Since the mid-17th century, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro has grown in size and popularity until it is now the world’s largest. The six-day festival runs prior to Lent from Friday to Ash Wednesday. For four consecutive nights, incredible parades are conducted by Samba schools (neighborhood collaborations) inside Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí. This 2,300 foot street is flanked by a grandstand with a capacity of 90,000 cheering spectators. Each event runs from 10:00 PM until 4:00 AM. For those six hours, the music is pounding. The costumes are extraordinary. The choreographed dancing is engaging. The drummer’s queens are gorgeous. The floats are spectacular. See lots more in the Encircle Photos’ Rio Carnival tour guide.
