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Leia mais sobre o Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
COPACABANA Beach
If you are interested in historical sites in Brazil, Copapacabana has a lot to ofer. The district it self has history back to the 1500's when the little half island in today's Guanabara bay, now called the sugar loaf, was colonized and fortified by Villegaignon under the patronage of Admiral Coligny in 1555. The settlement was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1566, and the name of the island changed to São Sebastião. Brazilian history chronology continues with Sao Sebastião evolving into the making of Rio de Janeiro, the first protestant settlement in the new world and capitol of Brazil in 1763. You can discover the history of Brazil houses,and see how building of the tunnels connecting Rio to Copacabana helped make the neighborhood one of the most populated area per square meter. Copacabana itself is one of the historical places in Brazil worth visiting. The Copacabana Palace hotel (see below) contributed to international fame and made Rio de Janeiro one of the most exotic travel destinations in the world. Even if you can't afford living here, it still shouldn't be missed. Among other things, you can say "Hey, I've been there!" when seeing it in movies.
If you are interested in historical sites in Brazil, Copapacabana has a lot to ofer. The district it self has history back to the 1500's when the little half island in today's Guanabara bay, now called the sugar loaf, was colonized and fortified by Villegaignon under the patronage of Admiral Coligny in 1555. The settlement was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1566, and the name of the island changed to São Sebastião. Brazilian history chronology continues with Sao Sebastião evolving into the making of Rio de Janeiro, the first protestant settlement in the new world and capitol of Brazil in 1763. You can discover the history of Brazil houses,and see how building of the tunnels connecting Rio to Copacabana helped make the neighborhood one of the most populated area per square meter. Copacabana itself is one of the historical places in Brazil worth visiting. The Copacabana Palace hotel (see below) contributed to international fame and made Rio de Janeiro one of the most exotic travel destinations in the world. Even if you can't afford living here, it still shouldn't be missed. Among other things, you can say "Hey, I've been there!" when seeing it in movies.
The Sugar Loaf Montain
The Sugar Loaf together with the Christ of Corcovado, is one of Rio de Janeiro´s most magnificent sights. More than a million tourists come here every year to enjoy breathtaking views of the entire region. It is located on a small peninsula at the entrance of the Guanabara bay, forming two steep hills: Urca with 220 meters and the Sugar Loaf with 396 meters. A cable car joins both hills with the base station. Access is located across the General Tibúrcio Square and tickets for both legs are sold at the ground station. The station holds a basic infrastructure, souvenir stores, toilets, an information office, schedule boards and photographs of the cable car history. The service runs every 30 minutes from 8:00 am to 10:00 PM.
The first leg of the ride ends at Urca. The excitement of the travelers is felt from the very beginning due to a totally glazed cabin that allows passengers to get a fantastic aerial view of the region. In Urca there is a wide platform with trails in the middle of deep vegetation and natural observation posts located at different heights. From there, you can see the Copacabana beach, the port, the Christ of Corcovado, the Guanabara bay and Niterói. It is on this platform that you can find restaurants, fast-food bars, souvenir stores and toilets.
If you want to enhance your Rio experience, there is a helicopter ride leaving from Urca. The shortest ride lasts 7 minutes, flying over Corcovado, the Sugar Loaf and the beaches. Climbing lessons are also offered on the hillside facing Botafogo, It is not too high but very steep.
The second leg goes to the top of the Sugar Loaf. It is also a marvelous ride with even more breathtaking 360-degree views from the region. There is a trail with native forest around the top of the hill and, as in Urca, fast-food shops, souvenir stores and toilets can be found on this platform. Prices are moderate, so you can sit down and enjoy the view while eating or drinking.
After getting back to the ground station, we recommend to stop and have a drink at the Vermelha beach and take a half-hour walk along the Claudio Coutinho trail, which starts at the northern side of the beach and is open from 6:00 am to 7:00 PM. This trail surrounds the Sugar Loaf, offering splendid views of the open ocean.
Another good advice for visiting the Sugar Loaf is to get there in the afternoon to watch the sunset and the splendor of Rio at night.
If you are planning to stay in Rio, for a day or do not have much spare time, we suggest visiting either the Corcovado or the Sugar Loaf. Which one is better? They are both excellent options, but the Sugar Loaf offers more observation decks and open spaces, allowing tourists to spend a peaceful and enjoyable day. The Corcovado receives crowds of tourists all year round, making it hard to find a quiet place to rest or take pictures. In both cases, it is better to get there in the early morning to avoid the crowds, the intense heat and the air pollution which covers the view later during the day.
A bit of history
The Sugar Loaf is considered not only of tourist interest but also of great historical significance. At the foot of the hill is where Rio de Janeiro was originally founded in 1565. The first incursions to the top date back to 1817. The Sugar Loaf Aerial Track Company was founded in 1910 in order to make the first cable car of Brazil, inaugurating in 1912 the leg to the hill of Urca. The exhibition at the cable car station shows photographs of the first wooden trams with curtains on their windows carrying only 23 passengers. When looking at these photographs we can only imagine how complicated it must have been during those early days to build the whole infrastructure. In 1972 renovations were finished allowing cars to hold 115 passengers per ride.
The Sugar Loaf together with the Christ of Corcovado, is one of Rio de Janeiro´s most magnificent sights. More than a million tourists come here every year to enjoy breathtaking views of the entire region. It is located on a small peninsula at the entrance of the Guanabara bay, forming two steep hills: Urca with 220 meters and the Sugar Loaf with 396 meters. A cable car joins both hills with the base station. Access is located across the General Tibúrcio Square and tickets for both legs are sold at the ground station. The station holds a basic infrastructure, souvenir stores, toilets, an information office, schedule boards and photographs of the cable car history. The service runs every 30 minutes from 8:00 am to 10:00 PM.
The first leg of the ride ends at Urca. The excitement of the travelers is felt from the very beginning due to a totally glazed cabin that allows passengers to get a fantastic aerial view of the region. In Urca there is a wide platform with trails in the middle of deep vegetation and natural observation posts located at different heights. From there, you can see the Copacabana beach, the port, the Christ of Corcovado, the Guanabara bay and Niterói. It is on this platform that you can find restaurants, fast-food bars, souvenir stores and toilets.
If you want to enhance your Rio experience, there is a helicopter ride leaving from Urca. The shortest ride lasts 7 minutes, flying over Corcovado, the Sugar Loaf and the beaches. Climbing lessons are also offered on the hillside facing Botafogo, It is not too high but very steep.
The second leg goes to the top of the Sugar Loaf. It is also a marvelous ride with even more breathtaking 360-degree views from the region. There is a trail with native forest around the top of the hill and, as in Urca, fast-food shops, souvenir stores and toilets can be found on this platform. Prices are moderate, so you can sit down and enjoy the view while eating or drinking.
After getting back to the ground station, we recommend to stop and have a drink at the Vermelha beach and take a half-hour walk along the Claudio Coutinho trail, which starts at the northern side of the beach and is open from 6:00 am to 7:00 PM. This trail surrounds the Sugar Loaf, offering splendid views of the open ocean.
Another good advice for visiting the Sugar Loaf is to get there in the afternoon to watch the sunset and the splendor of Rio at night.
If you are planning to stay in Rio, for a day or do not have much spare time, we suggest visiting either the Corcovado or the Sugar Loaf. Which one is better? They are both excellent options, but the Sugar Loaf offers more observation decks and open spaces, allowing tourists to spend a peaceful and enjoyable day. The Corcovado receives crowds of tourists all year round, making it hard to find a quiet place to rest or take pictures. In both cases, it is better to get there in the early morning to avoid the crowds, the intense heat and the air pollution which covers the view later during the day.
A bit of history
The Sugar Loaf is considered not only of tourist interest but also of great historical significance. At the foot of the hill is where Rio de Janeiro was originally founded in 1565. The first incursions to the top date back to 1817. The Sugar Loaf Aerial Track Company was founded in 1910 in order to make the first cable car of Brazil, inaugurating in 1912 the leg to the hill of Urca. The exhibition at the cable car station shows photographs of the first wooden trams with curtains on their windows carrying only 23 passengers. When looking at these photographs we can only imagine how complicated it must have been during those early days to build the whole infrastructure. In 1972 renovations were finished allowing cars to hold 115 passengers per ride.
Christ Redmeer in Corcovado Montain
The Train
Inaugurated on October 9, 1884, by Emperor D. Pedro II, the railroad Estrada de Ferro do Corcovado was Brazil's first railroad for tourism purposes.
Steam trains were used until 1910 when they were replaced by electric trains with capacity for 66 passengers, becoming the country's first electric railway.
The trains that take the passengers to the top Alto do Morro do Corcovado today are of Swiss origin and have capacity for 120 passengers.
It takes 20 minutes to cover the 3.824-meter railway on 15 km per hour. Between 8:30 AM and 6 PM they part at every 30 or 20 minutes from the Stations.
The Monument
At an altitude of 710 meters, the monument of Christ the Redeemer embraces the Marvelous City. The statue's chest faces the Guanabara Bay and Sugar Loaf. To its right, the entire seashore of the South Zone comes into view. Its left hand points to the North Zone and its back is turned to the National Park of Tijuca, a setting of exuberant nature.
Made of cement and coated by small soapstone triangles, all its pieces where transported during a period of five years by the train.
The statues'hands and head were idealized by by the French-Polish architect Paul Landowski. President Getúlio Vargas and the Cardinal Sebastião Leme inaugurated it in October 12, 1931.
The Train
Inaugurated on October 9, 1884, by Emperor D. Pedro II, the railroad Estrada de Ferro do Corcovado was Brazil's first railroad for tourism purposes.
Steam trains were used until 1910 when they were replaced by electric trains with capacity for 66 passengers, becoming the country's first electric railway.
The trains that take the passengers to the top Alto do Morro do Corcovado today are of Swiss origin and have capacity for 120 passengers.
It takes 20 minutes to cover the 3.824-meter railway on 15 km per hour. Between 8:30 AM and 6 PM they part at every 30 or 20 minutes from the Stations.
The Monument
At an altitude of 710 meters, the monument of Christ the Redeemer embraces the Marvelous City. The statue's chest faces the Guanabara Bay and Sugar Loaf. To its right, the entire seashore of the South Zone comes into view. Its left hand points to the North Zone and its back is turned to the National Park of Tijuca, a setting of exuberant nature.
Made of cement and coated by small soapstone triangles, all its pieces where transported during a period of five years by the train.
The statues'hands and head were idealized by by the French-Polish architect Paul Landowski. President Getúlio Vargas and the Cardinal Sebastião Leme inaugurated it in October 12, 1931.
Tijuca Forest
Tijuca Forest is the world's largest urban forest, covering some 3200 hectares. It is home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife, many threatened by extinction and found only in the Atlantic rain forest. Its historical attractions, including a giant statue of Christ, are well worth a leisurely visit. The forest is just a short drive from the downtown financial center, the North Zone and Rio's smart beach districts. Its attractions include the Cascatinha Waterfall, the Mayrink Chapel, the Excelsior Lookout Point, the Paul and Virginia Grotto, Fairy Lake and the Solitude Dam, all favorite destinations for weekend family outings.
Tijuca Forest is the world's largest urban forest, covering some 3200 hectares. It is home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife, many threatened by extinction and found only in the Atlantic rain forest. Its historical attractions, including a giant statue of Christ, are well worth a leisurely visit. The forest is just a short drive from the downtown financial center, the North Zone and Rio's smart beach districts. Its attractions include the Cascatinha Waterfall, the Mayrink Chapel, the Excelsior Lookout Point, the Paul and Virginia Grotto, Fairy Lake and the Solitude Dam, all favorite destinations for weekend family outings.
Botanical Garden
The 141 hectares of Rio's Botanical Gardens are home to a wide range of plant species from Brazil and all over the world - 5000 species in total. The Imperial Palms, planted in 1809 by Prince Regent John VI, are among its most spectacular attractions. Huge trees decked with orchids contrast with giant Victoria regia lilies, bromeliads, royal poincianas and tropical foliage. The Botanical Garden is a favorite hideaway for nature lovers, sweethearts and all those seeking peace and tranquility.
The 141 hectares of Rio's Botanical Gardens are home to a wide range of plant species from Brazil and all over the world - 5000 species in total. The Imperial Palms, planted in 1809 by Prince Regent John VI, are among its most spectacular attractions. Huge trees decked with orchids contrast with giant Victoria regia lilies, bromeliads, royal poincianas and tropical foliage. The Botanical Garden is a favorite hideaway for nature lovers, sweethearts and all those seeking peace and tranquility.
Copacabana Palace Hotel
A glance through the pages of the Copacabana Palace's Golden Book is enough to confirm the hotel'sstatus among the world's great hotels. It reveals a guest list of royalty, of stars of screen, stage, music and sport as well as the politicians and business leaders who have helped shape the world over the last seven decades. Opened in 1923, this impressive stucco-fashioned edifice is Rio's most traditional and luxurious hotel. This landmark was designed by the French architect Joseph Gire who was inspired by two hotels, the Negresco in Nice and the Carlton in Cannes. Since opening it has only two owners, the Guinle family of Rio de Janeiro and from 1989, Orient-Express Hotels. The Copacabana Palace Hotel has undergone an extensive discreet refurbishment program, which was designed to retain and enhance the hotel's position as South America's premiere hotel. A new method of illuminating the facade was introduced in 1990 and allows the hotel to shine as brightly by night as it does by the day. By the end of 1991, the hotel's pool area which houses one of the city's largest and most attractive swimming pools was fully renovated. Copacabana Palace has two restaurants, The Pergola situated by the pool area where guests may enjoy breakfast, buffet lunch, dinner or refreshments, and the Cipriani restaurant, already rated among the city's best, offers a selection of Northern Italian cuisine. The restaurant and its bar are located on the ground floor of the Annex, overlooking the hotel's pool. The hotel's convention center is comprised of 10 different function rooms fully equipped for banquets, seminars and meetings.
A glance through the pages of the Copacabana Palace's Golden Book is enough to confirm the hotel'sstatus among the world's great hotels. It reveals a guest list of royalty, of stars of screen, stage, music and sport as well as the politicians and business leaders who have helped shape the world over the last seven decades. Opened in 1923, this impressive stucco-fashioned edifice is Rio's most traditional and luxurious hotel. This landmark was designed by the French architect Joseph Gire who was inspired by two hotels, the Negresco in Nice and the Carlton in Cannes. Since opening it has only two owners, the Guinle family of Rio de Janeiro and from 1989, Orient-Express Hotels. The Copacabana Palace Hotel has undergone an extensive discreet refurbishment program, which was designed to retain and enhance the hotel's position as South America's premiere hotel. A new method of illuminating the facade was introduced in 1990 and allows the hotel to shine as brightly by night as it does by the day. By the end of 1991, the hotel's pool area which houses one of the city's largest and most attractive swimming pools was fully renovated. Copacabana Palace has two restaurants, The Pergola situated by the pool area where guests may enjoy breakfast, buffet lunch, dinner or refreshments, and the Cipriani restaurant, already rated among the city's best, offers a selection of Northern Italian cuisine. The restaurant and its bar are located on the ground floor of the Annex, overlooking the hotel's pool. The hotel's convention center is comprised of 10 different function rooms fully equipped for banquets, seminars and meetings.
The Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro
The Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro, built between the years 1904 and 1909, is a miniature of the Paris Opera, capable of holding 2400 people. It possesses eclectic nuances, as did other constructions from the same period, with great columns comprising the colonnade of the three facades that surround the small towers. The building uses marble, bronze, golden metals and Paris plaster, besides specially designed wall tiles and glazed tiles. The architecture composition of the bronze roof includes domes, mansards, skylights and other art work, such as the mortar sculptures of Rodolfo Bernardelli and the eagle above the main dome, made in a French foundry. It was established as historical patrimony by Iphan (Historic and Artistic National Patrimony Institute) in 1973. Decked out in Beaux-Arts splendor, the sumptuous Municipal Theater is Brazil's most important venue for classical music, ballet and opera; housing one of the largest stages in Latin America. The theater, opened in 1909, is a scaled-down replica of the magnificent Paris opera house. Taking their cultural queues from Paris, Rio officials chose July 14 for the opening ceremony in honor of the national day of France. The lavish attention to interior space that marked the turn-of-the-century--French stained glass, decorative details in onyx and bronze. An astounding 1,500 tons of mostly imported marble graces the theater: notice the contrast between the delicate rose-hued Italian and striking green Algerian marble. The theater's chandelier boasts 1,000 pounds of crystal beads. The ceiling surrounding it is painted in a lovely, pastel, arts & crafts style depicting the dance of the hours. The theater's schedule includes 10 months of performances from March to December, ending with the Nutcracker. Note: For a musical performance, the best seats in the house are in the upper sections; however, for ballet or opera you'll want to sit lower and closer to the stage so that your view won't be obstructed.
The Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro, built between the years 1904 and 1909, is a miniature of the Paris Opera, capable of holding 2400 people. It possesses eclectic nuances, as did other constructions from the same period, with great columns comprising the colonnade of the three facades that surround the small towers. The building uses marble, bronze, golden metals and Paris plaster, besides specially designed wall tiles and glazed tiles. The architecture composition of the bronze roof includes domes, mansards, skylights and other art work, such as the mortar sculptures of Rodolfo Bernardelli and the eagle above the main dome, made in a French foundry. It was established as historical patrimony by Iphan (Historic and Artistic National Patrimony Institute) in 1973. Decked out in Beaux-Arts splendor, the sumptuous Municipal Theater is Brazil's most important venue for classical music, ballet and opera; housing one of the largest stages in Latin America. The theater, opened in 1909, is a scaled-down replica of the magnificent Paris opera house. Taking their cultural queues from Paris, Rio officials chose July 14 for the opening ceremony in honor of the national day of France. The lavish attention to interior space that marked the turn-of-the-century--French stained glass, decorative details in onyx and bronze. An astounding 1,500 tons of mostly imported marble graces the theater: notice the contrast between the delicate rose-hued Italian and striking green Algerian marble. The theater's chandelier boasts 1,000 pounds of crystal beads. The ceiling surrounding it is painted in a lovely, pastel, arts & crafts style depicting the dance of the hours. The theater's schedule includes 10 months of performances from March to December, ending with the Nutcracker. Note: For a musical performance, the best seats in the house are in the upper sections; however, for ballet or opera you'll want to sit lower and closer to the stage so that your view won't be obstructed.
Hang-gliding and paragliding
Choose between hang-gliding and paragliding in the São Conrado valley. On a tandem flight with an experienced and certified master, you are certain to be safe, have a lot of fun and view Rio from a very unique perspective! During the flight, you will be able to see several mountain peaks of Rio, including Sugar Loaf and Corcovado as well as several beaches, including Ipanema, Copacabana and Barra.
Unquestionably an unforgettable experience!
Choose between hang-gliding and paragliding in the São Conrado valley. On a tandem flight with an experienced and certified master, you are certain to be safe, have a lot of fun and view Rio from a very unique perspective! During the flight, you will be able to see several mountain peaks of Rio, including Sugar Loaf and Corcovado as well as several beaches, including Ipanema, Copacabana and Barra.
Unquestionably an unforgettable experience!
Sambódromo the world's greatest parade stadium Carnival
Sambódromo the world's greatest parade stadium was built in 1984 and can hold nearly 70,000 people for its shows. It is near a subway station and close to Praça Onze the historic birthplace of the Carnaval. The two days on Carnaval Sunday and Monday where the 12 "special" member samba schools compete for the championship is the great climax to Rio's Carnaval season that no one wants to miss but there are amazing parades throughout the season ending with the Parade of Champions on the Saturday after Carnaval.The best seats and highest prices are near the center and in most sections arriving early will assure you a better seat. The show goes all night so come prepared.Besides the Samba Avenue there is also a Carnaval Museum and events through out the year. catwalk, the Sambadrome also hosts the Carnival Museum and many cultural, educational and sporting events during the year.
Each school performing in the Sambódromo begins with the Commission de frente, which is the first wing. Also called the abre-alas (ah-bree ah-la )the group is made up of 10 to 15 people only, and they are the ones who make the first impression with some of the most dramatic costumes and beautiful choreographic dances as it introduces the theme and sets up the evolution of the pageantry to follow.
Evolution of the pageantry to follow.
Carro de Alegoríco - (cah-hoo day ah-leh-goh-ree-koo) a parade float. Rio carnival parades must have at least 5 floats. The Abre Alas float is the very first float.
Enredo - (ehn-heh-doo): Each samba school writes a new samba enredo or theme song for each years carnival that fits its story. Everyone in the school learns this song and sings it as they parade. Carnavalescos are the artistic director and designer of the carnival samba parade. This person usually designs the costumes, floats, and sequence of groups in the carnival parade.
The porta-bandeira [porta bandayeera] is the "flag bearer" of the samba school wearing a very elaborate and ornate hoop dress. She must always treat the flag with great reverence and not allow the flag to roll. She dances with the mestre-sala ["ballroom master"] , who is supposed to draw everyone's attention to 'his queen,'
Bateria (bah-teh-ree-ya) can be applied to any percussion ensemble but only in Rio does the rhythm reach the size of large orchestras with more than 200 players. The Rainha of the bateria ["Queen of the Percussion Orchestra" prohounced hyeenya da batareeya]. This principal female dancer selected to dance at the head of the Bateria is also chosen for their physical beauty as well as their ability to bring enthusiasm to the players. The Bateria. Madrinha of the batteria are usually media figures, who become associated with a school. Director of batteria is the conductor and musical director or the most important person associated with the success of the group
Destaques [stand-outs] are highlighted on floats. These floatees can have the most luxurious and expensive costumes that can be extremely heavy as well as very little but a well-toned body, thong bottom, and a lot of sparkle!
Passista is a girl solo dancer who is younger and unmarried (symbolically). She is chosen to for her excellent skills in dancing to the samba beat of the bateria. When an ala of passistas dance in front of bateria and they are accompanied by Ritmistaa - (reet-mee-sta) who are talented male dancers playing their pandeiros who court the passistas, performing intricate dance steps all the while juggling their drums.
Baianas A mandatory presence is the Ala of baianas . This is a wing of the samba school entry that includes at least 100 females only. Predominantly older ladies who have been supporters of the school for many years. The distinctive large hoop skirt costume reflects the colonial period of Brazilian history, worn by the matriarchs of African-Brazilian society.
Velha Guards [gwar-dah vel-yah "veterans" ]The veterans of the school of samba - comprising ex-presidents, ex-mestres, ex-baianas who are given great respect Velha Guards do not wear costumes but dress in formal festive wear and are the last ala to appear. They honor the tradition and the memory of a square called Praça Onze where groups of youths would come down from the hills on foot, to celebrate Carnaval. Mangueira can claim that theirs is the oldest samba school, but not the first as that honor belongs to Deixa Falar which was founded in April 1926. Deixa Falar was disbanded and later refounded as Estacio de Sa. Angenor de Olivera, founder of Mangueira (better known as Cartola) said,
"We had there a bloco and there were also the blocos of Tia Tomasia and Mestre Candinho. They were organised blocos. We were disorganised, parading anyhow."
It was on and around the hill of Estacio, overlooking Little Africa, that the rhythm developed that we call today 'samba', and here also the big Surdo drum was invented.
Samba Schools with these well defined structures only exist in Rio and Sao Paulo but it is the ideal for which thousands of samba schools elsewhere strive. The Samba School is a family which hands this samba culture down through the generations. A School of Samba always has a President who takes responsibility for the activities of the School.
Sambódromo the world's greatest parade stadium was built in 1984 and can hold nearly 70,000 people for its shows. It is near a subway station and close to Praça Onze the historic birthplace of the Carnaval. The two days on Carnaval Sunday and Monday where the 12 "special" member samba schools compete for the championship is the great climax to Rio's Carnaval season that no one wants to miss but there are amazing parades throughout the season ending with the Parade of Champions on the Saturday after Carnaval.The best seats and highest prices are near the center and in most sections arriving early will assure you a better seat. The show goes all night so come prepared.Besides the Samba Avenue there is also a Carnaval Museum and events through out the year. catwalk, the Sambadrome also hosts the Carnival Museum and many cultural, educational and sporting events during the year.
Each school performing in the Sambódromo begins with the Commission de frente, which is the first wing. Also called the abre-alas (ah-bree ah-la )the group is made up of 10 to 15 people only, and they are the ones who make the first impression with some of the most dramatic costumes and beautiful choreographic dances as it introduces the theme and sets up the evolution of the pageantry to follow.
Evolution of the pageantry to follow.
Carro de Alegoríco - (cah-hoo day ah-leh-goh-ree-koo) a parade float. Rio carnival parades must have at least 5 floats. The Abre Alas float is the very first float.
Enredo - (ehn-heh-doo): Each samba school writes a new samba enredo or theme song for each years carnival that fits its story. Everyone in the school learns this song and sings it as they parade. Carnavalescos are the artistic director and designer of the carnival samba parade. This person usually designs the costumes, floats, and sequence of groups in the carnival parade.
The porta-bandeira [porta bandayeera] is the "flag bearer" of the samba school wearing a very elaborate and ornate hoop dress. She must always treat the flag with great reverence and not allow the flag to roll. She dances with the mestre-sala ["ballroom master"] , who is supposed to draw everyone's attention to 'his queen,'
Bateria (bah-teh-ree-ya) can be applied to any percussion ensemble but only in Rio does the rhythm reach the size of large orchestras with more than 200 players. The Rainha of the bateria ["Queen of the Percussion Orchestra" prohounced hyeenya da batareeya]. This principal female dancer selected to dance at the head of the Bateria is also chosen for their physical beauty as well as their ability to bring enthusiasm to the players. The Bateria. Madrinha of the batteria are usually media figures, who become associated with a school. Director of batteria is the conductor and musical director or the most important person associated with the success of the group
Destaques [stand-outs] are highlighted on floats. These floatees can have the most luxurious and expensive costumes that can be extremely heavy as well as very little but a well-toned body, thong bottom, and a lot of sparkle!
Passista is a girl solo dancer who is younger and unmarried (symbolically). She is chosen to for her excellent skills in dancing to the samba beat of the bateria. When an ala of passistas dance in front of bateria and they are accompanied by Ritmistaa - (reet-mee-sta) who are talented male dancers playing their pandeiros who court the passistas, performing intricate dance steps all the while juggling their drums.
Baianas A mandatory presence is the Ala of baianas . This is a wing of the samba school entry that includes at least 100 females only. Predominantly older ladies who have been supporters of the school for many years. The distinctive large hoop skirt costume reflects the colonial period of Brazilian history, worn by the matriarchs of African-Brazilian society.
Velha Guards [gwar-dah vel-yah "veterans" ]The veterans of the school of samba - comprising ex-presidents, ex-mestres, ex-baianas who are given great respect Velha Guards do not wear costumes but dress in formal festive wear and are the last ala to appear. They honor the tradition and the memory of a square called Praça Onze where groups of youths would come down from the hills on foot, to celebrate Carnaval. Mangueira can claim that theirs is the oldest samba school, but not the first as that honor belongs to Deixa Falar which was founded in April 1926. Deixa Falar was disbanded and later refounded as Estacio de Sa. Angenor de Olivera, founder of Mangueira (better known as Cartola) said,
"We had there a bloco and there were also the blocos of Tia Tomasia and Mestre Candinho. They were organised blocos. We were disorganised, parading anyhow."
It was on and around the hill of Estacio, overlooking Little Africa, that the rhythm developed that we call today 'samba', and here also the big Surdo drum was invented.
Samba Schools with these well defined structures only exist in Rio and Sao Paulo but it is the ideal for which thousands of samba schools elsewhere strive. The Samba School is a family which hands this samba culture down through the generations. A School of Samba always has a President who takes responsibility for the activities of the School.
The Maracanã Stadium
The construction of a large stadium in Rio de Janeiro's city center was decided to host the 1950 World Cup. The stadium was initially called 'Municipal'. Construction got approved by the President of the Republic 'Eurico Gaspar Dutra' and was greatly supported by the journalist 'Mário Filho' to whom the stadium was officially dedicated in 1964. However, the stadium has always been nicknamed 'Maracanã'. This nickname derives from a small river in the stadium's neighborhood which is subsequently derived from a typical Brazilian parrot.
The Maracanã Stadium got into global soccer history after the incredible 1950 World Cup final which Uruguay surprisingly won against home team Brazil in front of 200 000 fans, both official and unofficial (many people succeeded to illegally run into the stadium). This figure represents the largest crowd ever to attend a soccer match in history. After the game, desperation ruled all over the country and several people even committed suicide!
After it was constructed, the Maracanã Stadium was the biggest stadium in the world and today it is still famous for its imposing elliptical framework which is almost circular. The stadium is characterized by two large rings of tiers laid down around the entire playing field. During the fifties, it was not only one of the most luxurious stadium in the world, but it was also well known for its functionality and security. Two large external flights connect the upper tiers of the stadium with the surrounding park and guarantee a fast evacuation of the stadium.
The stadium was projected by the architects Rafael Galvão, Pedro Paulo Bernardes Bastos, Orlando Azevedo and Antônio Dias Carneiro. From outside, the stadium doesn't look as imposing as one would expect. The maximum height is only 24 meters (78 feet). However, the facades are characterized by a solid and reinforced concrete structure that contains 60 big pillars in 'Y' shape. These pillars follow the stadium's elliptical perimeter and heighten to sustain the supporting beams.
Although the Maracanã Stadium was greatly renovated at the end of the nineties with the consequence that the total capacity dropped significantly, the stadium still remains as one of the most important temples in the world of soccer.
The construction of a large stadium in Rio de Janeiro's city center was decided to host the 1950 World Cup. The stadium was initially called 'Municipal'. Construction got approved by the President of the Republic 'Eurico Gaspar Dutra' and was greatly supported by the journalist 'Mário Filho' to whom the stadium was officially dedicated in 1964. However, the stadium has always been nicknamed 'Maracanã'. This nickname derives from a small river in the stadium's neighborhood which is subsequently derived from a typical Brazilian parrot.
The Maracanã Stadium got into global soccer history after the incredible 1950 World Cup final which Uruguay surprisingly won against home team Brazil in front of 200 000 fans, both official and unofficial (many people succeeded to illegally run into the stadium). This figure represents the largest crowd ever to attend a soccer match in history. After the game, desperation ruled all over the country and several people even committed suicide!
After it was constructed, the Maracanã Stadium was the biggest stadium in the world and today it is still famous for its imposing elliptical framework which is almost circular. The stadium is characterized by two large rings of tiers laid down around the entire playing field. During the fifties, it was not only one of the most luxurious stadium in the world, but it was also well known for its functionality and security. Two large external flights connect the upper tiers of the stadium with the surrounding park and guarantee a fast evacuation of the stadium.
The stadium was projected by the architects Rafael Galvão, Pedro Paulo Bernardes Bastos, Orlando Azevedo and Antônio Dias Carneiro. From outside, the stadium doesn't look as imposing as one would expect. The maximum height is only 24 meters (78 feet). However, the facades are characterized by a solid and reinforced concrete structure that contains 60 big pillars in 'Y' shape. These pillars follow the stadium's elliptical perimeter and heighten to sustain the supporting beams.
Although the Maracanã Stadium was greatly renovated at the end of the nineties with the consequence that the total capacity dropped significantly, the stadium still remains as one of the most important temples in the world of soccer.
Fort of Copacabana
Built in 1914, aiming to strengthen the defense of Guanabara Bay, the Fort of Copacabana offers its visitors many attractions and curiosities. In the Historical Museum of the Army, striking facts are recorded through exhibits, video displays, models and even an interactive industry, original and highly visited by visitors of the fort. Everything entitled to a panoramic view of one of the most beautiful of all our Coast.
Built in 1914, aiming to strengthen the defense of Guanabara Bay, the Fort of Copacabana offers its visitors many attractions and curiosities. In the Historical Museum of the Army, striking facts are recorded through exhibits, video displays, models and even an interactive industry, original and highly visited by visitors of the fort. Everything entitled to a panoramic view of one of the most beautiful of all our Coast.
New Year's Eve in Rio
There are many places in the New Year's Eve in Rio
Great shows in Copacabana, Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca, Guaratiba, Sepetiba, Ilha do Governador, Penha, Isle of Paquetá park and the neighborhood of Ramos will animate the turn of the year, with joy and animation, spreading the celebration across the city .
Admission is free, is total peace and security guaranteed. Spend the New Year's Eve in Rio is to know what this city has more characteristic: its nature and hospitality of its people.
Copacabana Beach - Largest Show of Ano.
They are 4km from fireworks in the sky or espocando in cascades of facades of hotels and other points in March. Moreover, they are assembled especially for stage shows.
The people, almost all dressed in white, from the four corners of the world, fired from the year that is going and toast the arrival of a new one. All are Cariocas, come from Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Amsterdam or New York.
People from all social classes side by side in peace demonstrations in that mix magic and religion, religious make offerings to Iemanja, queen of water.
A show of fireworks that illuminates various colors of the beauty of the Copacabana Beach. Two million people united by the incomparable spirit of Rio, is welcome, even if unknown, and will shoreward make their offerings. Each in their own private ritual.
The New Year has arrived.
The Academy of World Records granted the license to the company Fireworks in Brazil of "greatest show of Pirotécnico Embarcado World" New Year's Eve in 2008 that lit the 4km from the Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, for 22 minutes.
Six of the rudder to the Post.
In hotels and restaurants are the most diverse options for parties, with menus prepared by great chefs or tropical Buffets. When entitled to maximum attraction: the burning of magnificent fireworks at midnight, which illuminates the sky in different shapes and colors.
There are many places in the New Year's Eve in Rio
Great shows in Copacabana, Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca, Guaratiba, Sepetiba, Ilha do Governador, Penha, Isle of Paquetá park and the neighborhood of Ramos will animate the turn of the year, with joy and animation, spreading the celebration across the city .
Admission is free, is total peace and security guaranteed. Spend the New Year's Eve in Rio is to know what this city has more characteristic: its nature and hospitality of its people.
Copacabana Beach - Largest Show of Ano.
They are 4km from fireworks in the sky or espocando in cascades of facades of hotels and other points in March. Moreover, they are assembled especially for stage shows.
The people, almost all dressed in white, from the four corners of the world, fired from the year that is going and toast the arrival of a new one. All are Cariocas, come from Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Amsterdam or New York.
People from all social classes side by side in peace demonstrations in that mix magic and religion, religious make offerings to Iemanja, queen of water.
A show of fireworks that illuminates various colors of the beauty of the Copacabana Beach. Two million people united by the incomparable spirit of Rio, is welcome, even if unknown, and will shoreward make their offerings. Each in their own private ritual.
The New Year has arrived.
The Academy of World Records granted the license to the company Fireworks in Brazil of "greatest show of Pirotécnico Embarcado World" New Year's Eve in 2008 that lit the 4km from the Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, for 22 minutes.
Six of the rudder to the Post.
In hotels and restaurants are the most diverse options for parties, with menus prepared by great chefs or tropical Buffets. When entitled to maximum attraction: the burning of magnificent fireworks at midnight, which illuminates the sky in different shapes and colors.
Confectionary Colombo
Live Picture of Belle Epoque and benchmark Rio's appreciation of gastronomy in the city, the Columbus confectionery stores, even today, much of its Art Nouveau style of the beginning of the century. His famous Belgian mirrors, their frames and glass in rosewood, the benches of Italian marble, the chandeliers, fine furniture and the floor remain intact, the same way they were surprised by renowned personalities who not only helped to write the history of our country, how to make the Columbus one of the great attractions of Rio de Janeiro.
Live Picture of Belle Epoque and benchmark Rio's appreciation of gastronomy in the city, the Columbus confectionery stores, even today, much of its Art Nouveau style of the beginning of the century. His famous Belgian mirrors, their frames and glass in rosewood, the benches of Italian marble, the chandeliers, fine furniture and the floor remain intact, the same way they were surprised by renowned personalities who not only helped to write the history of our country, how to make the Columbus one of the great attractions of Rio de Janeiro.
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