Perspectives: Samba in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In honor of Carnival—which runs from February 18^th through February 21^st this year—I thought it would be fun to share a short video of a samba show from my visit to Rio de Janeiro. Samba is a lively, rhythmic Brazilian dance with West African influences that many Brazilians would argue defines their national identity. Although I haven’t been to Brazil during Carnival (Carnaval in Portuguese), this performance gives a touristy taste of the dancing and costumes that make it the biggest party in the world. Carnival is an outrageous (some would say bacchanalian) four-night celebration that finishes on Fat Tuesday. The over-the-top party is seen as one last time to go all out before the arrival of Lent on Ash Wednesday.

As you can see by these sexy costumes, the samba is a very sensual dance. (Maybe too “sensual” to be watching at work!) Nearly five million visitors celebrated Carnaval in Rio last year. I really hope to see the spectacle for myself someday.

Check out this short video I made at Plataforma Restaurante in Rio de Janeiro. There’s a whole lotta shakin’ goin on!

Click below to enlarge the thumbnails:

Have you celebrated Carnival before? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section below!

Michael Figueiredo is a freelance travel writer based in Los Angeles, California. When he’s not gallivanting around the world, he’s enjoying the laid-back lifestyle and perfect weather of Southern California. So far he’s visited thirty-six countries and territories on five continents. His goal is to see at least one new country every year! . Read more from this author

inka

Twitter: @lilygogo

Posted February 18, 2012 at 6:19 PM

Awesome. Thank you. I am working my way around the carnivals of the world.Last year it was Venice, this year it is Germany and Switzerland and next year, maybe finally Rio and New Orleans.
inka recently posted..The merit of Hollywood as travel inspiration


Michael
Twitter: @struxtravel

Posted February 25, 2012 at 1:55 PM

Thanks Inka! I remember when you went to Carnavale in Venice last year. I’m dying to see it there too someday
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Melinda Eliza

Twitter: @GlobalSnapshots

Posted February 19, 2012 at 9:22 AM

Wow – if I weren’t stuck in an air cast I would be dancing around my apartment! Beautiful costumes, great music, lovely (healthy looking) bodies.
What fun!
Melinda Eliza recently posted..Photo Essay: The People’s Palace – Chicago’s 115-year-old Masterpiece

Emme Rogers

Twitter: @Roamancing

Posted February 19, 2012 at 12:10 PM

A much larger tease than the samba costumes I’ve seen warn in North America.
Emme Rogers recently posted..Ross Neilsen’s Serving Up the Black Coffee

InsideJourneys

Twitter: @InsideJourneys

Posted February 19, 2012 at 6:07 PM

Wish I could move like that!
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robin

Twitter: @robinjgraham

Posted February 20, 2012 at 1:36 AM

I’m a Cadiz man myself but Rio looks like it does a half decent job of celebrating carnaval
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Jessica Rawlins

Twitter: @jessicarawlins

Posted February 21, 2012 at 12:21 PM

I’ve always wanted to go to Carnivale! Maybe some year soon. Awesome video.

Courtney Mroch

Twitter: @HauntJaunts

Posted February 21, 2012 at 1:57 PM

WOW! That is so fun too. And I’m excited because I’m reading this on Mardi Gras (finally catching up on posts) so this was a fun way to honor today!
Courtney Mroch recently posted..Movie Monday: ‘Holliston’ (‘The Big Bang Theory’ Meets ‘Evil Dead II’) Screening at Chicago Fear Fest