Winter, it seems, isn’t going away anytime soon.  What better escape than a warm celebration south of the border?  If you can’t wait for the 2016 Olympics to experience Brazil, why not take a trip to celebrate one of the country’s most famous events –Carnival!
 
With great travel deals still available, this is the perfect time to experience the world’s fifth largest country as various cities celebrate Carnival differently. The most famous party - and the most popular in regards to visitors - is the one in Rio de Janeiro but there are options for travelers looking for something different.



Rio de Janeiro


Rio de Janeiro, the Marvelous City, is a destination that has always excited the imagination of the gay and lesbian traveler. Falling in love with the city and the people is very easy. Cosmopolitan Cariocas are friendly with gays, lesbians and trans-people, making you feel welcome almost everywhere. Language should not be a barrier. Most people you actually have to deal with understand basic English or Spanish. Others will try hard. 


Rio hosts what is arguably the most famous Carnival celebration in Brazil. Festivities are marked by enormous parades with floats and some of the most outrageous costumes imaginable. This four-day event (February 13-16, 2010) is known globally, with main events including samba parades with intricate, colorful costumes and lively music. The parades are organized in different neighborhoods, and the neighborhood celebrations usually feature performances
by “samba schools” which compete with one another.



Sao Paulo

The celebrations in Sao Paulo are similar to those in Rio, with big and outrageous parades with costumed revelers and floats. There are also competitions between “samba schools” and because it offers many of the same features as Rio but isn’t necessarily as popular worldwide, 
readers might consider the Sao Paulo Carnival instead.

The BIG  PARTY  in  San Paulo is San Paulo GAY PRIDE - it  is the BIGGEST in the World! 
Held  in June, it attracts  about  3  million  people!




Recife

Carnival in Recife may not be as internationally famous, but it does have what is noted in the Guinness Book of World Records the world’s biggest carnival parade (by number of participants) - so it’s nothing to sneeze at. There are other parades in Recife, but they’re only in the mornings, unlike Rio’s night-time parades.


Useful  links    Brazil Tourism ,  Rio Gay Guide,  The Week , Discover Recife