Vibrant, colourful and unquestionably appealing, Rio Carnival is the most recognised festival on the planet. It’s held in the week leading up to Lent and sees more than two million people descend on the streets of Rio every day. It’s a celebration for all ages, with kaleidoscopic parades and a fantastic program of events taking place throughout the week.

Bringing together the city’s gorgeous beaches, sultry sunshine and vivacious culture, it’s an electrifying experience. Colourful feathers adorn the costumes of bronzed dancers, with the sounds of Samba music filling the streets. During Rio Carnival, the city quite literally radiates energy.

Festivities are around every corner, with locals throwing street parades across the city. Beaches like Ipanema and Copacabana are a fantastic place to soak up the atmosphere, with the biggest public parties happening outside the Sambadrome, as well as in Rio Centro’s Cinelândia Square.

Carnival celebrations have been lighting up the streets of Rio since 1723. While today the festival is known for its vivacious Samba dancers, it was originally centred around food. When Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Catholics fast to reflect on the suffering and sacrifices of Jesus Christ. In the days leading up to Lent Brazilians have embraced the chance to indulge for one last time.