Copacabana
The most famous beach in the world, Copacabana has lost
little of its mystique and charm over the years. Positioned
in a wonderfully rich setting with a backdrop of sharp rising
hills and a concrete jungle, this is the best place to feel
the carioca spirit. Sit at one of the many restaurants along
the beachfront to enjoy a batida or caipirinha, or take
a stroll on the famous and often imitated Burle Marx designed
sidewalks. In summertime, go early as it may be hard to
find a spot on the sand. Also, take note that the currents
are deceptively strong. A perfect place to eat, drink, relax
and people watch.
Pão de Açúcar
Sugar Loaf mountain is one of Rio's most famous landmarks.
It is the best place to gain dramatic perspective on how
sea and mountain range confront each other to create the
natural beauty of the "Cidade Maravilhosa", as
the city is known. Catch the thrilling funicular ride up
the hill and float above Leme. The top commands a glorious
view of the Guanabara Bay with the Botafogo beach to the
North and Copacabana to the South, and the wild landscape
of Rio proper in-between. Be sure to check out the old open-air
cable car on display that was used in the '30s. There are
vendors selling coconuts and juice, as well as a food and
refreshments stand.
Corcovado
At 2230 feet, this hunchback mountain with is where the
Christ Redeemer statue stands with outstretched arms. At
night, the 100 foot, 1,000 ton statue seems to float as
if it were a guardian angel for the city. Of course it will
be crowded with many tourists, but, nothing has prepared
you for the view you will witness. Stand with the statue
at your back, and to your left is the soccer temple Maracanã
and the northern districts. Straight ahead in the distance
is Niterói with its snaky bridge and Rio's other
must see, the hump of the Sugar Loaf. To the right is the
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas in the foreground, and Copacabana
and Ipanema beaches further out.
Carnaval
Carnival is perhaps the largest event in Rio, with venues
scattered around town. The highlight is the spectacular
samba school parade, a rich and colourful exhibition of
14 groups each day along the street, called Sambmo, with
seating for the 70,000 locals and foreigner visitors to
watch the show. Each performing group, dressed in elaborate
thematic costumes, sings and dances the samba to the sound
of drums with the hundreds of enthusiastic participants
and beautiful floats. Other events, like street parades
and big parties, take place at the Pde Aar (Sugar Loaf)
and at the Copacabana Palace Hotel, and many other places.
Rio Carnival takes place on Shrove Tuesday week, from the
previous Saturday to Ash Wednesday.
Festival do Rio
This is the largest film festival in South America, involving
many of the city's cinemas and some open-air screens mounted
especially for the event on the sands of Copacabana. Films
from all over the world are exhibited during the week, and
years past, as many as 400 films have been shown at as many
as 30 different theaters. Workshops and seminars presented
by notable film makers are held throughout the festival
run. The presentation of awards for Brazilian films and
videos, held on the final night, is traditionally the highlight
of the film festival. Specific venues and prices TBA.
New Year's at Copacabana
This is the ultimate New Year's party. A free-for-all, all
inclusive, upbeat partyand it is really beautiful. Beautiful
for the people, all in white, celebrating joyfully; beautiful
for the Yemanj rites with flowers on the sand and sea; beautiful
for the wonderful fireworks display. One very good idea
is to get there early, and perhaps make reservations in
a restaurant in Copacabana. Fireworks start at midnight
at Copacabana from two different points on the beach, one
of which is the Le Meridien hotel with its cascading fireworks.
In addition to the aerial display, there are four performance
stages with live music (starting at 6pm), but these spots
do get really crowded. No charge to view the fireworks display.
Museu da Chácara do Ceu
Formerly the property of Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya,
Chácara do Ceu is today dedicated to exhibiting works
of art and antiques that once belonged to this fine arts
enthusiast and patron. Amongst the most important pieces
are works by Picasso, Debret, Dali, Braque, Degas, Matisse
and Monet, as well as the Brazilian Portinari, Djanira and
Heitor dos Prazeres. The furniture is all original, and
the 17th and 18th century maps add to the classic atmosphere
of the house. A special attraction, the shaded and peaceful
garden, offers a beautiful view of the city.
Casa do Pontal
Casa do Pontal is the largest museum of Brazilian folk art,
displaying around 5,000 sculptures by more than 200 artists
from every region of the country. The pieces that register
many aspects of the life and culture of the Brazilian people
are the main reason why the International Council of Museums
(ICOM) considers Casa do Pontal a real anthropological museum.
It is located 50 minutes from downtown, between the sea
and the Serra de Grumari ecological reserve. Species of
tropical flora and fauna can be seen in the garden. The
museum offers a database on Brazilian folk art and guided
tours in 4 languages (booking required). It has a bookstore
and a coffee shop.
São Sebastião
This festival celebrates the anniversary of the city. The
main event is a procession carrying the statue of St. Sebastian,
the patron saint of Rio, from St. Sebastian church in Tijuca
to the Metropolitan Cathedral where there is a festive Mass
celebrated by the Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro. Other events
include horse racing and a samba show. This event takes
place every 20th of January.
GP Brasil de Turfe
This is the most traditional and famous horse-racing event
in Brazil, with competitors from other states and from abroad.
The prizes are huge, which helps attracting the best breeders
and riders from all over the country. The event is well
known for elegant and elaborate attires (especially the
hats) of the women in the paddock: every year there is a
contest to choose the best and most exquisitely dressed
ladies.
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