Rio Carnival 2011

Rio Carnival: How it Started

The Carnival is heavily influenced by African traditions, hence the abundance of -- you guessed it -- feathers (that symbolize spiritual growth). I think it's safe to assume that the Carnival is as ancient as Christianity itself.

Carnival balls were "imported" to Rio from Italy in the late 19^th century. By 1860s, the Rio Carnival as we know it today began to take its distinctive form.

The upper classes celebrated the carnival in their private and expensive locations, getting out on the streets only at night, wearing superb masks and dressed in magnificent costumes. The masses, who couldn't afford the balls, were given masks to participate in the streets. Although we don't have more pictures of Rio Carnival 2012 except this video below, we invite you to get a glimpse of what happened the last year at Rio de Janeiro.

Rio Carnival had its golden period starting from the 1930s with legendary balls held at the Copacabana Palace. Samba schools started to emerge in Rio de Janeiro causing massive traffic problems until the Sambadrome was built for the pleasure of both Brazilians and tourists. Therefore, the parades found a permanent home in the 700 meters building.

The "Sambodromo" -- as it is called in Portuguese -- is a structure in the downtown area designed for the paying public, so they could watch the Rio Carnival in relative safety. The prices range from $20 for low cost seats to $500 for balcony boxes (or thousands of dollars in the black markets, as these seats are sold out very quickly).

Today, the Samba Parade is broadcasted to dozens of countries, and all of Brazil states. Many people think of it as the greatest show on Earth and for good reason when you watch Rio Carnival pictures or assist the event in person. Each year, the Samba schools choose a theme for which they are judged, along with their creativity, musicality and the overall coordination of their members.

Rio Carnival 2012 Video

The video contains the most important scenes at Rio Carnival this year. Enjoy!

Turn lights out! Click anywhere in the page to switch back to normal.
 Scenes from Rio Carnival 2012, the greatest show on Earth. Switch to 720p for HD.

There's much more to Rio Carnival than the Samba Parade, though, such as public conIn the above picture, a reveller prepares for the Rio Carnival 2011s held in Hotels, where Cariocas (city inhabitants) dress up in costumes of such extravagance and beauty, that it puts all other official carnival costumes to shame. But never mind that; let's check out the very best of Rio Carnival 2011. Please note that some pictures can be enlarged. Enjoy!

Pictures of the 2011 Rio Carnival

Rio Carnival 2011 photos of Brazilian hotties. Warning: naked dancers ahead!

In the above picture, a reveller prepares for the Rio Carnival 2011



In the above photo, a reveller invites you to the 2011 Rio Carnival



In the above picture, the crowd prepares for the greatest show on Earth



In the above image, a reveller in one of the best costumes of the carnival



In the above photo, Drum Queen Sheron Menezes. Click for bigger picture!



In the above picture, a beautiful Rio Carnival girl gazes at the camera



In the above image, another reveller rejoices at the 2011 Rio Carnival



In the above image, a reveller of the Mangueira School. Click for bigger picture!



In the above photo, a reveller of the Vila Isabel School. Click for bigger picture!



In the above image, a reveller of the Portela Samba School goes green



In the above photo, the Sambadrome crowd cheering. Click for bigger picture!



In the above picture, a beautiful Samba Queen from the Rio Carnival



In the above picture, a setting from the fabulous 2011 Rio Carnival



In the above picture, a member of the press takes photos. Click for bigger picture!



In the above image, the Unidos da Tijuca Samba School. Click for bigger picture!



In the above photo, Vila Isabel School at the 2011 Rio Carnival. Get clicky!

Rio Carnival Dates 2012, 2013 & 2014

Carnival Rio 2011 started on March 5^th.
In the upcoming years, the Rio Carnival will be held on these dates:

1. February 18^th in 2012
2. February 9^th in 2013
3. March 1^st in 2014

Rio Carnival 2011 Pictures

Rio Carnival 2012 Pictures

They say you haven't lived until you've been to Rio for the Carnival. If you have the financial means, just go! You won't be disappointed.