Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2023: what days is it celebrated, what is its origin and what you need to know

(CNN Spanish) --

The carnivals of Rio de Janeiro promise to shine again in all their splendor this year, after being canceled in 2021 and postponed for months in 2022 due to covid-19.

This year, the famous carnival, one of the largest and most anticipated events in Brazil, which is an intangible heritage of humanity, declared by Unesco, returns to the streets of Rio de Janeiro with a show that expects to receive thousands of national visitors. and international.

This holiday is one of the biggest holidays in the world.

The Brazilian government expects this year around 46 million people in the country's traditional carnival destinations, according to figures from the Ministry of Tourism.

When is the Rio Carnival celebrated?

Rio's Carnival takes place this year from February 17 to 25, recalling the first parades dating back to the 19th century, after which carnivals became commonplace in the city.

The dates are linked to the calendar of the Catholic Church and are set according to Holy Week, Lent and Ash Wednesday.

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"Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is the moment when the city erupts into a week-long party that cannot be described in words and at this time there is no shortage of street parties. On every corner the "blocos de rua” attracting thousands of visitors with the mesmerizing rhythms of samba", say the organizers.

For São Paulo, during the days of the carnival an audience of 15 million people is estimated.

Rio de Janeiro hopes to attract five million visitors during Carnival, both on the streets and in the Sambadrome.

And another five million people in both Salvador de Bahia and Belo Horizonte.

In Recife, another of the tourist cities, about two million people between residents and tourists are expected, according to the Ministry of Tourism of Brazil.

What is the origin of the Rio Carnival?

The roots of Rio Carnival lie in the Catholic traditions of Brazil, when the first Rio Carnival ball was held in 1840 and participants danced polkas and waltzes, traditions very different from the popular samba, which was introduced in 1917.

Some key Carnival activities

the sambadrome

By the time visitors arrive in Rio, they are fully immersed in the festivities and celebration, no matter where they are.

But some of the biggest and best parties take place at the Sambadrome.

Designed by world famous architect Oscar Niemeyer, it was built in 1984 to make Carnival even bigger and better.

Mission accomplished.

The Samba Parade

If you have heard of Carnival, you have surely heard of the Samba Parade.

And no, we're not just talking about a few floats here and there.

The Samba Parade attracts 3,000 to 5,000 people from the best samba schools in the Sambódromo to compete in fierce competition.

It is a once in a lifetime event.

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Throughout the city during Carnival, every bar and restaurant on every street turns into a party.

(Street parties are called "blocos").

Whether on the beach or in a bar, people gather in exuberant costumes to celebrate.

Carnival dances

If street parties aren't your thing, fancy Carnival balls might be more your style.

Held throughout the city, including at the iconic Copacabana Palace Hotel and the Gala Gay ball in Scala (which also hosts a singles ball), these glamorous parties provide a chance to pull out your best outfits and celebrate in style.

The Gay Gala is one of the largest gay balls in the world with thousands of people attending each year.

Rio de Janeiro's carnival