As I mentioned before, I was not part of this board last year when I went to Carnival 2004. I'm posting this now to share some info and pics because of the aproach of Carnival 2005.

Travel agencies scalp parade tickets but the over amount varies from one agent to another. Last year we bought our passes for sector 5 for $120 usd from an agency across the street from the restuarant SPACA NAPOLI which is 1 block from the hotel Debret. While we were at the parade the girls next to me said they bought theirs same day for $90 usd from a travel agency.

This year I will be arriving the Friday after Carnival ends so I plan on going to the Championship Parade on Saturday. The winning samba school gets to parade for 4 hours in the Sambadromo during the day as opposed to at night when I took these pics.

As a side note, Victoria's Secret model Giselle Bundchen was directly across the avenue from us in a second floor camaroche dancing between parades and having a great time wacthing as well. I didn't have a zoom camera to get any close up shots though.

We were in sector 5 and got there about 1 1/2 hours before the start of Sundays Parade and sat right in front of the rail. It really is fun to be there in person.













BTW- My original pics are much clearer than the way they are posted. The size to post restrictions caused me to resize them which lost alot of clarity.

(Message edited by cubanut on January 16, 2005)

Cubanut, my buddies and I are going to be in Rio feb. 3 - 13th. Any suggestions on the best parades to go to, and best places to watch parade, where to buy tickets, etc.

william5

William5, I'll be in Rio from Feb. 5 to Feb 13 flying from Houston with a buddy of mine. And we'll need to find a place to watch the SuperBowl. Let me know if you want check some place out.

Nolan

OK, arriving on Feb. 8th, I hadn't made any plans to go to Carnival, but after seeing these photos, I think I shouldn't miss it. What happens on the final day of Carnival and what's the "don't miss" event I should attend?

William5,

Either Sunday or Monday's Parade are fine. My pesonal favorite Samba Schools are Manguera and Salgado. IMHO they seem to have the hottest girls. And Saturday is the Champion's Parade for 4 hours at the Sambodromo. See any travel agent for tickets.


Wombat88,

Check out if Scala or Monte Libano are having any event. Both will be tourists packed though. I would say HELP might be a good option. Plus you can see the Champion Samba School Parade on Saturday at the Sambadromo.

HELP




Cubanut