| Staying in Rio de Janeiro during the famous carnival | | | | These days, televised images of Rio de Janeiro |
| season is a wonderful experience for travelers and | | | | Carnival are projected onto TV screens around the |
| the city is a hugely popular celebration so backpackers | | | | world for millions of people worldwide to enjoy. |
| should ensure booking their Rio de Janeiro hostels in | | | | Backpackers visiting Rio at this time of year can |
| advance. | | | | immerse themselves within one of the cities famous |
| A cacophony of sights, sounds and serious partying in | | | | street carnivals, which are not only highly enjoyable but |
| the streets make this an event that anyone traveling | | | | are an amazing free experience. |
| on a budget can enjoy. To make sure none of the fun | | | | Neighborhoods throughout Rio will see the most |
| is missed, here is a guide to explain and inform the | | | | popular Bandas or Blocos, which is an orchestra, |
| uninitiated. | | | | leading enthusiastic and flamboyantly-dressed samba |
| Rio de Janeiro Carnival (or Carnaval as it is spelt in | | | | dancers through the local streets from late afternoon. |
| Portuguese) takes place over four days, with Carnival | | | | Banda de Ipanema is the traditional warm-up that is |
| Sunday always falling seven weeks before Easter | | | | performed by drag artists and children with Rio's South |
| Sunday. | | | | Side banda. The phenomenal sight is sure to be the |
| The extravaganza begins on a Saturday and ends on | | | | highlight in any backpacker's trip to the city. |
| Fat Tuesday and is on a different date every year. | | | | Carnival balls and the spectacular Samba parade, |
| This year the Carnival will take place from 20th | | | | described as the greatest show on earth, present the |
| February 2009 through to 24th February 2009. | | | | opportunity for music-fuelled hours of dancing. Tickets |
| It is believed that Carnival started out as a Roman or | | | | come at a price though and travelers on a budget |
| Greek pagan festival and was imported to Brazil's | | | | may wish to content themselves with watching the |
| capital city from Italy in the 19th century. | | | | events unfold from their Rio de Janeiro hostel. |
| By the early 20th century the decadence of carnival | | | | Travelers to the Rio de Janeiro Carnival can ensure |
| spirit had really taken hold. From the 1930s to the 1950s | | | | their four days of fun is trouble-free by taking care |
| Carnival evolved into an international event drawing | | | | with their valuables, carrying some water and snacks |
| crowds from around the world to witness the balls in | | | | and avoiding the temptation to over-indulge! |
| Copacabana Palace and Municipal Theater. | | | | |