Do you like carnaval? Want to know what are the best cities in Brazil to enjoy the carnival? What does each of them have unique? You are in the right place!
There are those who believe that the year only starts after Carnival. So nothing better than starting the year with a trip, right? Brazil is known worldwide for the carnival and its typical February festivals. Many remember the face of Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and São Paulo, but believe me, there is much more to be explored during this time of year.
After all, we are talking about one of the most multicultural countries in the world. So, if you want to discover new airs at the beginning of the year, check out here 7 cities to enjoy the carnival in Brazil.
From north to south, I am sure you will find the right destination to enjoy the carnival holiday in the best way. And of course, this tip is valid for 2021, 2022, 2023… If the plan of the trip does not come out next year, do not worry, already start your planning for 2022!
How to enjoy carnival in Brazil
Before presenting the list with the destinations for your carnival trip, I will give you some tips for you to enjoy the festança in the best possible way. They are:
- Plan your carnival trip in advance
- Choose a carnival destination that suits you
- Preze for your safety during the carnival
Plan your carnival trip in advance
The first tip is valid for any trip you are taking. Planning is essential so that everything works and you can enjoy the trip to the maximum. During holiday periods and large holidays, planning is also important to save on the trip and ensure that you will be able to travel to a certain destination.
This is because the demand is very high, that is, in addition to the exorbitant values, all types of accommodation fill up quickly. The same goes for air tickets and bus tickets. Therefore, the sooner you start arranging your trip and make your ticket and accommodation reservations, the better.
Choose a carnival destination that suits you
Do you know that fate that everyone loves and indicates? Maybe it is not ideal for you. The carnival in Brazil is diverse, the celebrations are always warm, but they change from one region to another. There are people who prefer the Rio parades, others like the blocks of São Paulo, but there are people who do not exchange the bustle of Salvador for nothing!
And of course, there are also those who prefer to escape the agglomerations. If this is your case, check out the tips from the blog Between Backpacks and Malinhas about 5 carnival destinations to escape the carnival.
The truth is that you need to find the destination that suits you the most and the way you want to enjoy the holiday. And if you haven’t decided, it’s quiet because below there’s a list of 7 cities for you to choose from.
Preze for your safety during the carnival
Finally, I leave the most important tip, safety. At parties, take with you only what is necessary, such as documents, money and cell phone. Avoid carrying bags and backpacks. Preferably use a bag that will always be close to the body. This will prevent you from being stolen, something very common when we are in the midst of a crowd.
Another tip is to always go in a group. If you are traveling with friends or family, try to always be together. Now, if you are traveling alone, be really attentive to people who approach you.
Avoid crowds, as well as very empty and ill-lit streets. Stay away from fights and avoid constantly moving on your phone.
Women, who usually suffer more from harassment during these events, do not hesitate to seek help and report any abusive and invasive behavior.
Unfortunately, you can’t control these actions. However, with simple attitudes you can be a little more protected and safely.
7 destinations to enjoy Carnival in Brazil
Check out the 7 cities I have separated for you to enjoy the carnival in several ways! Here you will find celebrations for all tastes, in all corners of the country.
1. Savior
We started our list with a classic. Salvador, capital of Bahia, is known worldwide for its electric trios and thousands of revelers. Many people really dream of spending the carnival enjoying the best of Bahia. The truth is, if that’s your plan, you need to plan well in advance.
During this time of the year the prices of passage and accommodation rise a lot in the city, as well as the number of tourists.
The good thing is that there are several blocks and circuits in Salvador, some dedicated to the most partyed parties and others to those who prefer tranquility.
To enjoy the carnival of Salvador near the electric trios, just as we see on TV, we must pay. This way you get an abadá (something like a special block regatta shirt) that allows you to have access to a certain space.
And in addition to the lively carnival, the typical foods of Bahia are delicious.
You can also pay for the cabin, another very famous spot of Salvador’s carnival. In the cabin you have a quieter space, with better bathrooms, open bar service and much more. But of course, the values are not cheap.
Now, for those who want to enjoy the Bahian capital without having to spend a lot, it is possible to participate in the free blocks. Although it does not have the presence of the great artists, it is also fun.
And of course, if you go to Salvador, be sure to enjoy the best in town. Enjoy the beaches and the historic center (it is really historic!). Visit the Lacerda Elevador and the neighborhood of Pelourinho, the largest postcards in the city.
2. In the The The
Want to enjoy a traditional carnival with songs, dances and typical foods? Olinda is the right destination for you to enjoy the carnival in Brazil. Tourists from all over the world travel to the capital of Pernambuco to enjoy the festivities. There is a lot to do in Recife!
The city, during this time of the year, is totally colorful with the ornaments. There are the traditional shows with great artists at Marco Zero and the street blocks, which usually go out first in the morning, with songs in the most traditional rhythms such as frevo, macaratu and samba.
Another great attraction is the dolls of Olinda. One of the greatest symbols of the carnival in the region, the puppets of more than two meters high walk side by side with the public.
And if you are there to really enjoy the party in the most traditional way, be sure to learn frevo! There are many places that have fun teaching the dance to tourists.
In addition to all this, there are many other things to do in Recife. Another great attraction of the carnival of Recife is the Galo da Madrugada. The block leaves on the Saturday of carnival, early, from the neighborhood of São José, central region. Despite being free, as in Salvador, it is possible to buy tickets for the cabin.
If you are not going to spend a lot of time in the city, here what to do in Recife in 2 days!
3. São Luiz do Paraitinga
Do you want a very different destination this carnival? São Luiz do Paraitinga, in the interior of São Paulo is the right place! The city that has just over 10 thousand inhabitants is well known for its carnival and receives more than 70,000 people during this time of year.
It is marked by the marchinhas and the very traditional blocks that pass through the entire historical center. In addition, there are also shows in the Evening Square that go until the dawn. Among the most famous blocks are the Block of Juca Teles, Pet of Foot and House.
The great differential of the carnival of São Luiz do Paraitinga is in the organization of the event. In recent years, the city, along with the population, have rethought the party in order to create a “sustainable” event.
That is, the goal is not to receive thousands of tourists, but to receive an amount that is possible to serve with quality and offer a pleasant and fun experience. In this way, they make these people return to the city in the future.
4. Florianópolis
In the south of Brazil, the perfect place to enjoy the carnival is Florianópolis. The capital of Santa Catarina is known for its “Magic Carnival.” The city offers a mix with the best of this party and is a point of interest to young people. There, you can enjoy the parades of samba schools at the sambadrome with tickets at inviting prices.
For those who like street carnival, in Floripa you will also find several blocks. The highlight is the Limo Batuqueiro Bloco, and Block of the Dirty. There are still great shows at the Central Arena, but for this you need to buy early tickets.
Another great point that makes the carnival of Florianópolis be highlighted are the ballads with famous DJs. Hundreds of parties scattered around the city that go until dawn. In addition, of course, the beaches that are already the strong of Floripa. There is also a lot to do in the center of Florianópolis!
5. Gold Black
Many people know Ouro Preto as a historic city, with narrow streets, cobblestone and typical architecture. But the truth is that this is a very busy city, full of parties and frequented, especially by university students.
During the carnival it would be no different. This small town in the interior of Minas Gerais is also known for having the best carnival in the state! Located just over 2 hours from the capital, Belo Horizonte, Ouro Preto is marked by the street blocks.
However, the great differential is the blocks organized by the university republics of Ouro Preto. There are several options that play the most different styles of music. You will hear from the classic marchers to the most current funks.
To participate you need to guarantee your abadá. In addition, it is possible to purchase abadá along with a complete package that includes accommodation and food.
6. New York City
The sixth of our list of cities to enjoy the carnival is Rio de Janeiro. A classic too, right? Like Salvador, the city is one of the most welcoming foreigners for its feasts. Also like the capital of Bahia, this is a great time to take advantage of the best that the city has, and of course, the beaches.
Here you will find blocks, parties, shows… but the great attraction are undoubtedly the samba schools. The parade in Sapucaí is known as the most beautiful in Brazil. Tickets need to be purchased in advance as they sell out quickly.
Prices range from R$100 to more than R$1000, according to the date and the chosen sector. The parade of the special group and the champions are usually the most expensive.
For those who prefer the street carnival, Rio also has its blocks scattered throughout the city.
In addition, if you want to venture through the city with your children or younger people, there will be no shortage of things to do with children in Rio de Janeiro.
Regarding safety, it is usually reinforced during this time of year. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy the parties with tranquility. However, it is important to always be attentive and follow the tips I gave in the above topic on this same subject.
If you are looking for different tours to do in the Marvelous City, check out these tips for tours to leave the obvious in Rio de Janeiro from the blog There with the Pires.
7. São Paulo
São Paulo, one of the largest cities in the country, always saw its residents leave the city during the carnival. However, this has changed for some years now.
The great attraction of São Paulo are the street blocks, scattered throughout the city during, practically, all February and March. Today, São Paulo is one of the most popular destinations in Brazil to enjoy the carnival.
It has block for all tastes and ages! In addition to the traditional ones with the carnivalinhas, there are also options for those who like Rock, such as Rock Brazil, which begins in Bela Vista and Bloco Emo. It has only children’s block, like the Beatles for Kids, and for the pets! Yes, Friends Pet is the perfect block for your partner.
The biggest blocks in town are the Taxi Vou, Domingo she Don’t Go, Crazy Animal Beauty and Ritaleena. Some still have special participations such as Alceu Valença, Elba Ramalho and Criolo.
However, prepare for crowded spaces, a lot of trash on the floor and expensive drinks. Also be aware of public transport, as many bus lines change during this period. On the site Blocks of Street you can have access to the agenda, itinerary, itinerary and additional information about each block.
In a short…
7 best cities to enjoy the carnival in Brazil:
- Savior
- Re– The
- São Luiz do Paraitinga
- Florianópolis
- Gold Black
- New York City
- São Paulo
Tip of attractions, activities and excursions to enjoy the carnival in Brazil
One of the main recommendations I make for your trip is: plan to! To travel quietly it is essential to have previously organized transportation, accommodation and of course, tours. One of the main sites I use to research attractions and activities is Civitatis or Tiqets. These two sites provide several types of tours for the most varied tastes.
Civitatis , Civitatis
Tiqets .
In conclusion…
So, for you, the year has already started, or only after the carnival? Tell me what you thought of these 7 cities to enjoy the carnival in Brazil and if you have already chosen what will be your destination. Do you already know any of these cities or would you indicate another?
Count here in the comments. Of course, if you have any questions about these destinations, planning or travel during the holidays just get a comment here too that it will be a pleasure to help you.
