Best Festivals in Rio de Janeiro

When most people think of Rio de Janeiro, they picture a fun loving city with endless parties and festivities, and with good reason. Rio is one of the world's best party cities. Tourists from all over the world come to attend festivals in Rio de Janeiro, which range from music and film festivals to outright, nonstop parties like the world famous Carnival. If you're looking for a vacation where you can cut loose and have the time of your life, or if you're traveling for business and just want a little diversion, this guide highlights the best festivals in Rio de Janeiro. You'll have no problem finding a party.

Carnival - 'the party to end all parties'

No guide to festivals in Rio de Janeiro can be taken seriously if it doesn't mention Carnival first. Commonly called 'the party to end all parties', Carnival is a four day nonstop extravaganza that takes prior to Ash Wednesday and features as much music, dance, food, and drink as most people can handle. Perhaps the most famous aspect of Carnival is the Parade of Schools, in which million dollar floats parade the through streets, accompanied by scantily clad locals and visitors reveling in the over-the-top fun of it all. You'll find block parties everywhere, with Brazilian samba and plenty of food and alcohol. During the day, you'll find people recuperating on Rio's beautiful beaches before heading back out to start the night all over again. If want to attend one of the best festivals in Rio de Janeiro, Carnival should be at the top of your list.

Traveler Tip: if you want to fit in with the locals and look less like an outsider, wear white, as this is the traditional color of good luck.

The Festival do Rio - Rio's film festival

The party doesn't end with the conclusion of Carnival. In September and October, the city hosts the Festival do Rio, which last for two cinema-filled weeks. Films featured in this festival have gone on to win awards at Cannes, Sundance, Venice, and even the Oscars. This international film festival attracts industry insiders, movie aficionados, and run-of-the-mill party seekers, which creates an exciting mix of people. Film buffs should make the Festival do Rio a priority when planning the festivals in Rio de Janeiro they're going to attend.

Chemical Music Festival - a conference and a party

Rio is also home to the Chemical Music Festival in May, which is part conference, part party, and all fun. Dozens of the world's top electronic and house artists descend on Rio de Janeiro to throw down beats, and party goers come to soak in the unique atmosphere. If you're a music lover, this Rio de Janeiro festival is perfect for you.

New Year's Eve

New Year's is another great time to visit Rio. It offers a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration on the beach of Copacabana. Over two million tourists and locals flock here for the party to properly end the current year and usher in the new one.

Sports Festivals - from windsurfing to soccer

Rio also hosts many great sporting related festivals throughout the year. Windsurfing professionals put on a show every October in the Rio Formula World Festival. As an added bonus, it's completely free to watch the competitors vault across the Atlantic wave crests and, occasionally, wipe out. Soccer matches at the Maracana Stadium, which hosted the 1950 FIFA World Cup, are a must see for any sports enthusiast.

As you can see, great festivals in Rio de Janeiro occur year-round. There's never a bad time to visit, and you'll find parties and festivities to keep you going your entire trip.

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