Carnival is a celebration of fun, music and frivolity held worldwide, but Rio Carnival is the biggest and the best known. More than 500,000 visitors flock to Rio for the Carnival every year adding to around a million local revellers.

Carnival takes place over four days, culminating in the Samba Parade where three to five thousand people from samba schools all over Rio perform with floats, music themes and costumes and onlookers party in the streets. Samba schools spend all year preparing for Carnival and complete over the four days for the right to feature in the Samba Parade where the final winner is announced.

The hedonistic attitude of Carnival comes from its history as a final fling in the lead up to Lent, while the drum music played on may of the floats comes from African influences. Carnival goers can also attend Carnival Balls, street parties and samba school nights.

Learn to samba, douse your costume in sequins and feathers and get ready to dance all night, just make sure you book your flights and accommodation early.

Written by  Amy Winterburn.

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