History

Carnival began in the 1830s as a continuation of the Portuguese tradition of celebrating and indulging on the day before Lent begins. Lent is the 46-day period observed primarily by Roman Catholics as a means of sacrifice and abstinence in preparation for Easter. During the late 1800s, street musicians and dancing were introduced in Rio de Janeiro's Carnival, in addition to themed costumes and the tradition of electing the Carnival's "king." The celebration includes live music, street performances, dancing, floats, costumes, food and beverages. Foreign visitors number some 700,000 each year. There are 30 samba schools with thousands of members. Each school is fronted by a queen and led by hundreds of drummers and a cavalcade of floats. And this is just the official parade. Bandstands for public parties and Carnival balls are found across the city, along with more off-beat parties in clubs and venues in Rio's Centre and beyond.