Rio de Janeiro Travel Forum

Hey everyone

I'm going to be in Rio for carnival 2008. Are costumes a must? Or most of the poeple and tourist just wear casual normal cloths?

Regs,

Happy travel to all!

Omar

I didn't see a single person in costume in the stands (either side) during carnaval two years ago. Everyone was wearing street clothes. (Most of us on the left-hand side also had raincoats on, as it poured every night. Cheap raingear was for sale outside the sambadromo.)

Of course I was in carnival in Rio many years ago, but i think its better to wear casual, light and have a raincoat because its often raining, thats not aproblem, the show goes on and every one is dancing so you will be wet even if it doesn't rain...But the case is the same in the sambadrome and in the streets for the block carnival, very crazy and over ethylized...but you have to wear jost a Tshirt and a light bermuda, no money (10/20 Reals), and no camera...

Well I was in Rio for the carnaval last year 07...and it didn't rain at all during the 2 weeks I was there...maybe I got lucky...but in the Sambodromo, I didn't really see anyone in costumes, just people wearing regular clothes, and most locals sporting the colors of their favorite "samba school"...much like going to a soccer game...

In the streets though and at some parties in the clubs, I did notice some costumes...it kinda felt like halloween sometimes...but most people just wore regular comfy clothes...but if you wanna have fun and join the party you can just add a lil something...for example, I had on some pink bunny ears...you can end up making some great friends that way! Enjoy!!!