CARNIVAL

If you love to dance, sing and party till the early hours of the morning, then don’t miss the Brazil carnival. For one intense week, the whole island dedicates itself to pleasure, with carnival parties and parades in almost every neighbourhood.

The history of carnival

The origin of Brazil's carnival goes back to a Portuguese pre-lent festivity called "entrudo", a chaotic street event where participants threw mud, water, and food at each other. Over the last three centuries, it has evolved in a number of forms, such as masquerade carnival balls and  street parades with horse drawn floats and military bands.

It was only in the early 20th century that samba became so closely associated with Carnival. The samba is a mix of African, European and Cuban influences, brought by  the arrival of black Brazilians, primarily from Bahia to the impoverished slums or favelas of Rio following the abolition of slavery in Brazil in 1888.

Today the carnival is organized across the country by the escolas de samba (samba schools), who will either host parades and parties in their own neighbourhoods, or compete against each other in the city Sambadrome .

Florianópolis Sambodrome

 
The city sambadrome hosts extravagant displays by the four biggest samba schools on the island. Each parade lasts for around 50 minutes, and is riot of colour and movement. The  atmosphere in the sambadrome is electric, with the audience singing and dancing along to each parade.

 

Local Carnivals

Most neighbourhoods have their own samba school, and host local street parades and parties. For the carnaval weekend, Santo Antonio and Sambaqui are transformed into party towns, with stalls selling beers and snacks lining the streets.

 

Carnival at the Banana Tree

Take up our carnival package and let us help you get the best out of carnival week. We will organise Sambadrome tickets for you, and get you there and back safely. We will also make sure that you get to see a variety of local carnivals around the island and in the city, as well as pre-carnival rehearsals and parties. Breakfast is replaced by brunch during carnival week, so that you can get a good lie in after you have been partying till dawn! For prices, go to Booking Information.