​Brazil - Carnival, Music & Rhythm

​Brazil, the 5th largest country in the world today with a population of over 200 million, has a richness of diversity like so few others.  With a human history that can be traced back 11 millennia, the most recent cultural influences came with the Portuguese in the 16th century, closely followed by the arrival of black slaves from Africa in the 17th.  At the end of the 18th century Cuban and Caribbean influences took effect, as did more immigration in the form of Germans and East Europeans in the 19th and 20th centuries.  Today, Brazil is a ​blend of all of these cultures, resulting in a certain style - in music, dance, literature, cuisine - that is uniquely Brazilian​, an Afro-European-Latin fusion that is mesmerizing and vibrant, tireless and exotic!  Above all else, it is the spontaneous friendliness of the Brazilians themselves who want visitors to join in and share this intoxicating culture of music, dance and celebration, that makes a visit to Brazil during Festival time, a unique experience!    
There are festivals celebrated in Brazil in EVERY month of the year, from north to south (for a list click HERE).  Their origins can be found in pre-colonial form, such as the Fest de Saire​ ​near Belem; or are based on Christian beliefs brought in by the Portuguese, such as the myriad of festivals that celebrate Easter or Christmas throughout Brazil; or take the form of African-based music and dance as brought in by the slaves, especially in the north; even the stamp of later immigrations can be found, in the form of Toyo Matsuri in Sao Paulo, when the Japanese community are on display, whilst the biggest Oktoberfest outside of Germany is held in Blumenau, Santa Catarina State.   In planning your vacation, consider what experience you want to include! 
​The optimum festival in Brazil of course is Carnival (or Carnaval ​locally), celebrated in many towns and cities, sometimes on different dates, with beyond doubt the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro ​in February/March being simply the biggest, best and noisiest!  This is also a great time to visit the country, as it starts to get cooler.  There is much to see and do in Rio in addition to the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.  Culture and art can be enjoyed in newly renovated Cinelandia district, and great treks can be made in the hills surrounding the city.  But for Brazilian "Music & Rhthym" nothing beats the Rio ​Carnival!   It is best to book hotels and select your Samba costume in October of the year preceding the event to avoid disappointment!  Otherwise, join a capoeira class in Salvador de Bahia at any time of the year.  Enjoy ​Musical Brazil!