Rio de Janeiro-the most popular city of Brazil, courtesy to its iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, the famous Copacabana Beach and colorful Rio Carnival. Rio came under Portuguese control in the early 18th century. It was declared capital of Republic of Brazil in 1834, a title which remain intact until the establishment of Brasilia in 1960. Book your ticket through BRAZIL TRAVEL AGENCY and enjoy this spectacular city of Brazil.
Brazilians call Rio de Janeiro as “Cidademarvilhosa”, meaning “the marvellous city.” The city which got its shape between Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean is breathtakingly beautiful. Rio de Janeiro, also known as Rio listed itself in the world heritage site of UNESCO for its spectacular landscape. The key features that contributed such as Guanabara Bay, Tijuca National Park-a sprawling urban forest in the west, the famous Christ the Redeemer Statue, city’s 200 years old Botanical Garden are some of the unique beauty not only in Rio but also in the world.”Rio de Janeiro is also recognized for the artistic inspiration it has provided to musicians, landscapers, and urbanists”, UNESCO added. However, the recognition of UNESCO wasn’t solely for the natural setting of the city but also for the planned green space, urban cultural landscape and the right blend of architecture.
History
Today Rio de Janeiro is known for its beautiful mountains, gorgeous beaches, over the top nightlife and madness for football. But behind these, there is a long and rich history which explains the city.
It’s difficult to say when the first person arrived in Rio. The first Portuguese arrived in Brazil, in 1500. Rio’s history started two years later in 1502 when a Portuguese sailor crossed the Sugarloaf Mountain, entering to the Guanabara Bay. Though people were living at that place in that time that event marked as a new beginning for that place. The Portuguese confused Guanabara Bay with a river and the month were January, hence the name ‘Rio de Janeiro’ which means ‘January River”. The French had their foothold on the city all the way until 1567 when the Portuguese succeeded to expose the French, and Rio de Janeiro was officially founded. In course of time when Rio achieved independence from the Portuguese, the city expanded politically, culturally, economically and architecturally. In the 1960s the capital of Brazil was moved from Rio to Brasilia and later to Sao Paolo, to reduce the economic and financial pressure on Rio. Today along with its different ethnic groups, Rio is making its presence felt in the industrial, service and tourism sector.
Carnival
The word “Carnival” originates from the Portuguese ‘Carne Vale’, interpreted as ‘Farewell to meat’. The origin of the carnival can be traced back to the ancient Romans and the Greeks, who celebrated the rites of spring. It is celebrated 50 days prior to Easter. All around Europe, including France, Spain, and Portugal; people annually gave thanks at parties, wearing masks and dancing in the streets. The first carnival was organized during the 1640s. Carnival is an important example of a religious tradition that has been adopted by secular culture. Performances from samba schools often feature religious icon, as well as lots and lots of sequins and feathers.
Although carnival is celebrated in all the cities and towns of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is considered the Carnival’s capital city. The carnival of Rio de Janeiro is the biggest in the world. While Samba is to be heard everywhere in the city during the carnival season, which is definitely the signature music of the country. But Brazil is too big to be confined in a particular style and so it has a vast musical world. The annual carnival in Rio is an exhibition of music, dance, and color unrivaled outside Brazil. The carnival parade at the purpose-built Sambodrome where a large number of Afro-Brazilian dancers compete and everywhere there are booming drums, dancing beauties, spectacular floats, and colorful costumes. The carnival of Brazil is famous for the giant puppets. Carnival is one of the most profitable affairs in Brazil. More than a million tourists flock to Brazil during carnival.
The Rio Carnival 2020 will give you the remarkable opportunity to attend some of the most thrilling city carnival balls. Whether you decide to attend a Rio Carnival ball or watch the parades in the Sambadrome, there is only one rule to remember to book your tickets early. You can also opt to HOLIDAY PACKAGE IN BRAZIL 2020 in this carnival season which may work out cheaper and includes Rio and the famous Carnival.
Popular places to visit in Rio
Christ the Redeemer - A top Corcovado mountain sells the mammoth statue of Christ the Redeemer Brazil’s most established landmark standing above the bay with open arms, the statue is meant to symbolically welcome, embrace and protect the country’s multiracial citizens.
Tijuca National Forest - Rio de Janeiro is the only city in the world that has a rainforest inside its city limits: the Tijuca National Park. You can trek for hours, reach peaks, go to waterfalls, or do the whole tour by car.
Santa Teresa - what begins as a hillside gateway for wealthy families has now become a distinctive district and artist’s colony. Admire its eclectic mix of Victorian mansions and wander winding streets filled with craft shop, music store, cafes and restaurants.
Sugarloaf mountain - Dramatic sugarloaf is a sight to behold. Comprised of two mountains can be reached by foot or by glass-enclosed cable car.
Beaches - Rio de Janeiro is also known for its beautiful beaches. Barra da Tijuca, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon are some of the famous beaches of Rio. Copacabana beach is famous for its NYE beach parties. When you go to the beach you will find people from all classes and from all over the world.
Special Tips for Foodies - Fruits to tapioca to feijoada to BBQ Brazilian cuisine is delicious. Avoid eating in restaurants and near the beaches. Stick to the local fare and street food vendors as the foods are cheap and tasty.
It’s a favorite place among the majority of travelers at least once in their lifetime. Rio is an excellent spot to get your family to enjoy. Even, it’s a great place for people to spend their honeymoon too. So if you want to spend your summer in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil book BRAZIL FAMILY VACATION PACKAGES or BRAZIL HONEYMOON PACKAGES as early as possible. One can also book BRAZIL TOUR PACKAGES FROM BANGALORE through Benchmark Holidays.