Major Destinations for Carnival

Brought by Europeans at the time of colonization, Carnival has become one of the biggest attractions for the Brazilian public. Being spread over a period of 4 days, the holiday attracts tourists and the national population itself. But there is no doubt that there is a wide variety of versions to celebrate. Below is a list of the top 10 CARNIVALS in Brazil written by D’pill.  These destinations have always caught the public’s attention, even though we aren’t being able to visit these places, we still have a chance to reference them for future years.

  1. Rio De Janeiro (RJ)
  2. São Paulo (SP)
  3. Olinda (PE)
  4. Recife (PE)
  5. Salvador (BA)
  6. Ouro Preto (MG)
  7. Fortaleza (CE)
  8. Florianópolis (SC)
  9. Diamantina (MG)
  10. São Luiz do Paraitinga (SP)

If you are in looking for great attractions and parades, Rio de Janeiro is one of the best options, having confirmed 506 blocks to make 620 parades in Carnival 2022. Another option that involves even more blocks and parades is the São Paulo carnival.

If you are more interested in the cultural meaning of carnival, taking advantage of its origins, one of the biggest attractions in the northeast is the Carnival of Olinda. This festival includes the famous Parade of the Bonecos de Olinda: dolls over two meters high that party through the streets along with the crowds. In the city itself, in addition to the blocks, the party is well known for its traditional frevo music and the typical dance of the region. 

In Recife the party is very similar to Olinda, also well known for its music and dances, however, it is known for being one of the oldest and most diverse Carnivals in Brazil.

If you are looking for great parades with huge crowds, your place in Salvador. In 2020, around 16.5 million people walked the streets of Salvador during Carnival. Therefore, this destination is much sought after by Brazilians and tourists, receiving millions of people and attracting the attention of all of Brazil.

For the younger audience, Minas Gerais is more suitable, since the carnival in Ouro Preto is famous for the young population, including all the student houses that organize many parties to celebrate and entertain the whole public.

In terms of diversity, Fortaleza would be the most likely destination, also providing more party days. There, Carnival begins with its parties at the beginning of February, with pre-parties and many blocks walking through the streets of Fortaleza.

In Florianópolis, you can find several attractions in one place. Including/ samba school parades, carnival blocks around the city, seniors’ dances, and even contests. In addition, it also has famous beaches, which are always good to visit. 

Again in Minas Gerais, the most famous destination for the joy and revelry in the streets is Diamantina. Thousands of people celebrate with carnival blocks and music through the streets of the historic center. 

If you like cities outside the capital, São Luís do Paraitinga is for you. A municipality that takes Carnival very seriously, so much so, that they included municipal laws related only to Carnival. In the Carnival decree of São Luís do Paraitinga it is written:

“The official music of the Carnival of São Luiz do Paraitinga is the “marchinha”, being, therefore, prohibited the propagation of other musical genres in the Historic Center and other areas delimited for the event, during the days of Carnival.”

Confirming the dedication of this population to the holiday.

After all, Carnival is a date to be celebrated with lots of music, dance, and joy. Therefore, do not miss the opportunity to visit any of these destinations mentioned when the current situation is over. Try to find among all the places the one that best suits your preferences and have fun.

Image credits:

Image 1: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvivariomarrecife.com.br%2Fcarnaval2019%2Fexpresso-olinda-leva-os-folioes-para-curtir- o-carnaval%2F&psig=AOvVaw0tmfUsQHltdDNfuTPOGYHq&ust=1643737020871000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAkQjhxqFwoTCPC9ytXC3PUCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

Image 2: https://carnavalop.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/carnavalouropreto-blocos-39.jpg

Image 3:https: //s2.glbimg.com/LmQ7v510jRl-t8h6mugjpTqDUpo=/0x0:1280×853/984×0/smart/filters:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_59edd422c0c84a879bd37670ae4f538a/internal_photos/bs/2019/L/x/D7PLiPTourAWjr1VU6qA /slp.jpeg 

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