How it all started

There are many theories as to the origin of the Carnival with stories of it being a pagan celebration in ancient Rome. Carnival balls became popular in Rio in the nineteenth century with legendary balls held at the Copacabana Palace Hotel and the Municipal Theater. The inevitable influence of Afro-Brazilian culture in the form of the samba heralded the beginning of the Samba Parade in the 1930s. It is the ethnic melting pot of Rio that makes this festival unlike any in the world. The combination of the cultural diversity and Brazilian swing rhythm is what makes the Carnival in Rio so unique.

Carnival Costumes

The most significant element of the Rio Carnival is without doubt the elaborate costumes that are painstakingly handmade. The carnival is all about dressing up, and it doesn’t matter how under-dressed or overdressed you are. Total nudity is not allowed at the Carnival (although nearly naked Samba dancers are on display during the parades), and one needs to be thankful for that, or else the lavish costumes worn by some of the best samba dancers in the world would be non-existent. The costumes are one of the key elements of the parades. They are designed to reflect the theme of the school and their elaborate beauty amazes and delights the audience.

The music of Carnival plays a big part in the festivities, so I found this little tune you can play while you shake it on Cam4.  All you need now is the costume.

Go To The Carnival Schedule Now

Share the festivities with @cam4_gay on Twitter, because we love a good party