Rio Travel Info | Rio de Janeiro Events

18 – 21 Feb 2012
Everyone has heard of the Rio Carnival – it’s the benchmark against which every other carnival is compared. A spirit and energy takes over the city and has everyone enraptured for four days of infectious rhythmic shuffling and unbeatable revelry. Sambadrome, Avenida Marques de Sapucaí, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Oi Noites Cariocas, which translates as “Oi Rio Nights”, is an eagerly awaited season of pop and rock concerts. Catch well-known Brazilian artists at Pier Maua during Rio de Janeiro’s balmy summer nights, as well as musicals and other events. Pier Maua, Avenida Rodrigues Alves, 10, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Saint Sebastian Race, or a corrida de São Sebastião, is a traditional 10km race that celebrates Rio’s patron saint. The first five women and men to cross the finishing line are rewarded with a trophy or prizes.

Watch beautiful Brazilian models sashaying down a catwalk in the latest designer attire at Rio Fashion Week. From bikinis to ponchos, get your fashion inspiration here. The shows take place in venues across the city, including unusual outdoor spaces.

Every year, people congregate on the golden beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon to worship the Goddess of the Sea, Iemanja. Throngs of Umbanda followers enact their rites of worship alongside hundreds of thousands of new year revellers.