Rio Carnival - 13-16 Feb 2010

February is Carnival month in many parts of the world – including Nice and Venice.  The famous New Orleans Mardi Gras takes place on February 16 (Fat Tuesday). 

Perhaps the best known and most famous, however, is the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro – also known as the Carnival Capital of the world.  (Portuguese: Carnaval)

The fun in Rio begins on Saturday 13 February and runs for four days, ending on Fat Tuesday (which is followed by Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent). 

However, many events occur before, during, and after the Carnival dates.  Carnival kicks off with the crowning of the Fat King, when the mayor presents him with gold and silver keys. 

Carnival completely takes over the streets of Rio with the incredible, colourful, Samba Parade.  Sunday and Monday are the main event days, and if you haven’t already booked tickets it may be too late.  If you can find accommodation there is plenty of free entertainment though, with street bands and street parties. 

Visit our Travel Guide for Brazil and follow the link for the Foreign office (FCO) for updated and very important travel advice.  We advise making a note of embassy and other emergency contact numbers and registering with the LOCATE service, just in case. 

Brazil has a high level of crime, especially during Carnival, so be on your guard!  Mobile phone cloning and credit card fraud are common problems, along with the usual street crimes and pickpocketing. 

Hang onto your immigration landing card because you will be fined (cash) for losing it.  Also, carry enough cash to pay the airport tax when leaving the country.  For more important information of this type, including passport validity, visit the FCO page - as detailed above. 

Although foreign nationals may be entitled to some emergency medical treatment in Brazil, you will not be entitled to non-urgent treatment or care in a private hospital unless you have evidence of sufficient funds, or insurance.  Don’t take a chance and ruin all the fun – get a quote for travel insurance here.  If you are travelling light, our Backpacker travel insurance starts from just 20p per day - click here.

For more information visit the official Rio Carnival website at (rio-carnival.net).

 Flickr Image Credit:  sfmission.com

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