Two million people will be dancing around the streets of Salvador de Bahia Carnival in Brazil tomorrow.
A veritable sea of people will follow the blocos in dance rituals to the beat of the drums. The motorized blocos with huge speakers and platform where local musicians perform atop it, leading the crowd with their rhythms in what termed as
the biggest street party in the world
I can still hear the drum beat, uncertain whether it was throbbing to my heart’s rhythm or the other way around.
Brazil Carnival
Carnival is celebrated in every corner of the world, however, the word “carnival” is almost a common term for Brazil Carnival. No? Okay, fine, it’s just me. It’s such a big deal for me that witnessing Brazil carnival is one of the only 2 items I have on my RTW list. The other one is diving the Galapagos.
Rio Carnival is still considered the mother of all carnivals. It is bigger, grander, and more famous world-wide. Rio’s world renown Sambadrome is after all the Greatest Show on Earth, and I tell you it-is-be-dazzlingly GRAND and AWESOME! Because I watched the winner’s parade LIVE! BUT Bahia Carnival is pretty special. In Rio, you watch the fabulous carnival.
In Bahia, YOU ARE the carnival
The Salvador Bahia carnival lasts 6 days and has the unique arrangement where the participants are identified through wearing abadas (a uniform shirt), whose purchase gives the wearer the privilege of accompanying a bloco (a float) during the carnival, or as a ticket to the vip lounges known as camarotes, where celebrities perform, food & drinks are served and more.
It sound a little bit complicated, but it is easy to understand once explained.
Bahia has made an effort to keep their carnival from becoming too commercialized and has succeeded, because it still maintains its original flavor, más o menos.
*This is a backblog. I was in the carnaval Feb 2012
What is a Back-Blog? Well, you are looking at one. Last year, I traveled around the world from June 2011 to August 2012, but because I was having too much fun on the road, I couldn’t be updated with all my amazing stories. I didn’t wanna just post whatever so I decided that I’ll catch up when I come home. Yeah, yeah, whatever. I’ve been home since August 15, 2012. Read my Post RTW blog on my thoughts about coming home and also check out my random RTW stats.
Hi wanderlass! Where did you stay in Rio? How much dollars should I alot daily for Brazil? You photos makes me wanna go there now and party.
I am putting this on my list for 2016!!
I totally want to go to the Rio Carnival sometime next year ~ looks so fun!
I was pleased to see that you were referring to Salvador Carnaval, not the Disney parade that is Rio Carnaval. I hope you have a great time in my adopted city!
I love both cities!