Rio Travel Info | Rio de Janeiro Events

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.

In true Brazilian style, National Samba Day is one big, musical party. There are events all over the city organised by samba schools, including the ‘Samba Train’ party from Central do Brasil station to Oswaldo Cruz. Startin date: 2 December 2011.

During Rio’s Panorama Festival (4-20th November 2011), you’re likely to see dance performances at unusual places around the city such as metro stations. A celebration of contemporary dance, this is a not-for-profit but high-profile event that attracts performers from around the world.