Key Events
topRio de Janeiro
Street Festivals
Among the pre-Carnival celebrations, Ipanema's stands out. Beginning two weeks before Carnival, the area's street parties showcase Banda de Carmen Miranda and Banda de Ipanema (Rio's self-proclaimed most irreverent band). Expect raucous fun and lots of drag queens on parade. Other pre-Carnival events include the election of Carnival King and Queen, samba-band rehearsals and costume exhibitions.
Carnival
Rio's famed explosion of color and noise is perhaps the largest street party in the world. During the climactic days, neighborhoods fill with parades, parties, costume balls and general merrymaking. Parades occur in late afternoon, when streets are closed and buses rerouted. Those in Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon and Centro (along Avenida Rio Branco) draw the largest crowds. Each parading banda (and there is more than one to a neighborhood) includes a small orchestra and extravagantly costumed samba dancers. Clubs around town hold lavish and elegant balls, with a particularly spectacular one at the Copacabana Palace. Early March.
Rock 'n Rio
One of the largest rock festivals in the world.
Rio de Janeiro Marathon
The course begins on Recreio, passes through some of the city's most scenic neighborhoods, including Ipanema and Copacabana, and ends at Aterro do Flamengo.
Samba Parade
Two nights of competition among the city's samba schools, whose costumed musicians and marchers parade before judges and thousands of spectators. Each school sends out around 4,000 participants and 10 floats, and each parade lasts about 80 minutes. Huge percussion bands are the highlight of the parades.
topSao Paulo
Nossa Senhora Achiropipa
This annual Italian festival attracts approximately 120,000 visitors with street parties, processions, live music, dancing and regional cuisine. Organized by the Nossa Senhora Achiropipa church.
Formula 1 Grand Prix of Brazil
Sao Paulo hosts the final race of the Formula 1 Grand Prix racing series. Autodromo Carlos Pace, Ave. Teotonio Vilela 267, Interlagos.