If we widen our viewfinder to Rio de Janeiro and beyond, the vast array of cultural jubilations that burst forth during the month of February sharpen into a series of ceremonies, each more fantastic than the next. Brazil hosts perhaps the world’s most famous Carnival celebrations in Rio, where rivalries between the city’s samba schools run hot before thousands of lavish masqueraders join in on the final main event, Sambodromo. Experiencing Carnival allows participants to dive headfirst into Brazil’s idiosyncrasies and flamboyant customs. ~Adele McConnell 2014 |