Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become an event of huge proportions. The annual festival has its roots in the pagan festival of Saturnalia and is celebrated in different ways around the world. In Brazil, this national holiday is marked by jubilant, week-long festivities that typically occur in February or early March, leading up to Ash Wednesday.
The Brazilian Carnival is characterized by its colorful parades, vivacious music, and exuberant costumes. Samba, a traditional Brazilian rhythm, forms the heart of the celebration, with major samba schools competing in elaborate, theatrical parades. Besides the samba parades, numerous street parties, or 'blocos,' attract millions of locals and tourists alike, filling the country's biggest cities with dancing, singing, and a spirit of joy and solidarity.
While the most grandiose events are held in Rio de Janeiro, with its renowned Sambadrome parades being broadcast internationally, carnival celebrations take place throughout the country. Each region adds its unique flavor to the holiday with their local traditions, music, and dance. Despite the seemingly non-stop partying, the Carnival also retains a spiritual aspect, representing a period of abandon and merriment before the solemn 40 days of Lent begin. The Brazilian Carnival, with its intoxicating blend of excitement, color, and music, truly epitomizes the country's zest for life.