Rio de Janeiro

We all know about the lively culture and stunning landscapes of Rio de Janeiro, but there’s nothing quite like it in February. Rio is the home to the biggest and best party under the sun—Carnival.

Rio’s Carnival is the biggest Carnival in the world. It is a 5-day celebration of samba music, dance, and over-the-top costumes that have taken over Rio and its streets.

The Carnival takes place at different date each year. It starts on Friday and ends on Fat Tuesday, the day before the start of lent which kicks off on Ash Wednesday. This dates back to 1723 as a food festival, where people would eat as much rich, fatty food as possible in preparation for the following period of fasting, Lent, it is now a massive celebration that draws millions from around the world.

The streets become an open theater throughout the city as samba schools compete in parading beautifully decorated floats with thousands of dancers past the throngs of people through the Sambadrome.

The parades tell different stories, show off spectacularly themed costumes and strive for the best choreography. Each neighborhood also holds its own street party or ‘bloco’ where locals and tourists alike join in for food, music, dancing and fun.

A little-known fact is that samba music is a song and dance form with roots in Africa. And the samba song itself is also judged during Carnival and each samba school has a samba song especially created for that year's parade.

February is hot hot hot in Rio so popular Brazilian foods to fill up on during Carnival include feijoada, a black bean stew with pork, and pastéis, the deep-fried pastry pockets filled with meat, cheese, or tuna (among other fillings).

Be warned though—you’ll be dealing with massive crowds and jacked up prices during this time.