Away from the world of wine, it would be a mistake not to mention the annual pre-Lent extravaganza that is the Rio Carnival, which this year takes place from Feb 9th-14th (officially – but in reality, many people are on holiday either side of these dates).
While the highlight for many is the parade of the city’s established samba schools sashaying down the purpose built ‘sambódromo’, arguably the real party is out on the street where countless ‘blocos’ or small local groups in fancy dress congregate behind trucks blaring out samba rhythms at all hours of day and night.
If a crowd of 2 million+ is not your thing, head for carnival in the (slightly) smaller cities of Salvador, Recife or neighbouring Olinda – all beach destinations further up to the northeast of Brazil where you can recover from the party!