the key the next day. I took her to lunch for her troubles, and she thought a blow job would jog my memory...............go figure.

ryjer

El Minetero
09-10-08, 07:25
I forget the name now, it might be 'Stash Cans', you can buy what look like ordinary cans of deodorant, shaving cream and cleaning supplies, etc, and the bottom unscrews so you can put things inside. Most have a small chamber with the product in it, so it will spray or dispense. They don't cost a lot.

Note: Customs is aware of these containers, don't try to bring no no's back in them.

KT

Edward M
09-10-08, 15:41
3. I hide valuables in any good spot. There is normally a woman living in the apartment I rent. I hide my valuables in her clothes, in the kitchen or just any place at all that looks good.Be careful about hiding things in clothes. Women love to steal clothes.

Sperto
09-10-08, 16:43
Be careful about hiding things in clothes. Women love to steal clothes.
A good point.
Clothes, sheets, dogfood, on top of a lamp or anything that looks good. Just use your imagination.

Behind an electrical switch/contact works fine.

Hiding valuables in a 100% safe places (propably doesn't exist) isn't really a big concern to me. I usually don't drag home women that looks too suspicious. If I take home a real vagabunda I don't let her sleep over.

Anyway, she will not be able to leave without I open the door with my key.

Buttman Returns
09-11-08, 11:37
I forget the name now, it might be 'Stash Cans', you can buy what look like ordinary cans of deodorant, shaving cream and cleaning supplies, etc, and the bottom unscrews so you can put things inside. Most have a small chamber with the product in it, so it will spray or dispense. They don't cost a lot.

Note: Customs is aware of these containers, don't try to bring no no's back in them.

KT

That's brilliant! I've looked it up, and here we go...
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/838139/top_secret_stash_can/

Sperto
09-11-08, 12:26
That's brilliant! I've looked it up, and here we go...
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/838139/top_secret_stash_can/
Excellent!
Just hope the girls ain't thirsty.

Brazil Specialist
09-11-08, 16:00
Years ago, REI backpacking stores sold steel mesh bags in varying sizes. You would put your luggage inside that steel mesh and lock it with a steel cable to an unmovable object.

Very safe, very good idea. Except that it seems they don't sell it any more. Anyone has a suggestion where to get them?

Of course, best you only rent apartments with a safe with number lock, but Brazilians are too lazy and cheap to put that into their rental apartments. My apartment has several safes (contact me if interested, it is in Copacabana, though)

Girls don't steal deodorants?

And where do you hide keys safely, Sperto? only if you put it under your mattress where you sleep.

Sperto
09-11-08, 17:14
And where do you hide keys safely, Sperto? only if you put it under your mattress where you sleep.
Depends on the apartment. Usually after inviting a girl home, I go to get her something to drink and hide the key somewhere in the kitchen. Often in a place that she can't reach without standing on a chair or climbing.

Of course she could find they key if she have enough time and patience, but that requires that I'm being unconscious. That's not a worry of mine as I don't leave any drinks unattended (knockout-drops) and I don't get trashed when I have a new girl staying over.

Most of the times when travelling in Brazil I stay at hotels and pousadas. Not many places to hide valuables in a hotel room. I just put everything in my bag and lock it. They key I wear on a chain. When I have a guest sleeping over I hide the key wherever I think it's proper. So far no problems.

Balluba
09-11-08, 20:15
Girls don't steal deodorants?




Actually sometimes they do.

This girl, Eveline, had this bad habit, every time she left my place, she was into the bathroom, spraying herself with MY eu de toilette. And not just a little, she was stinking manhood. I asked her why she did this, she said she just enjoyed the smell, the flavour. I told her it was to way to expensive to play with, but she just drew on her shoulders.

Sometimes I dont understand women.

Dwilso39
09-11-08, 22:32
Depends on the apartment. Usually after inviting a girl home, I go to get her something to drink and hide the key somewhere in the kitchen. Often in a place that she can't reach without standing on a chair or climbing.

Of course she could find they key if she have enough time and patience, but that requires that I'm being unconscious. That's not a worry of mine as I don't leave any drinks unattended (knockout-drops) and I don't get trashed when I have a new girl staying over.

Most of the times when travelling in Brazil I stay at hotels and pousadas. Not many places to hide valuables in a hotel room. I just put everything in my bag and lock it. They key I wear on a chain. When I have a guest sleeping over I hide the key wherever I think it's proper. So far no problems.All,

I keep hearing aboutr the "knock-out" drops that happens to guys, but no one - that I know of - has ever had it happen to them; or anyone they know personally. Is this just an urban legend?

El Minetero
09-12-08, 04:40
OK, here it is: http://www.riverdaleorganics.com/cansafes.html

A wide assortment of ready made can safes, toiletries, cleaning agents, food, etc.

KT

Sperto
09-12-08, 06:06
All, I keep hearing aboutr the "knock-out" drops that happens to guys, but no one - that I know of - has ever had it happen to them; or anyone they know personally. Is this just an urban legend?
It's commonly knowned as Boa noite Cinderela. I think it's a mixture of Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamina.

Thank god, I never had the unwanted pleasure of trying that mix. Although I ran into several gringos in Brazil who had been drugged by BNC. GP's put the BNC in their drinks. When waking up the girls had cleaned out their apartments/hotel rooms.

The Watcher
09-12-08, 16:09
All,

I keep hearing aboutr the "knock-out" drops that happens to guys, but no one - that I know of - has ever had it happen to them; or anyone they know personally. Is this just an urban legend?

I have two friends who succumbed to the "knock-out" drops.

Sprite13
09-13-08, 05:36
Im coming for Carnaval in Rio, it will be my first carnaval. What is the best way to get tickets to the parades. Someone told me that tickets can only be purchased once they are made available, not at this time. Is that true? And when are tickets usually made available? How much would I be looking at for a good ticket in say sections 5,7 or 11 of the Sambodromo?

Thanks a lot.

JohnnyBraz
09-13-08, 09:48
It's commonly knowned as Boa noite Cinderela. I think it's a mixture of Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamina.

Thank god, I never had the unwanted pleasure of trying that mix. Although I ran into several gringos in Brazil who had been drugged by BNC. GP's put the BNC in their drinks. When waking up the girls had cleaned out their apartments/hotel rooms.I always put all my money and keys in a digital safe, my last trip in August, the apartment did not have one in, but adriaan from Rio penthouses had one off his own installed for me. As for getting done with bnc women are more likley to do it too a Rio newbie, when you are spending a few months a year in Rio you become known to gdp's. I never take skanky women back, I always go for the top five in help. Other than that it is the termas. In saying that I had a stunner who was easily the best in help, spent 2 nights with her, 450r per night, she had the nerve to ask for my loose 1 real coins. And the sex was not all that, I only repeted as I had quite a bit to drink the first night with her, then went to club 00 in gavea the 2nd night with her. Some mongers may say why 450r, well italians were offering her 1000 reals in front off me. 450r was the best I could get her for. Boring sex.

Poucolouco
09-13-08, 13:42
Im coming for Carnaval in Rio, it will be my first carnaval. What is the best way to get tickets to the parades. Someone told me that tickets can only be purchased once they are made available, not at this time. Is that true? And when are tickets usually made available? How much would I be looking at for a good ticket in say sections 5,7 or 11 of the Sambodromo? Thanks a lot.Tickets are on sale now.

www.rio-carnival.net/samba_parade/sambaparadeticketreservation.php

Sprite13
09-14-08, 07:52
Tickets are on sale now.

www.rio-carnival.net/samba_parade/sambaparadeticketreservation.php

Thanks but the link doesnt work...

Poucolouco
09-14-08, 14:32
Thanks but the link doesnt work...Try it this way:

http://www.rio-carnival.net/

Jan 156
09-18-08, 14:42
Tickets are on sale now.

www.rio-carnival.net/samba_parade/sambaparadeticketreservation.php

The general (official) advice I've received andd from talking to friends in Rio is that the safest is to buy they from the official outlet in Rio. If you buy them from a dealer not only do you normally pay more (sometimes *much* more) but what you actually receive is a voucher to exchange for a ticket. It's the exchange business, and delays and problems at that stage, that are the worry.

I'll be there well ahead of the date and getting my tickets in situ. I'm also hoping to take part in the official parade so give me a wave ;-)



Sprite - I take it you know a little bit about the Carnaval, the schools competing and so on? It's a help, in order to get the best value IMO. (Imagine going to a World Cup and not knowing the rules of the game or anything about the teams . . . ) As it's an expensive business (mostly as hotel prices rocket) it's as well to make the most of it. I recommend going to some of the rehearsals at Sambodrome (free) in the lead up too - gives you an idea of the flavour and hysteria! I expect you *do* know all this already - but thought I'd mention it in case it's helpful to others.

Poucolouco
09-18-08, 18:25
The general (official) advice I've received andd from talking to friends in Rio is that the safest is to buy they from the official outlet in Rio. If you buy them from a dealer not only do you normally pay more (sometimes *much* more) but what you actually receive is a voucher to exchange for a ticket. It's the exchange business, and delays and problems at that stage, that are the worry. It is a good idea to read and understand the seating at Sambodromo before you purchase your tickets. Grand Stand seats are cheap but very uncomfortable. http://www.rio-carnival.net/sambodromo/sambodromo.php

Although tickets (Ingressos) are allocated very early by the authorities they only issue vouchers to all agencies and applicants. These vouchers can be exchanged by the agents for the actual magnetic tickets only one week before Carnival, for security reasons and to avoid fraud. Tickets are priced differently by the individual agents after the central allocation, reflecting their pricing policy. Agencies who source tickets from the central allocation charge less. Agencies using other intermediaries will charge more.

Last year I purchased mine from Bradesco, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 615. Castelo. Centro near the Tribunal de Justiça. I paid R$110 each for Setor 13 Cadeiras.comparable tickets were being sold by agents in Copacabana for R$150 to R$175. At the Sambodromo, scalpers were asking R$200 to R$250 for the same Setor.

The Sambodromo Samba Parade Rehearsals take place on the samba run-way itself. They start in November and are held on weekends. You can enjoy the Sambodromo experience for free in the Grand Stands. This is a fun alternative if you will not have the opportunity to attend during Carnaval.

Jazzy Daddy
09-18-08, 19:50
Christopherd,

I've got my hotel for 3 weeks in Centro, can't wait. I'm waiting for the schools to put their SONG on the web (I've heard it's best to get the SONG under control)and the costume prices.

Are you in SEA now?

Sprite13
09-19-08, 03:42
Christopherd,
Yes I agree with you that its best to get there a little bit before Carnaval which I will be doing. I am pretty sure I can arrange to parade with Salgueiro through personal connections as my one of my non pro has a friend who is a member of the Diretoria of Salgueiro. But the team I want to parade with is the one I have been cheering for the past few years, Viradouro from Niteroi.


Speaking of the World Cup, its going to be HUGE when it comes to Brasil in 2014. Just a tip, if I may to all in here, if you want to make a killing of an investment, buy a property in one of the cities which will be hosting a World Cup game in 2014. Prices will take off like crazy!

Thanks also Poucolouco for your contribution, much appreciated.

Valeu galera,


The general (official) advice I've received andd from talking to friends in Rio is that the safest is to buy they from the official outlet in Rio. If you buy them from a dealer not only do you normally pay more (sometimes *much* more) but what you actually receive is a voucher to exchange for a ticket. It's the exchange business, and delays and problems at that stage, that are the worry.

I'll be there well ahead of the date and getting my tickets in situ. I'm also hoping to take part in the official parade so give me a wave ;-)



Sprite - I take it you know a little bit about the Carnaval, the schools competing and so on? It's a help, in order to get the best value IMO. (Imagine going to a World Cup and not knowing the rules of the game or anything about the teams . . . ) As it's an expensive business (mostly as hotel prices rocket) it's as well to make the most of it. I recommend going to some of the rehearsals at Sambodrome (free) in the lead up too - gives you an idea of the flavour and hysteria! I expect you *do* know all this already - but thought I'd mention it in case it's helpful to others.

Jan 156
09-19-08, 11:52
Christopherd,

I've got my hotel for 3 weeks in Centro, can't wait. I'm waiting for the schools to put their SONG on the web (I've heard it's best to get the SONG under control)and the costume prices.


I'm using last year's prices as a guide for costumes.

So how's your samba coming along? ;-)

Jan 156
10-22-08, 10:49
Is anyone interested in sharing the cost of private samba lessons in the run up to carnaval? I use an English-speaking teacher from the (Centro) ccc dance-school who is good (I've used her a number of times to improve my forro). I plan to get her to reduce her prices a bit by booking a block of lessons, but having two or three people serious about samba in the classes would keep costs down without diluting the tuition much. PM me if interested.

Sprite13
10-25-08, 05:40
How much is that person asking for for the samba lessons? I might be interested.

Jan 156
10-25-08, 08:22
How much is that person asking for for the samba lessons? I might be interested.

have PMd you

Sprite13
11-02-08, 06:30
have PMd you

Thanks Christopher.

I will be arriving more than likely on the saturday of Carnaval. After a couple of hours of siesta to recharge my batteries, what would be the best option to spend the Saturday night during the weekend of Carnaval. What-which ball will be best to attend for a wild time. I am specifically looking for feedback for those who have done Rio the weekend of Carnaval.

Valeu galera.

Jack1212
11-04-08, 10:07
First Time poster long time lurker. Set to go to Rio Brazil during Carnaval. Can't Wait. Ive been hearing about all these mongering stories and will soon share my own.

Sprite13
11-15-08, 09:33
During carnaval, Termas are not really needed, but out of curiosity, which terams are usually open during Carnaval is there like a theme night during that time?

EasyEase
11-22-08, 22:50
Hey Sperto,

Great tips, thank you so much. I have booked a flight and a hotel for Carnival in Savador (3 days) + Rio (1day). Since it is my first visit to Brazil (a dream comes true!) i think your tips are very valuable.

I am already training on my stepper to get fit till feb09 to dance all 3 days long.

Regards,

Yega


Salvador is the place where you'll have the biggest street carnaval.

You have two expensive solutions of staying safe in the carnaval. Spending a

SNIP

girls in the Salvador Carnaval you are a hopeless case.

Stay safe and enjoy your carnaval.

EasyEase
12-15-08, 00:33
I will be in the first 2 days of the Carnival in Salvador and the 2 last days in Rio. I am looking for a place for group sex. I enjoy most when i see and be seen. Does anyone knows such places in Salvador or Rio?

If there isnt, are some here interested to meet and rent a big place get more chicks and meetup for a big sex party?

Are the Termas open at Carnival? If not are there any alternatives?

Hey, i want to thank everyone who contributes to ISG, i was able to understand more and will be more prepared.

Regards,

Yega

Madd Love
12-15-08, 13:46
I will be in the first 2 days of the Carnival in Salvador and the 2 last days in Rio. I am looking for a place for group sex. I enjoy most when i see and be seen. Does anyone knows such places in Salvador or Rio?

If there isnt, are some here interested to meet and rent a big place get more chicks and meetup for a big sex party?

Are the Termas open at Carnival? If not are there any alternatives?

Hey, i want to thank everyone who contributes to ISG, i was able to understand more and will be more prepared.

Regards,

Yega

Let me know I might be in the area in Rio and wouldn't mind meeting up to rent out a spot to throw a sex party

Jan 156
12-16-08, 12:05
happy to chip in on that - always enjoy a good orgy

EasyEase
12-16-08, 18:17
happy to chip in on that - always enjoy a good orgyOk, so we are 3 males + X Females already.

In Salvador or in Rio?

Dwilso39
12-16-08, 18:30
Ok, so we are 3 males + X Females already.

In Salvador or in Rio?I will be in Rio of Carnaval; would love to meet up. Let me know the price.

Jan 156
12-17-08, 04:40
Ok, so we are 3 males + X Females already.

In Salvador or in Rio?

I maybe picked you up wrong - if you do an orgy at a top terma it will cost a fortune. I was thinking more of private arrangements. Good luck though. :-)

Sombo
12-23-08, 10:27
I'm staying in Rio for 10 days, but don't want to commit to one place at such high prices with upfront money required. I noticed that many are spending just a few days in Rio. How are you getting around the 10 day requirement? Must I go to a hotel instead?

Jan 156
12-23-08, 17:18
I'm staying in Rio for 10 days, but don't want to commit to one place at such high prices with upfront money required. I noticed that many are spending just a few days in Rio. How are you getting around the 10 day requirement? Must I go to a hotel instead?

Are you going for Carnaval? (Seeing as how you've posted on the Carnaval thread.) And if you are, are you going primarily for the Sambodromo parade and happy to monger downtown during the day? If so, one of the city-centre Ibis hotels might suit you. Girl-friendly (you pay for the room, not the number of occupants).

If you're new to RJ you will probably want to stay in Copa. If you want an apartment and (sensibly) don't want to commit upfront, you could travel with only a light backpack and inspect several before deciding.

But changing accommodation in Rio can be tiring.

Sombo
12-25-08, 09:25
Are you going for Carnaval? (Seeing as how you've posted on the Carnaval thread.) And if you are, are you going primarily for the Sambodromo parade and happy to monger downtown during the day? If so, one of the city-centre Ibis hotels might suit you. Girl-friendly (you pay for the room, not the number of occupants).

If you're new to RJ you will probably want to stay in Copa. If you want an apartment and (sensibly) don't want to commit upfront, you could travel with only a light backpack and inspect several before deciding.

But changing accommodation in Rio can be tiring.Yes going to Canaval for traditional fun. Can you give me more info about the Ibis hotels, especially girl friendly ones? Would like to know price and if accommodations are decent (maybe at least 3 star). I do want to be in Copa but would rather go to Inpanema if prices were comparable.

Jan 156
12-28-08, 17:14
Yes going to Canaval for traditional fun. Can you give me more info about the Ibis hotels, especially girl friendly ones? Would like to know price and if accommodations are decent (maybe at least 3 star). I do want to be in Copa but would rather go to Inpanema if prices were comparable.

You can find details of Ibis prices on their website. I only know the Centro one (as far as I know, they only have one other, which is sort of out of centro, and I don;t know of one in Ipa or Copa). They roughly double to triple for carnaval. Ibis are girl friendly.

By 'traditional' fun, I guess you mean mongering.

Goga Fung
01-06-09, 06:03
I'm going to Carnaval in February. Let me know if anybody wants to hangout, go to thermas and girl hunting.

What is better to buy Carnaval tickets in advance, or I could buy them right there?

thank you.

Madd Love
01-06-09, 13:58
I'm going to Carnaval in February. Let me know if anybody wants to hangout, go to thermas and girl hunting.

What is better to buy Carnaval tickets in advance, or I could buy them right there?

thank you.Most Terma's are closed during carnival

Sehns
01-07-09, 04:50
Most Terma's are closed during carnivalTalk about raining on our parade.

StickShifterX
01-07-09, 14:16
I will be in Rio for Carnival. Have an apartment in Copa. Let me know if anyone wants to meet up and go ahve fun.

Ohp1972
01-07-09, 16:39
Most Terma's are closed during carnival
Most are, but I do believe some of the Copa one's are still open during Carnaval. For sure Monte Carlo is, one of the garotas I use to F*ck on the regular use to work there.... And they had themed nights during Carnaval!!! So, all is NOT Lost!!!

Jan 156
01-07-09, 16:46
Most are, but I do believe some of the Copa one's are still open during Carnaval. For sure Monte Carlo is, one of the garotas I use to F*ck on the regular use to work there.... And they had themed nights during Carnaval!!! So, all is NOT Lost!!!

My guess is that Mimosa hardly notices there's a Carnaval . . .

Ohp1972
01-07-09, 16:49
My guess is that Mimosa hardly notices there's a Carnaval . . .
Now that, I couldn't tell you about???

Goga Fung
01-07-09, 19:32
I will be in Rio for Carnival. Have an apartment in Copa. Let me know if anyone wants to meet up and go ahve fun.StickShifterX,

I tried to PM you but your profile does not accept messages. You can email me [Email address deleted by Admin] Or PM me. I also have an apto in Copa during the Carnaval.

I'm glad that some thermas will still be opened.

For Brazil visa, is it really that necessary to get Yellow Fever Immunization & the International certificate? They say you need to have it if you've recently traveled to Colombia and some other countries. Where do you get the certificate?

EDITOR's NOTE: This report was edited to remove email addresses in the text. Please do not post email addresses in the Forum. Instead, please invite other Forum Members to contact you directly via the Forum's Private Messaging system. Thanks!

Jan 156
01-07-09, 22:11
I will be in Rio for Carnival. Have an apartment in Copa. Let me know if anyone wants to meet up and go ahve fun.Errrm . . . depends what part of Copa you're in. If you're at the Isabel end no harm meeting up for a beer. If you're the other end, or near Help, my experience is that it's a whole lotta hassle very often organising stuff (at least from my end). I'm not big on mongering with other people unless we have social interests in common.* Also, during Carnaval, my head will be full of carnaval stuff and that's mostly what I'll want to talk about and to people who know a bit about the schools and stuff. Sex is just the froth on the beer.

*exceptions maybe being hardcore stuff with guys of like mind and who know their way around

Sprite13
01-10-09, 05:28
I will also be there during Carnaval, staying at the Rio Othon Palace. I do speak fluent Portuguese and would be cool to meet with some fellow hobbyests in here. Usually when I come to Brasil, I do not spend much time in Rio but rather in the other parts of the country, so I wouldnt mind to meet with some Rio pros to go to some blocos during the Carnaval and go together to the Sambodromo for the parades on the Sunday and Monday night. I Love samba and I have been religiously following the parades of the past few years on TV at home. So any samba lovers want to meet up for some cold caipirinhas, samba chats and bunda hunt, pm me!

Also, a major question I have right now:

I arrive in Rio on Saturday the 21th of Feb in the afternoon. For the evening that day, would it be better to go to a terma like Monte Carlo or L uomo or even 4X4 or go to a Ball. Which one is the better option in terms of fun?

And one more thing: is the Rio Othon Palace still a no-no in terms of allowing a girl in at night?

Thanks.

Jan 156
01-10-09, 20:01
I will also be there during Carnaval, staying at the Rio Othon Palace. I do speak fluent Portuguese and would be cool to meet with some fellow hobbyests in here. Usually when I come to Brasil, I do not spend much time in Rio but rather in the other parts of the country, so I wouldnt mind to meet with some Rio pros to go to some blocos during the Carnaval and go together to the Sambodromo for the parades on the Sunday and Monday night. I Love samba and I have been religiously following the parades of the past few years on TV at home. So any samba lovers want to meet up for some cold caipirinhas, samba chats and bunda hunt, pm me!

Also, a major question I have right now:
I arrive in Rio on Saturday the 21th of Feb in the afternoon. For the evening that day, would it be better to go to a terma like Monte Carlo or L uomo or even 4X4 or go to a Ball. Which one is the better option in terms of fun?


Yep - get in touch - also a buddy I met from the forum last year is taking part in the Sambadrome parade with me hopefully. But you are arriving on the first day of the parades - have you got tickets yet? Which sector? Sounds to me it's a lot to orgabise in one afternoon/evening. You do realise it will be mental. I suppose if you are totally sorted you could do 4x4 easier if it's open as it's on the way sort of. I'm not a big fan of the expensive termas but if I was taking a chance I'd go for 4x4 as it's a no-brainer in terms of facilities and lack of hassle (A couple of Metro stops or almost walking distance). If you do L'Uomo you could get to Sambodrome thru the underpass that goes beneath Corcovado.

You're lucky to get the carnaval on tv - wish I could. Don't know if it'd prepare you though, except at least you have a good idea of the schools and the ideas behind it. I'm trying not to think about it too much or I could risk getting overwhelmed by the sheer scale of numbers and emotion there.

So yeah - happy to meet up for Carnaval stuff - was going to PM you anyway - though I doubt if we have similar monger tastes.

Jazzy Daddy
01-10-09, 23:52
[QUOTE=Christopherd]Yep - get in touch - also a buddy I met from the forum last year is taking part in the Sambadrome parade with me hopefully.

Sim christophered, eu estarei na desfile com você...

Jan 156
01-11-09, 01:09
Sim christophered, eu estarei na desfile com você...

. . . as well as being a better dancer, he speaks better Portuguese than me. Harumph! (Actually Jazzy Daddy is a way cool dude!)

But it's the actual parade I'm trying not to think about too much in case the sheer volume of emotion generated by that crowd explodes my head.

Veja-o logo, meu amigo!

Sprite13
01-11-09, 07:10
Yep - get in touch - also a buddy I met from the forum last year is taking part in the Sambadrome parade with me hopefully. But you are arriving on the first day of the parades - have you got tickets yet? Which sector? Sounds to me it's a lot to orgabise in one afternoon/evening. You do realise it will be mental. I suppose if you are totally sorted you could do 4x4 easier if it's open as it's on the way sort of. I'm not a big fan of the expensive termas but if I was taking a chance I'd go for 4x4 as it's a no-brainer in terms of facilities and lack of hassle (A couple of Metro stops or almost walking distance). If you do L'Uomo you could get to Sambodrome thru the underpass that goes beneath Corcovado.

You're lucky to get the carnaval on tv - wish I could. Don't know if it'd prepare you though, except at least you have a good idea of the schools and the ideas behind it. I'm trying not to think about it too much or I could risk getting overwhelmed by the sheer scale of numbers and emotion there.

So yeah - happy to meet up for Carnaval stuff - was going to PM you anyway - though I doubt if we have similar monger tastes.

Christopher,
I arrive on the saturday afternoon. The Rio desfile is on Sunday and Monday nights. I want to just chill on the saturday night at either one of the termas or a ball. Also, I am not discarding the option of going to the Sambodromo the saturday night for the parade of the Grupo de Accesso.

This time, mongering wise, I would like to sample the centro options and why not check the famous Vila Mimosa and spend a night at Lapa with a regular or some terma girl. Before leaving for Rio, I will contact you to meet for a drink and then we shall let the adventure take us.

You will parade with which school? Lucky you man! I would love to do it but it wil probably be for next year. This year, I will be a spectator at the Sambodromo. Dont have the tickets yet, I am searching desperately now for a way to get some for the 2 nights at a reasonable price for sector 7 or 9.

Yeah, its great to be able to watch Carnaval on TV, I am lucky I have TV Globo Internacional at home and of course, the dvds of the past few years Rio parades.

Which school do you think will win this year? As I always, I will be cheering for Viradouro, my team and I also enjoy very much Salgueiro. It would be boring if Beija Flor were to win yet again (but gotta admit, they are just amazing!).

Btw, are you in Rio now Chris?
Do you know of any good ball to attend for the Saturday of Carnaval?

Valeu moço.

Jan 156
01-11-09, 07:38
The Rio desfile is on Sunday and Monday nights.
My mistake - you're right of course :)

TummySangs
01-14-09, 22:02
I am there from the 14-17th in the Copacabana area.

Let me know if anyone else is.

TummySangs
01-14-09, 22:21
Is it a wrong time to go a week or two before the carnival to Rio? Are prices really jacked up by the termas and GDP's? Also are there lesser number of girls around during this time?

Bimbo Boy
01-15-09, 10:51
Hello fellow mongerers,

I am planning some holidays in the Northeast region. I am looking for the finest beaches (praias), and also for the places where there is some action (garotas de programa). I would also like do so some good dune buggy.

Which places would you recommend ?

Thanks for your answers. Kind regards. B.B.

Jan 156
01-15-09, 12:00
Is it a wrong time to go a week or two before the carnival to Rio? Are prices really jacked up by the termas and GDP's? Also are there lesser number of girls around during this time?

Only difference I noticed same time last year was hotel prices tripled. Even so, there were some that didn't.

Anyway, if you've booked already it's a bit late to worry. If the 4x4 meat is too expensive you can always try local cooking ;)

StickShifterX
01-15-09, 17:26
Sounds like there will be a few of us there for Carnival, so ready for it.

George90
01-16-09, 05:11
Hello fellow mongerers,

I am planning some holidays in the Northeast region. I am looking for the finest beaches (praias), and also for the places where there is some action (garotas de programa). I would also like do so some good dune buggy.

Which places would you recommend ?

Thanks for your answers. Kind regards. B.B.

Fortaleza! Natal / Ponta Negra as well!

TummySangs
01-16-09, 17:22
Sounds like there will be a few of us there for Carnival, so ready for it.When are you arriving in Rio? Just the day of the carnival?

Jan 156
01-17-09, 15:07
If there's a few people who wish to socialise in and around Carnaval it might be a nice idea (if that's what you have in mind).

However, I am no fan of mongering with people. There is simply no point unless you want to go to 4x4 for some social crack or maybe organise an orgy. Both of these options strike me as too expensive for what you get.

The idea of going round VM in a crowd sounds gross. I'm not even keen on handholding one person. (There's no shortage of info on how to get there etc and I'm happy to fill in blanks on here.) I've introduced one or two people who I've already met and had fun socialising with but that's different. There's equally no point in going to the cheapo 1R a minute termas 'with' someone in my books - what do you do? you go to the door and then go into a stairwell where only one person can pass? No thanks ;-)

Mongering to me, is not enough to indicate commonality of interests, not when there's thousands of mongers lol.

If anyone fancies socialising, these are some of my interests in case you happen to already share them - Brasilian music, Brasilian dance, working out (usually in the pishy gym on Isabella cos it's close, but have done Lagoa occasionally too), fine art (eg Opera if there's any on at Teatro M.)

In other people I look for firstly a sense of good manners (by Brasilian standards not yours), an ability to hold a (intelligent) conversation on a wide variety of topics, and the ability to treat all women (working or non-working) with respect.

If that sounds like your idea of male bonding great, but I'm sure I would bug the hell out of many people and vice versa so thought I'd try to be honest about what I'm like.

For anyone interested, I'll no doubt check out the listings early Feb and into March. One place I could recommend is CCC's which is a jazz club near Praca Tiradentes. It's very upmarket without being expensive, has live music most nights, good food, and absolutely no p4p. Jazzy Daddy and I hit it last year and had a great night.

Gangles
01-22-09, 13:53
I am planning to visit Rio later this year, and I am budgeting.

Can anyone tell me about how much is a taxi from the airport to a hotel in Copacabana please?

Are taxis generally honest about using their meters?

Gangles

Jake993
01-22-09, 15:57
I am planning to visit Rio later this year, and I am budgeting.

Can anyone tell me about how much is a taxi from the airport to a hotel in Copacabana please?

Are taxis generally honest about using their meters?

Gangles IMHO the safest and most efficient way to get to Copcabana from Galeao (if you are a first timer) is by special taxi. After you get done with immigration and customs, buy a ticket from one of the lovely girls at the stand for R90. It's a fixed price according to a chart. They even take American Express. Have the address of the place you want to go written down in advance (For example Endereço: Rua J.J. Seabra, 21 - Jardim Botânico - Rio de Janeiro) and show the taxi driver. No fuss, no stress. There are plenty of cheaper ways to get to Copa from the airport but in my humble opinion none more efficient if you are a rookie.

Eros74
01-22-09, 17:18
Gangles I did exactly the same as Jake993 suggested you, he said the same to me, I was worry enough, but it is so easy, so fast, so hasslefree to do in this way. I paid 38$ till copa and besides the girls were no nice LOL I will everytime do like this.

However it seems it is cheaper from copa to airport, the man rented me the flat, told me, he has a cab that cost me 60-70 reais from copa to airport.

Madd Love
01-29-09, 17:12
Unidos da Tijuca
Avenida Francisco Bicalho, 47.
entrance R$ 20, and start 11PM.

February 6, 13
Avenue Borges de Medeiros, 829
the branch offices Leblon and Ipanema the Proforma Academy
20 R$ to enter

Pipe Layer99
01-30-09, 06:55
IMHO the safest and most efficient way to get to Copcabana from Galeao (if you are a first timer) is by special taxi. After you get done with immigration and customs, buy a ticket from one of the lovely girls at the stand for R90. It's a fixed price according to a chart. They even take American Express. Have the address of the place you want to go written down in advance (For example Endereço: Rua J.J. Seabra, 21 - Jardim Botânico - Rio de Janeiro) and show the taxi driver. No fuss, no stress. There are plenty of cheaper ways to get to Copa from the airport but in my humble opinion none more efficient if you are a rookie.


If you need a ride just go upstairs and grab a taxi. Pass thru customs and all the touts downstairs - go upstairs and grab a cab. Get one who just dropped off someone. They are going back to the city anyway. Before you get in point to the meter and say meter (and nod your head)? Its real easy. If you have your apt or hotel written down, give them the address.

Sprite13
02-06-09, 05:46
Just got my tickets for the sambodromo for the 2 nights, sector 7 at 310 bucks per night. Is anyone attending the parades at the sambodromo? Does anyone of those of you who will be attending the parade fancy to meet before going there for a drink?

Also, for those who have already done the sambodromo during parade nights, is it safe to bring a pocket size cam corder or should I settle for a digital camera?

Also, for those in the know, what would be the best and funnest way to spend the saturday night of carnaval as I will be arriving that day? Would it be:
a) a terma
b) going to a ball
c) street parties
d) lapa

I would appreciate any feedback and tips from those in the know about Rio during Carnaval time.

Madd Love
02-06-09, 14:39
Just go to help.
Many termas are closed during carnival.
You might have fun at other balls too. The most famous is at the Copacabana Palace.
Street parties are everywhere so do a little of it all.

Jan 156
02-06-09, 15:25
Just got my tickets for the sambodromo for the 2 nights, sector 7 at 310 bucks per night. Is anyone attending the parades at the sambodromo? Does anyone of those of you who will be attending the parade fancy to meet before going there for a drink?


I´m going with a mate off the forum - we´re both in full fancy dress as we´re parading with Beia-Flor.* Am still hagling over bl**dy tickets as well as getting the costume delivered. 310 sounds a not bad price for Setor 7. General advice from cariocas is take anything you can put down the front of your shorts. A ´Flip´** Cam is ok I guess.

There´s two tickets sources afaaik - Riotur/Liesa in Alfandega (who pass you on to other outlets for certain tickets) an the agencies, that charge up to double or triple. There´s still some tickets to go on sale at ´normal´prices.


*anyone else wants to do this, try going to Samba City as I did instead of way out to Nilopolis. Check your school has ones available. B-Flor is around gate 11.
**groovy little American invention the size of an iPod and an idiot proof stop-start button.

Jazzy Daddy
02-06-09, 19:53
[QUOTE=Sprite13]Just got my tickets for the sambodromo for the 2 nights, sector 7 at 310 bucks per night. QUOTE]

What is the currency reais,dollars,euros,pounds? Thanks.

Sprite13
02-07-09, 02:15
Jazz,
It is $US310 from this site:
http://www.rio-carnival.net/samba_parade/sambaparadeticketreservation.php

Since I didn't have any one trustworthy in Rio to buy the tickets at local price for me, I bought as I really want to watch the parades. I have been watching them on tv for the past few years.

Sprite13
02-08-09, 07:58
Here is a great resources for the schedule of the blocos in Rio during the week of Carnaval:

http://odia.terra.com.br/carnaval/blocos.asp

Let the fun and party start!:)

Jazzy Daddy
02-09-09, 03:48
Jazz,
It is $US310 from this site:
http://www.rio-carnival.net/samba_parade/sambaparadeticketreservation.php

Since I didn't have any one trustworthy in Rio to buy the tickets at local price for me, I bought as I really want to watch the parades. I have been watching them on tv for the past few years.

Thanks for the feedback...

Jan 156
02-10-09, 15:04
With Carnaval coming up, I thought some other forum would-be samba dancers might find this as amusing / instructive as I did.

source: originally Mangueira

How to samba (man´s version)

Find yourself a street corner and pretend it´s the edge of the quadra. Practice just standing there. You should feel loose, but pleasantly expectant. Check how much time elapses befpre you feel the need to look at your watch. When you can complete a two-to-three hour stint without having to know the time, you are ready to start practice.

1. The first thing is attitude. You should look and feel relaxed, yet vigilant, playful and ready to pounce. A slouching posture is easiest, but some crack sambistas manage a straight-backed nonchalance that is highly prized. Practice both and decide which suits you.

2. Put the music on. Listen to the beat. It is the road you will walk on, but whatever flow develops in your movements will come from the little plinking guitar or banjo pegging away just behind the singer. Your task is to follow the drums with your feet and spell out their rhythm by flinging your legs as far away from your torso on every beat. Master this, then practice the same movement with your torso casually thrown back at a forty-five degree tilt.

3. As your legs cut circles in the air with your torso planed back away from them, it is critical that your head remain level, as if you were dancing wedged under a shelf. Hopping up and down is tasteless. Also, don´t fall down.

4. If you have mastered cakewalking in place, swinging your legs under and over each other as if you were climbing an invisible spiral staircase, and pulling up to a sharp halt after sliding sideways very fast with your feet, you are ready to time your performances. Timing is the difference between dancing to devastating effect and looking like a fool.

5. Remain in your street-corner mode until a woman approaches. Let her walk by. Let a few more women pass. Remember, you´re not desperate.

6. Wait until a woman you really like comes along, and let her go just past the point where she can see you out of the corner of her eye. Break into samba. If your energy is strong, she will perceive your movement with her back and turn around. Stop. Smile. (Not at her!) Tug your clothes sharply into place. Wait for another woman. Repeat many times. With luck, a woman will eventually walk by who turns your spinal column to jelly and sets your ears on fire. She will stop and look at you and smile and avert her eyes and look at you again and start to walk away and turn and grin and throw caution to the wind and break into samba and you´ll move right up and dance a couple of circles around her and shrug up behind her real slow and catch her by the hips and circle her down to the floor and spatter a starstorm of steps around her feet and grab her and carry her home and ride her and catch her screams in your ears and lie back and breathe easy and watch her wash up and sing and cook and ask you for a cigarette and give you the eye.

If none of this happens, you can always form a circle with other men and really dance.

Ryjerrob
02-10-09, 22:33
With Carnaval coming up, I thought some other forum would-be samba dancers might find this as amusing / instructive as I did.

source: originally Mangueira

How to samba (man´s version)

Find yourself a street corner and pretend it´s the edge of the quadra. Practice just standing there. You should feel loose, but pleasantly expectant. Check how much time elapses befpre you feel the need to look at your watch. When you can complete a two-to-three hour stint without having to know the time, you are ready to start practice.

1. The first thing is attitude. You should look and feel relaxed, yet vigilant, playful and ready to pounce. A slouching posture is easiest, but some crack sambistas manage a straight-backed nonchalance that is highly prized. Practice both and decide which suits you.

2. Put the music on. Listen to the beat. It is the road you will walk on, but whatever flow develops in your movements will come from the little plinking guitar or banjo pegging away just behind the singer. Your task is to follow the drums with your feet and spell out their rhythm by flinging your legs as far away from your torso on every beat. Master this, then practice the same movement with your torso casually thrown back at a forty-five degree tilt.

3. As your legs cut circles in the air with your torso planed back away from them, it is critical that your head remain level, as if you were dancing wedged under a shelf. Hopping up and down is tasteless. Also, don´t fall down.

4. If you have mastered cakewalking in place, swinging your legs under and over each other as if you were climbing an invisible spiral staircase, and pulling up to a sharp halt after sliding sideways very fast with your feet, you are ready to time your performances. Timing is the difference between dancing to devastating effect and looking like a fool.

5. Remain in your street-corner mode until a woman approaches. Let her walk by. Let a few more women pass. Remember, you´re not desperate.

6. Wait until a woman you really like comes along, and let her go just past the point where she can see you out of the corner of her eye. Break into samba. If your energy is strong, she will perceive your movement with her back and turn around. Stop. Smile. (Not at her!) Tug your clothes sharply into place. Wait for another woman. Repeat many times. With luck, a woman will eventually walk by who turns your spinal column to jelly and sets your ears on fire. She will stop and look at you and smile and avert her eyes and look at you again and start to walk away and turn and grin and throw caution to the wind and break into samba and you´ll move right up and dance a couple of circles around her and shrug up behind her real slow and catch her by the hips and circle her down to the floor and spatter a starstorm of steps around her feet and grab her and carry her home and ride her and catch her screams in your ears and lie back and breathe easy and watch her wash up and sing and cook and ask you for a cigarette and give you the eye.

If none of this happens, you can always form a circle with other men and really dance.

I think your time would be better spent creating an instructional video and posting it on www.youtube.com

Can you help us out??

ryjer

Jan 156
02-11-09, 22:19
got my tickets for the champions parade today (sector 6). for the first night of the competition i got sector 5, a few days ago. anyone in those sectors at that time, give us a shout!

sector 6 is not the best sector as it´s set back and at the end of the parade, but it is the only one afaaik, unless you pay a fortune for private boxes, where you can buy a numbered chair that no-one takes when you get up to go to the loo. if anyone else has just arrived and wants to do the same, there´s some left at 70r from the bank at rio branco 181 (the bit of rio branco near carioca station). walk thru the bank to the back and go to the counter on the right hand side. sector 5 is a better view, but tickets came in at 340r (from an agency here in rio - prices varying from one to another but not by much), well above the liesa price, and will probably keep going up until the scalpers offer them.

anyone wanting a private box for 6 people you can get them at this year´s official liesa outlet in rua alfandega at about 6 x 1000r.

cheapskates or peeps just wondering what the fuss is about ;) can get a bleacher seat for about 10-20r of course. :d

the (free) programmes are also just now available - in several languages including english.


i think your time would be better spent . . . could you maybe just add me to your ignore list, please? thanks. :) problem solved.
or in the event you weren´t being facetious, go down to modern sound the week after carnaval and buy a copy of the dvd.

Ryjerrob
02-12-09, 04:26
Could you maybe just add me to your ignore list, please? Thanks. :) Problem solved.
Or in the event you weren´t being facetious, go down to Modern Sound the week after Carnaval and buy a copy of the DVD.

I was only joking..........I thought it was a little funny. Trying to add a little humor to a forum that has been a little too serious as of late. No offense meant!!

ryjer

Jan 156
02-13-09, 13:24
Christopherd,
Which school do you think will win this year? As I always, I will be cheering for Viradouro, my team and I also enjoy very much Salgueiro. It would be boring if Beija Flor were to win yet again (but gotta admit, they are just amazing!).

Do you know of any good ball to attend for the Saturday of Carnaval?

Valeu moço.

I´ve been looking around at the balls and Scala seems a good option. Am thinking of maybe the one on 23rd though. (21st would be an option too but will maybe know better next week how tiring the parade is going to be, hence looking more at 23rd just now). Their stuff´s online, as you probably know.

Have been too busy to tune into the buzz on the odds, but have heard the Beija-Flor song played a lot. It´s quite catchy. What are the bookies offering?

ps PM´d you - not sure if you replied

Benjoe
02-13-09, 19:17
i´ve been looking around at the balls and scala seems a good option. am thinking of maybe the one on 23rd though. (21st would be an option too but will maybe know better next week how tiring the parade is going to be, hence looking more at 23rd just now). their stuff´s online, as you probably know.

have been too busy to tune into the buzz on the odds, but have heard the beija-flor song played a lot. it´s quite catchy. what are the bookies offering?

ps pm´d you - not sure if you replied
how tiring the parade is depends partly upon when your school parades. i did the parade in 2006, and my school, grande rio, was next to last and was scheduled to parade at 4am. looking at the 2009 schedule, beija-flor is next to last on the first night--sounds familiar. we were supposed to be at the concentracao (rua presidente vargas) by 1am. we got there at midnight and found that the parade would eventually run 2 hours late.

thank heavens it stoppped raining by the time we got to the concentracao. i don't know where people wait and seek shelter, if it rains hard. we didn't parade until 6am and didn't hit the sambadromo until it was daylight. the last school's parade (beija-flor) ended after 8am. what was tiring and boring was waiting around. there is no place to sit except the curb. i didn't notice any rest rooms (and if there were any, they probably were filthy), and the men [CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134) anywhere (watch where you stand and sit), and the area reeks of [CodeWord109] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord109) and beer. there are street vendors selling food and drink; bring some dinheiro for cervejas or whatever. it was hot and humid, and i had to strip-off the upper half of the costume. it's dark, and you can't see much. the lights on the carros (floats) are turned-off, and they are lifeless without the lights and people on them. the parade literally passes you by--you don't much of anything while in the concentracao. there is no place to change or store your clothes; you have to go to the concentracao in costume. a great way to get there is by metro. the metro cars will be filled with excited people in their costumes. it was a rush to parade down the avenida--a fantastic 80 (or 81) minutes. but it was a long night/morning.

this was the year grande rio had the highest score, but was penalized one point for being 1 minute late in finishing the parade. the one point dropped grande rio into a tie with vila isabel for 1st place. prior to the start of the parades, a drawing is held to determine which of the criteria for judging (http://www.carnivalservice.com/all-about-samba-parades.php) will be the tie breaker. vila isabel scored higher on the tie breaker (enredo) and was declared the winner. it would make for a great story if i was the reason grande rio was 1 minute late, but, though being towards the end, it wasn't my fault. i recall the people (harmonia) in charge of making sure the parade was proceeding in a timely fashion frantically saying, "mais rapido, mais rapido" towards the end of the parade. my ala (wing) was composed of mostly brazilian tourists, and i doubt anyone knew what was going on or what was at stake.

which beija-flor fantasia will you be wearing? http://video.aol.com/video-detail/fantasias-da-beija-florcarnaval-2009/2374818165/?icid=vidurvent11 remember to pack some garbage bags, in which to bring your fantasia home.

Sprite13
02-14-09, 07:56
My guess is that Beija Flor is going to win yet again, unfortunately, which would be their 7th title in the past 8 year. Just unbelievable!
I have listened to the enredos of all the schools for this year and I do like very much Salgueiro and Portela's which are quite catchy. I don't know what the bookies are offering but I am very interested in knowing as I might be tempted in placing a wager on a couple of teams to win it. If anyone has the odds for each school's chances of winning, please share it in here.

Speaking of the balls, I am thinking of purchasing the ticket for the ball on Saturday night. Have you or anyone attended any of these balls during Carnaval? Is it like the videos on Brasileirinhas, which is basically an all night type of "civilised" orgies? :D

How is Help during Carnaval? I heard it is quite wild and am considering going there just for the fun of it one night. Anyone has any experience with Help during Carnaval?



I´ve been looking around at the balls and Scala seems a good option. Am thinking of maybe the one on 23rd though. (21st would be an option too but will maybe know better next week how tiring the parade is going to be, hence looking more at 23rd just now). Their stuff´s online, as you probably know.

Have been too busy to tune into the buzz on the odds, but have heard the Beija-Flor song played a lot. It´s quite catchy. What are the bookies offering?

ps PM´d you - not sure if you replied

Sprite13
02-14-09, 08:00
I read that in a book called "Travelers' Tales Guide: Brazil". A very interesting book about Brazil and a good read for anyone looking to understanding better this fascinating country that we all love so dearly. :)

Thanks for posting that excerpt of it Chris, reminded me of some happy times.

Cheers.


With Carnaval coming up, I thought some other forum would-be samba dancers might find this as amusing / instructive as I did.

source: originally Mangueira

How to samba (man´s version)

Find yourself a street corner and pretend it´s the edge of the quadra. Practice just standing there. You should feel loose, but pleasantly expectant. Check how much time elapses befpre you feel the need to look at your watch. When you can complete a two-to-three hour stint without having to know the time, you are ready to start practice.

1. The first thing is attitude. You should look and feel relaxed, yet vigilant, playful and ready to pounce. A slouching posture is easiest, but some crack sambistas manage a straight-backed nonchalance that is highly prized. Practice both and decide which suits you.

2. Put the music on. Listen to the beat. It is the road you will walk on, but whatever flow develops in your movements will come from the little plinking guitar or banjo pegging away just behind the singer. Your task is to follow the drums with your feet and spell out their rhythm by flinging your legs as far away from your torso on every beat. Master this, then practice the same movement with your torso casually thrown back at a forty-five degree tilt.

3. As your legs cut circles in the air with your torso planed back away from them, it is critical that your head remain level, as if you were dancing wedged under a shelf. Hopping up and down is tasteless. Also, don´t fall down.

4. If you have mastered cakewalking in place, swinging your legs under and over each other as if you were climbing an invisible spiral staircase, and pulling up to a sharp halt after sliding sideways very fast with your feet, you are ready to time your performances. Timing is the difference between dancing to devastating effect and looking like a fool.

5. Remain in your street-corner mode until a woman approaches. Let her walk by. Let a few more women pass. Remember, you´re not desperate.

6. Wait until a woman you really like comes along, and let her go just past the point where she can see you out of the corner of her eye. Break into samba. If your energy is strong, she will perceive your movement with her back and turn around. Stop. Smile. (Not at her!) Tug your clothes sharply into place. Wait for another woman. Repeat many times. With luck, a woman will eventually walk by who turns your spinal column to jelly and sets your ears on fire. She will stop and look at you and smile and avert her eyes and look at you again and start to walk away and turn and grin and throw caution to the wind and break into samba and you´ll move right up and dance a couple of circles around her and shrug up behind her real slow and catch her by the hips and circle her down to the floor and spatter a starstorm of steps around her feet and grab her and carry her home and ride her and catch her screams in your ears and lie back and breathe easy and watch her wash up and sing and cook and ask you for a cigarette and give you the eye.

If none of this happens, you can always form a circle with other men and really dance.

Java Man
02-14-09, 08:55
Help is probably the most festive during Carnaval. Crowded,...too capacity. Good luck getting a table. Entrance fee goes up to around $R50, if I remember correctly. Many GDP's dressed in fantasy costumes, some in lingerie. Help had some women dressed in the samba costumes and a band a few years back. They didn't have a band last year though. You'll see more tourist in there too.
I have posted some pics from past Carnavals in Help. They're here somewhere.

Jan 156
02-14-09, 18:25
thank you, benjoe, for your very informative and encouraging post. i had kind of gathered the timing frequently gets chaotic (we´re about fourth on, so lots of time for things to get well and truly off schedule). and if this weather keeps up we´ll no doubt be hanging around in the mud for ages. hopefully it won´t be daylight, as that will throw out some of the carnavalesco´s carefully colour coordinated and tv-friendly lighting lol.

i can´t see the costumes on the link you sent (cybercafe limitations) but i´m in ´fungos - manchas e mau odor` among the bateria. if you know our theme, this bit´s connected with the scientific discovery of microbes and stuff that result from not washing (the story is that of bathing through the ages).

they reckon there is now somewhere to put clothes but i´m not counting on it and only wearing stuff i don´t mind losing - 20r´s worth. the bus is closer for me than the metro and drops me at the concentracao end (or as close as it can stop) and maybe i can see the first desfile before going back there and changing. ensaio tomorrow night so i can maybe see if they´ve made any improvements (like tarmac on some of the vendors´areas maybe??) - one can always hope.

cheers

christopherd.



how tiring the parade is depends partly upon when your school parades. i did the parade in 2006, and my school, grande rio, was next to last and was scheduled to parade at 4am. looking at the 2009 schedule, beija-flor is next to last on the first night--sounds familiar. we were supposed to be at the concentracao (rua presidente vargas) by 1am. we got there at midnight and found that the parade would eventually run 2 hours late.
thank heavens it stoppped raining by the time we got to the concentracao. i don't know where people wait and seek shelter, if it rains hard. we didn't parade until 6am and didn't hit the sambadromo until it was daylight. the last school's parade (beija-flor) ended after 8am. what was tiring and boring was waiting around. there is no place to sit except the curb. i didn't notice any rest rooms (and if there were any, they probably were filthy), and the men [CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134) anywhere (watch where you stand and sit), and the area reeks of [CodeWord109] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord109) and beer. there are street vendors selling food and drink; bring some dinheiro for cervejas or whatever. it was hot and humid, and i had to strip-off the upper half of the costume. it's dark, and you can't see much. the lights on the carros (floats) are turned-off, and they are lifeless without the lights and people on them. the parade literally passes you by--you don't much of anything while in the concentracao. there is no place to change or store your clothes; you have to go to the concentracao in costume. a great way to get there is by metro. the metro cars will be filled with excited people in their costumes. it was a rush to parade down the avenida--a fantastic 80 (or 81) minutes. but it was a long night/morning.

this was the year grande rio had the highest score, but was penalized one point for being 1 minute late in finishing the parade. the one point dropped grande rio into a tie with vila isabel for 1st place. prior to the start of the parades, a drawing is held to determine which of the criteria for judging (http://www.carnivalservice.com/all-about-samba-parades.php) will be the tie breaker. vila isabel scored higher on the tie breaker (enredo) and was declared the winner. it would make for a great story if i was the reason grande rio was 1 minute late, but, though being towards the end, it wasn't my fault. i recall the people (harmonia) in charge of making sure the parade was proceeding in a timely fashion frantically saying, "mais rapido, mais rapido" towards the end of the parade. my ala (wing) was composed of mostly brazilian tourists, and i doubt anyone knew what was going on or what was at stake.

which beija-flor fantasia will you be wearing? http://video.aol.com/video-detail/fantasias-da-beija-florcarnaval-2009/2374818165/?icid=vidurvent11 remember to pack some garbage bags, in which to bring your fantasia home.

Goga Fung
02-15-09, 08:29
Hi, I'll be in Rio during the Carnaval. I have a coupe of questions.

From reading the forum, it looks like the following thermas (or most of them) should be opened:

- 4x4

- L'Uomo, Rua Siquieira Campos 143, Copacabana

http://www.luomo.com. Br/. The website not working now. Monte Carlo

- Mimosa

Is Centaurros open as well?

Do I need to know exact addresses, or any taxi driver would know the directions?

And the second question. I promised to one girl (I hope she won't read this forum to bring a Carnaval costume (or something, like a part of it) as a suvenir. Is it possible to buy it somewhere (or from someone) after the main parade? Or maybe they sell this stuff in stores there? It does not have to be fancy, just something cool, and I don't wanna spend much money for that, just to show like I really care and was spending time looking for it

Thank you in advance.

Jan 156
02-16-09, 05:19
- 4x4
- L'Uomo, Rua Siquieira Campos 143, Copacabana
- Mimosa
Do I need to know exact addresses, or any taxi driver would know the directions?

Every taxi driver will know (though one once pretended he didn´t cos I was coming out of a posh place and wanted to go to Mimosa)


And the second question. I promised to one girl (I hope she won't read this forum to bring a Carnaval costume (or something, like a part of it) as a suvenir. Is it possible to buy it somewhere (or from someone) after the main parade? Or maybe they sell this stuff in stores there? It does not have to be fancy, just something cool, and I don't wanna spend much money for that, just to show like I really care and was spending time looking for it


Not officially. But people may be willing to sell. Bear in mind the cheapest costume has cost 600R so asking for a ´cheap bit´may not go down well, especially right after the event.

Jan 156
02-16-09, 05:23
I have listened to the enredos of all the schools for this year and I do like very much Salgueiro and Portela's which are quite catchy.

Funny you should say that. I was just going to go to the first night and then the champions parade. But looking at the themes, Portela and Sanguiero are the two I really don´t want to miss. So I may just book the second night as well if I can get a decent price. Haven´t heard their songs, but if they are as good as the themes then I reckon they could be strong contenders.

I have to root for Beija-Flor as I´m parading with them - but they are not the only one with a water theme . . .

Got through the ensaio tonight. Those sectors sure look different from the parade ground lol!

Sprite13
02-16-09, 07:12
You can still get tickets for decent price on this site:
http://www.rio-carnival.net/samba_parade/sambaparadeticketreservation.php

You can also listen to almost all the enredos for this year on this same site as well:
http://www.rio-carnival.net/samba/samba_songs.php

Paul23
02-16-09, 08:24
Do the termas have normal opening hours during the caraval?

Paul

Jan 156
02-16-09, 14:30
[QUOTE=Sprite13]You can still get tickets for decent price on this site:
http://www.rio-carnival.net/samba_parade/sambaparadeticketreservation.php

Yes - check it out anyone booking online now - I don´t know dollars but they look about the same as the current price in the agencies with their last minute discount (278 USD Sector 7). Though since I´m here I´ll probably use a face-to-face sale.

Anyone got a page with bookies´ odds? Sprite?

btw, great that someone else is genuinely interested - if we meet I can maybe learn some history and things from you, Mr Sprite.

Sprite13
02-17-09, 02:17
Christopherd,
Sorry no idea where one could find the odds for the Carnaval, but I will do a quick search and will post the findings if any.

Here is something interesting about the enredo of Grande Rio:
As you may know, this year is the year of France in Brasil as was the case in 2005 in France the year of Brasil. Basically all year long, there will be events, shows promoting the French culture in Brasil as was the case in France about Brasil 4 years ago. So, in lights of this, this year's Grande Rio enredo is dedicated to that very same theme. I also heard that Grande Rio also invited Carla Bruni, France's First lady to parade with the group. Initially she had gladly accepted the invitation but apparently, "social pressure" made her decline. Still hoping to see her dancing on one of the Grande Rio's floats.

Mangueira's enredo is also very catchy, and one that has the potential to get the backing of many locals specially with lyrics like that:

Sou a cara do povo... Mangueira
Eterna paixão
A voz do samba é verde e rosa
E “nem cabe explicação”

Beautiful isn't it? :)

Did you know that since 2005, there is also apparently a full universtiy programme/degree of 4 years that will teach everything to know to become a carnavalesco/carnaval organizer? Incredible how deeply rooted is Carnaval within Brasilian society. Anyone who is geniunely interested in the Brasil and wants to better understand this vast country and their citizens, should read this wonderful book: The Brazilians by Joseph A. Page. It does a wonderful job of analyzing the brasilian society. It is a very thorough portrait of this mesmerizing country that we all love, Brasil.

Yes indeed, it would be great to meet another geniune samba lover.

Cheers.



[QUOTE=Sprite13]You can still get tickets for decent price on this site:
http://www.rio-carnival.net/samba_parade/sambaparadeticketreservation.php

Yes - check it out anyone booking online now - I don´t know dollars but they look about the same as the current price in the agencies with their last minute discount (278 USD Sector 7). Though since I´m here I´ll probably use a face-to-face sale.

Anyone got a page with bookies´ odds? Sprite?

btw, great that someone else is genuinely interested - if we meet I can maybe learn some history and things from you, Mr Sprite.

Jan 156
02-17-09, 15:58
Christopherd,
Sorry no idea where one could find the odds for the Carnaval, but I will do a quick search and will post the findings if any.

Here is something interesting about the enredo of Grande Rio:
As you may know, this year is the year of France in Brasil as was the case in 2005 in France the year of Brasil.

Yes, but will it get the enthusiasm of Brasil. I´m a tiny bit doubtful but we shall see. Portela and Mangueira, like Beija-Flor, have a detailed story of a theme. Many of the schools have less story development (from the notes released so far) or their general themes are not particularly Brasilian. So added to your notes about the songs, those are the three schools I´m keeping my eye on! It will be interesting if Rio Grande makes a good show though.



Did you know that since 2005, there is also apparently a full universtiy programme/degree of 4 years that will teach everything to know to become a carnavalesco/carnaval organizer? Incredible how deeply rooted is Carnaval within Brasilian society. Anyone who is geniunely interested in the Brasil and wants to better understand this vast country and their citizens, should read this wonderful book: The Brazilians by Joseph A. Page. It does a wonderful job of analyzing the brasilian society. It is a very thorough portrait of this mesmerizing country that we all love, Brasil.


I suspected as much. The tradition of hiring professionally qualified arts pesons instead of the local peson goes back to (I think) about the late sixties. I met Bira, the Carnavalesco for Beija-Flor, and he is a very educated chap. Speaks good English too ;)

Thanks for the book ref. I´ve just finished one on the history of the schools so will look out for it.


On a slightly different note, here´s a comparison of going rates for tickets ´on the ground´ -

Opening price (Liesa) for first main night:
Sector 5: 240R
Sector 7: 300R
Sector 9: 550R

Prices when I bought (example):
Sector 5: 360R
Sector 7: 480R
Sector 9: 950R

Prices end of last week (example):
Sector 5: 400R
Sector 7: 520R
Sector 9: 980R

Benjoe
02-17-09, 20:07
In the Globe Trekker: Brazil dvd, there is a good segment on what it is like to do the Carnaval parade. Ian Wright does a samba school rehearsal and does the parade. He paraded with a school that seems to get relegated every other year. His school will be parading on Sarurday night this year. A lot of fun to watch.

He implies that you need to do a rehearsal to do the parade, but that only applies if you join a wing (ala) that does something choreographed. To join the parade, all you need to do is buy a costume of a samba school--then you're in. You get the costume and a sheet of instructions. I meet Brazilian tourists at the concentracao, who got into Rio that same morning. They got their costumes earlier in the day and were ready to parade.

Rio Bob
02-18-09, 00:34
Brazil's Carnival in crisis? The party rolls on
By BRADLEY BROOKS – 6 hours ago

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — From where he sits inside Rio's Sambadrome, a snack vendor mulls what the global financial crisis means for "the greatest party on earth."

First, the bad news: fewer foreigners at this year's Carnival.

"The gringos who are coming this year — there are substantially fewer, and those who are coming are spending less money," Cagiza Acides Paixao said.

On the upside: In Rio, nothing can stop a good time.

"Carnival in Brazil — with its marvelous sun, beaches, samba all year round, and, you know, the girls — it will shine, with or without a crisis," Paixao said as samba music blasted from his small shop.

So it goes for the anything-goes pre-Lenten drink-and-flesh fest, which opens Friday and runs through Feb. 24.

While the percentage of foreigners in the crowds is expected to drop to 30 percent from about half, Rio's official tourism agency expects Brazilians to make up the difference, for about 719,000 tourists, a slight increase over last year's 705,000. They are expected to inject $521 million into the city's economy, up from $510 million last year.

And the government still plans to dole out 65 million free condoms.

For weeks, dour reports have splashed across the pages of Brazil's newspapers: Top samba schools don't have the money to finish their floats. A handful of small cities in Brazil's interior canceled Carnival altogether. With fewer foreigners spending dollars and euros, locals will struggle to bring in the money they count on to make ends meet all year.

The schools have struggled this year to land corporate sponsors to help pay the $2.5 million on average that each club spends on its parade show, said Cahe Rodrigues, the "carnavelsco" responsible for designing the themes, costumes and floats for the top-contending Grande Rio samba school.

"This will be the year of creativity, because the artists have to redouble their efforts to be able to compete for the championship," said Rodrigues, whose show will include hundreds of drummers and a 50-by-100-foot replica of the Moulin Rouge. "This year is forcing the carnavalescos to push their imaginations."

Some of the fiercely competitive schools have reportedly been forced to save money by trading basic construction materials this year. And one, Imperio Serrano, is using 5,000 plastic bottles to build a huge octopus for its "Mysteries of the Sea" float.

So far, they appear to focus on non-controversial themes, like celebrating the ties between France and Brazil. There has been no hint of provocative presentations like last year's Holocaust float, which prompted international outrage.

Tragedy did strike early Tuesday: A stray bullet killed a 14-year-old girl at the Imperatriz school's practice session, police said. There was no word on where the shot came from.

Carnival's revelry is split between informal block parties that began in earnest last weekend and the spectacular samba club parades and performance competitions that feature jaw-dropping floats, thousands of gyrating performers and untold amounts of sequins and ostrich feathers.

Brazil's currency has lost 35 percent of its value since last year, hovering now about at around 2.3 to the U.S. dollar, which has helped keep some international tourists coming.

"You have to spend your time — and money — trying to be happy," Paula Gregorio de las Heras of Santiago, Chile, said as she eyed costumes and trinkets in a souvenir shop. "That's why I traveled here, despite the crisis. You've got to enjoy life."

The bad economy also means more Brazilians are joining this year's party, keeping hotels about as full as they were last year, said Riotur's operations director, Paulo Villela.

"Carnival is Carnival," said Cristiane Estrello, a 30-year-old from southern Brazil who was touring the Sambadrome's half-mile long parade ground with her husband and young daughter. "There is no crisis in the world that can put out the flames of this party."

The crisis is having a greater effect on harder-to-get-to celebrations, like Salvador in Bahia state and Florianopolis in the south, that require plane trips or long bus rides. Juliano Corbetta, who runs the popular culture and tourism blog MadeInBrazil, says foreigner inquiries are all "about Rio, Rio, Rio."

And Carnival characters large and small — from top tourism officials to samba school leaders to workers such as Paixao — say what this year's party may lack in money will more than make up for in creativity.

Heading into his 54th straight Carnival in Rio, samba dance instructor Manoel Dionisio said he has ushered the party through countless economic crises and has yet to see the parade lose its shine. But it depends on fancy footwork by "carnavalescos," he said.

"They have to find a way. If we don't put on a good Carnival, the entire world will see it and think we've lost our luster," Dionisio said, surrounded by Sambadrome tourists seeking quick samba lessons and snapshots with the 72-year-old, who maintains a lithe physique from years of dance training.

Back at his snack stand, Paixao watched tourists carry in water and snacks they bought from cheaper vendors outside the stadium's gates — a discouraging sign of frugality.

"I usually make an extra $3,000 in the months leading up to Carnival, money I've used each year to return to Angola to visit my family," he said. "This year, I'm preparing myself for the fact I won't be able to make that trip. The party here might still be great, but as of now the money isn't."

Sprite13
02-18-09, 04:18
The prices you posted Chris are also what my brasilian friend was able to buy his ticket for sector 7 (480 reais).

Also, there is another great book you may want to take a look into: it's called Rio de Janeiro by Ruy Castro. A great book about the history of Rio but also going over a lot of juicy anecdotes of what makes Rio Rio. There is also a fair bit on Carnaval and the history behind it. Quite an interesting and entertaining read.

What is the name of the book on the samba schools you were reading? One thing I would like to do is get a few good books in portuguese about samba and football as well as some classic vintage football matches from the past. Would you be able to recommend some stores in Rio to get ahold of these pearls? I am taking Brasil's WC games of 1950-1958-62-70 as well as the classic Santos-Botafogo-Flamengo games of the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's in portuguese. Would you or anyone for that matter point me to the right direction and or some suggestions of where I could get them? Very much appreciated!

I appologise for the rest for this short OT parenthesis. :)

Cheers.

Java Man
02-18-09, 23:57
Five days of bacchanal are nearly upon us!
Carnaval 2009 Samba Parades at the Sambadromo.

Feb. 22 - Sunday
IMPERIO SERRANO
GRANDE RIO
VILA ISABEL
MOCIDADE INDEPENDENTE
BEIJA-FLOR
UNIDOS DA TIJUCA

Feb. 23 - Monday
PORTO DA PEDRA
SALGUEIRO
IMPERATRIZ
PORTELA
MANGUEIRA
VIRADOURO

It usually rains during the Parades. Bring a good quality rain poncho, as umbrellas are prohibited in the Sambadromo. The street vendors will be selling a cheap version at a premium if you don't have one. Take the Metro if coming from Copa. You'll see many of the performers with their costumes on the train.

You can buy hamburgers, beer, soda, bottled water and ice cream in the stands of the Sambodromo. The crowd in the stands will ebb and flow. I did not find the washrooms to be overly crowded.
Be prepared, as this will last 11-13 hours. Only the hardcore will be there from start to finish. Each school will parade for almost 90 min. There maybe a 90 min or longer wait before the next school starts.

Around the Sambadromo, there will be a street festival atmosphere. With many street vendors, and churrascarias stands.
I suggest taking a taxi back to Copa.

Can't get a Ticket to the Parade. Oglobo broadcasts the Rio and Sao Paulo Parades.

For things to do and see from Feb 20 to Feb 28:
http://ipanema.com/carnival/planner.htm

For info on the Carnaval balls scroll almost to the middle of this link:
http://www.rio-carnival.net/rio_carnival/rio_carnival_programs.php#bands

and:

http://www.carnivalservice.com/rio-carnival-balls.php

BTW, I've been to Scala's Red and Black Ball, which has developed a particular reputation as a no-holds-barred affair, with people having sex in the open. Women getting groped, etc. I don't know how that was possible. It was fire code violation crowded. Everyone was/is packed in belly button to asshole. And they were still letting people in!!

The other Famous Ball is the Magic Ball in the Copacabana Palace, held on Saturday, February 21st, from 23:00.
The crazy ticket prices are:
Golden Room: US$ 1,149 per person
Noble Room: US$ 747 per person0
Standing: US$ 575 per person
Standing tickets do not offer a table seat; however, good weather allowing, there will be tables on the balcony.

Sadly, I will not be there for Carnaval 2009.

Jan 156
02-19-09, 01:56
To join the parade, all you need to do is buy a costume of a samba school--then you're in. You get the costume and a sheet of instructions. I meet Brazilian tourists at the concentracao, who got into Rio that same morning. They got their costumes earlier in the day and were ready to parade.

There might be some point to this ridiculous idea if it were only intended for people who had paraded with the school for many years (or at least followed them avidly) and could only get there at the last minute. Obviously it isn´t. It is aimed at those deluded materialists who think they will get their rocks off in such a manner. I am pleased to say I have successfully dissuaded at least one person from taking such an option.

Imagine you search for the woman of your dreams on the Internet. You find her. But hey - she´s a good looker, right? Instead of getting to know her or even meet her properly, you get off the plane and w*nk furiously. When you are about to come you enter her room. Fortunately she at least gets the alimony and can take the rest of us for drinks. :D

Point One: If all you want to do is prance around a bit in a costume, there are less expensive and less tiring ways to do it. Please send me a large cheque and I will be happy to assist.

Point Two: Parading for that long without any real involvement and you are likely to be bored out of your skull. The same tune over and over again. And you are the only one at the party that doesn´t get it. The veritable spare pr*ck at your own wedding march.

Point Three: Some wings are usually reserved for school members for various reasons. (And some of the reserved costumes are very expensive - everyone pays the same for any particular costume, except for the directorate and the drummers.) But the idea of´choreography´ is particular here to the parade. The rules - or stuff the school can lose competition points for - require strict discipline - eg keeping in formation - while allowing for complete spontaneity.

During my ensaio (rehearsal) there was no-one that couldn´t dance. The woman next to me kept up a fast and intricate samba for the whole length of the sambodrome. I was given a small solo with an excellent dancer which blew my socks off. Everyone mimed the words of the song as they sang. It tells an exciting story, reflected in the floats we´ll be using on Sunday.

You say you met Brasilian tourists (´Brazilian´ is an Americanism by the way). I also met a girl from up north who had arrived only hours before the rehearsal. She could of course samba. She knew all about the school. The theme. The torrential emotion that goes with everything it stands for. If she had arrived just before the competition parade she would have done just as well except she would have missed a wonderful hour and a half. She would have missed the parties, the warmth of spirit flowing between everyone involved with the school, the shared understanding of an incredibly joyous moment sustained for 80 minutes. Fortunately most Brasilians are not so dumb as to want to pay that money just to satisfy their ego. They leave that to troglodytes like Ian Wright (if he is as much of a twat as you imply) and his minions. I am not surprised to hear his school gets relegated if they cannot inspire him to write something more constructive.

Long live Carnaval. And may it live long before being ever bought up by the likes of Times-Warner, Rupert Murdoch, or any of the slugs that seek the enslavement of the human race down to their level.

Benjoe
02-19-09, 23:42
There might be some point to this ridiculous idea if it were only intended for people who had paraded with the school for many years (or at least followed them avidly) and could only get there at the last minute. Obviously it isn´t. It is aimed at those deluded materialists who think they will get their rocks off in such a manner. I am pleased to say I have successfully dissuaded at least one person from taking such an option.

The vast majority of those who parade are really into it. They rehearse and sing and dance their hearts out during the parade. They bleed their school colors. But there are wings in some schools that are primarily, if not wholly, made-up of tourists: mostly Brazilian tourists, who want to do Carnaval once in their life. These tourist wings are money-makers for the school and for the person in charge of the wing. They didn't check to see whether I could sing the song or dance the samba or whther my blood matched the school colors. All that mattered was the dinheiro. This particular wing sold as many costumes as they could, until the very last minute. They couldn't sing the song or even dance very well. This was their once in a lifetime chance to parade in the Sambadromo. They were in the parade and that was all that mattered to them, and they had a wonderful experience.

The Brazilians that I mentioned only got half their costume from the costume-maker. The costume-maker delivered the other half at the concentracao. The making of the costumes was that last minute, and they tried to make as much money as they could up until the last minute. Most costumes are soldout. At the popular schools, the best ones sellout quickly, and I would think only a few, if any, are sold to tourists. I happened upon a wing that was out to make money and understood that making costumes was like printing money.

I was shocked and disillusioned at the ease with which one could parade and the personal profiteering associated (which shouldn't be surprising) with it. I thought the parades were for those truly devoted to the schools and in joining a school I had to measure up, in terms of passion and emotion. Prior to going, I read books (The best one was this one: http://www.amazon.com/Samba-Alma-Guillermoprieto/dp/067973256X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235082353&sr=8-1. The woman spent a year on Mangueira's hill preparing for the parade.) on Carnaval and was surprised at my experience wasn't matching the experience of others who note the great passion of school members. I did the parade with someone (a native) who had done 9 of them with various schools. He knew the school's song, but he knew all of them. And he didn't do any singing during the parade. He loved Carnaval but not one particular school. Intitally, I couldn't understand how one could like many schools but not love one school. Sorta like being devoted to both Arsenal and Chelsea (or the Yankees and Red Sox) at the same time. How can this fan be passionate? His lack of passion probably ended up rubbing off on me.

All I am saying, there are a lot of ways to do the Carnaval parade. At one end are those who do it at a shallow level and at the other end there are those who do it at a very deep level, and there are a lot of levels in-between. I was hoping for an experience that approached a relatively "deep" level, but ended having a experience that approached the "shallow" level. I was very disappointed in the quality of the experience, but it was was fun, nonetheless. I envy your committment level, and I wish had the time to do Carnaval at your level.

Jan 156
02-20-09, 21:44
I read books (The best one was this one: http://www.amazon.com/Samba-Alma-Guillermoprieto/dp/067973256X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235082353&sr=8-1. The woman spent a year on Mangueira's hill preparing for the parade.)

This is the same book I mentioned earlier. It´s excellent, I agree. Plus it´s best to get books on Amazon at home. Trolling round Rio in the hope of finding a book in English at a reasonable price - well- there´s some nice bookshops to troll but I probably wouldn´t buy much from them except Ruas and a good disctionary.

Ensaio party in Nilopolis last night was fab.



On your other point, I´m sorry to hear you came across some shallow types and suggest you maybe don´t let this colour your passion and thinking too much.

Money is important - how else can schools like Beija-Flor afford the best carnavalescos and winning floats and costumes? (At least now shootings and arson are out of fashion lol). I am not against materialism except when it becomes paramount. (Although I am not convinced that the costume sales are a licence to print money - you can hardly get two top quality shirts for that amount.)

The point is that money is only relevant insofar as it is necessary to achieve specific aims. The trap that individuals and companies (and maybe samba schools) can fall into is thinking that getting as much money as possible is the first step to anything. It isn´t. To look at it like that means taking the eye off the ball. Without philosophising overmuch, too many people equate ´sucess´with financial security. Or convince themselves they want to be a doctor or lawyer when really that is just a synonym for a well-paid job.

The only way out is to at least make a go of finding one´s true calling, one´s true will, if you like. What would you do even if there was no money attached? (This is easy to answer for those of an artistic temperament - for others, a bit more work is maybe required.) How would you do it if indeed you had no money? Once you´ve answered that, my feeling is that you are ready to work out how much money is appropriate for the task in hand and how to raise it.

For samba schools, if they just pack wings with people that have no passion or interest in what that school is trying to achieve, any cash raised is self-negating. The persons will lose points by being out of step, not singing, not expressing the theme and so on.

Some of the big strengths of the top schools are the imaginative themes - Beija-Flor, Portela and Mangueira come to mind this year (although we will have to see when they parade!) That comes from people who know their job and are trained to be technically creative. And also knowledgeable about what will work and what won´t (as opposed to what people just feel like doing). But another strength is the ability to inspire devotion. Personally, I can say I felt the connection from Beija-Flor from my very first visit to Brasil, when I couldn´t get the theme out of my head fro a whole year. then an apartment decorated with some bits of old Beija-Flor costume. Then the power of the Nilopolis parties. But especially it was reaffirmed by the intense enthusiasm generated and strengthened by each personal contact. With the carnavalesco, the office manager, the harmonias in the wings, and the generosity of spirit everyone exhibited. Having organised large-ish groups, I can fathom teh amount of work this is - it doesn´t just happen spontaeously all the time when it´s called for.

I think it´s about the power to dream. And sometimes dreaming big is called for (Without putting his films on a pedestal, Spielberg is a great example of someone who can dream big and then put it into practice. I think this is what the truly great samba schools do as well. And maybe with more point to them than a Spielberg blockbuster.)

I´ll stop there. This is not an apologia. There´s lots that pisses me off too. But I have not, as yet, reached a point whee the flaws outweigh the greatness.

Benjoe
02-21-09, 02:25
Money is important - how else can schools like Beija-Flor afford the best carnavalescos and winning floats and costumes? (At least now shootings and arson are out of fashion lol). I am not against materialism except when it becomes paramount. (Although I am not convinced that the costume sales are a licence to print money - you can hardly get two top quality shirts for that amount.)

If the samba school was making the extra bucks, I wouldn't mind. I felt that the costume-maker and, especially, the head of the ala were pocketing the extra money. My suspicions were confirmed later on when I spoke to someone who knew some of the inner workings of the schools. Make a few extra costumes at the last minute and pocket the money. Given the casual way everything is done, it is impossible to monitor the payments for the costumes. The head of the ala took advantage of the situation. If all the alas acted like that, the school and paraade would fall apart.

Beija-flor is known for acting as a safety net for its members and for providing basic social and educational services that the government doesn't provide. I greatly respect Beija-flor for its excellent work on behalf of its community. I have no problems with a samba school, like Beija-flor, making as much money as it can. It was the individual profiteering (at the expense of the school) that I found disillusioning.

Bom carnaval!

Mr Enternational
02-23-09, 00:54
How many Brazilians actually know the original meaning of Carnaval or Fat Tuesday? None that I have discussed it with or tried to explain it to.

George90
02-23-09, 03:08
How many Brazilians actually know the original meaning of Carnaval or Fat Tuesday? None that I have discussed it with or tried to explain it to.

I'll bet that precious few patrons of the New Orleans Mardi Gras know it either. I suspect you have to be a seriously observant Catholic (or a Catholic scholar) to understand the full meanings of Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Easter, and how they relate to each other.

RonnyRon
02-23-09, 19:46
Carnaval has become a commercialized event now. I would like to know, if the participates are now paid? I understand the samba schools enter, gather corporate sponsorship and all, but when I attended the performance at the Sambadome back in 1998 it seem to me that the folks performing were not in it for the money. To this day, I have yet to see anything that compares.

I know many Rio property owners leave and rent out their places and go to places like Bahia, so I understand they are getting away from the hype and making money, but does the event actually employ people in general coming from other regions of the country?

ManonsanBoy
02-24-09, 21:44
How many Brazilians actually know the original meaning of Carnaval or Fat Tuesday? None that I have discussed it with or tried to explain it to.
Carnival Roots

The origins of carnival date back to the ancient Greek spring festival in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine. The Romans adopted the celebration with Bacchanalia (feasts in honor of Bacchus, the Roman equivalent to Dionysus), and Saturnalia, where slaves and their masters would exchange clothes in a day of drunken revelry. Saturnalia was later modified by the Roman Catholic Church into a festival leading up Ash Wednesday. It quickly evolved into a massive celebration of indulgences - one last gasp of music, food, alcohol, and sex before Lent - before the 40 days of personal reflection, abstinence, and fasting until Easter (not exactly what the Church probably had in mind). 40 days of purging sins, preceded by a week filled with virtually every known sin. The word itself comes from Latin, "Carne Vale" or "Farewell to the Flesh".

Brazil - Rio de Janeiro

Rio's lavish carnival is one of the world's most famous. Scores of spectacular floats surrounded by thousands and thousands of dancers, singers, and drummers parade through the enormous Sambódromo Stadium dressed in elaborate costumes (or, quite often, with absolutely no costume.) It is an epic event televised around the world. The origin of Brazil's carnival goes back to a Portuguese pre-lent festivity called "entrudo", a chaotic event where participants threw mud, water, and food at each other in a street event that often led to riots (an event quite similar to today's Andean carnival - see Venezuelan section of this booklet). Rio's first masquerade carnival ball (set to polkas and waltzes) was in 1840. Carnival street parades followed a decade later with horse drawn floats and military bands. The sound closely associated with the Brazilian carnival, the samba, wasn't part of carnival until 1917. The samba is a mix of Angolan semba, European polka, African batuques, with touches of Cuban habanera and other styles. What we now know as samba is a result of the arrival of black Brazilians (primarily from Bahia) to the impoverished slums or favelas surrounding Rio following the abolition of slavery in Brazil in 1888.

Today the carnival is organized by the escolas de samba (samba schools). They first appeared in 1928. Much more than musical groups, they are in fact, neighborhood associations that provide a variety of community needs (such as educational and health care resources) in a country with grinding poverty and no social safety net.


AFROPOP

Jan 156
02-25-09, 13:59
Only a few hours now till results time.

I didn´t see Beija-Flor properly as I was parading and missed one or two others but . . .

I thought Beija-Flor had a killer float (the one with the slightly scary-looking cat) and a wonderful song.

I also really enjoyed Tijuca, especially as I´m a bit of a sci-fi fan. The replicas of Enterprise and the Star Wars ships were way cool!

The one I had to admit blew me away was at a point where I was so tired I was ready to go home. I thought, ¨I´ll just stay till the first float gets here . . . ¨ and by the time Portela´s first float arrived I was completely rejuvenated, on a major high. Very polished performance I thought, and the song had a clever and very addictive use of descending semi-tones. Given their theme, I thought it was a tad prurient in costume (as most schools were this year) but a wonderful show.

Exec Talent
02-25-09, 16:45
I love the floats and costumes but the repetitive Carnaval music drives me crazy. Maybe it is because as a younger man I played trombone professionally and other than drums, it seems to be the instrument of choice. Hearing someone with no concept of how to play an instrument play a song once is painful. Hearing it over and over again is pure agony.

Maybe it is just me.