Rio’s street Carnival is intense and changes a lot depending on where you go. To avoid traps and enjoy the blocos smoothly, I’ve listed what actually works in practice for those in the city.
How to find the blocos
There are many different lists and countless blocos to explore throughout the city. You can select based on the neighborhood you are in or plan a route of blocos to enjoy until you reach your final destination. I recommend the blocos in the South Zone and Center, where moving around by Metro is super practical, and it is very easy to hop from one bloco to another without traveling far.
- Diário do Rio Block Schedule
- General Schedule at blocosderua.com
- Blocos schedule in Botafogo (just walk!)
- Instagram Page: AboutCarnaval (extended list with some unofficial blocos)
- Instagram Page: Última Astronave (extended list with some unofficial blocos)
- Telegram Group: AboutCarnaval (live info, and sometimes they share real-time location of some blocos)
About timing
Morning blocos tend to be fresher and more organized. It is the preferred time for traditional local revelers and families.
After 14:00, the crowd profile changes; it gets younger and focused on partying hard. Keep in mind that, by this time, the streets are already fuller and dirtier, which requires a bit more attention.
What to wear on your feet
Do not go in flip-flops, flat sandals, or open shoes under any circumstances. The ground gets filthy, full of crushed cans, broken glass, and liquids of all kinds. Closed sneakers (old ones, if you have them) are mandatory to protect your feet from cuts and infections. A cut on your foot ends your trip.
Basic Safety
- Money belt (Doleira): Use a flat money belt/waist pouch inside your clothes to store cards, cash, and your phone. If you don’t have one yet, buy one around the metro station; there are always street vendors selling them.
- Cell Phone: Do not walk with your cell phone in your hand in the middle of the crowd and do not put it in your back pocket (use the money belt). If you need to send a message or check a map, look for a shop to step inside.
- ID: Carry only a copy or a secondary ID. Leave your passport stored with your belongings in the room.
- Avoid empty spots: If the environment where you are gets too empty, try to get closer to crowds of people.
- Do not accept drinks from strangers: Be especially careful with water bottles; it is very common to share water “spiked” with MDMA and other suspicious substances. Also, always keep an eye on your cup.
Health Care
- Drinks: Prefer canned drinks like beer and canned cocktails like Skol Beats. This way, you are absolutely sure of the origin and do not run the risk of intoxication by distilled spirits contaminated with methanol. Try to stay constantly hydrated—besides dehydration caused by alcohol, you lose a lot of water through sweating due to high temperatures.
- Food: Avoid street food that can spoil in the heat (mayonnaise, grilled cheese, shrimp). Prefer sealed cookies/snacks or stop at a real snack bar.
- Sun exposure: Carry sunscreen with you and reapply every two hours. The February sun is unforgiving; do not underestimate it!
- Toilets: This is the biggest problem on the street. The city’s chemical toilets (Porta-potties) become unusable quickly. Always have tissues and hand sanitizer with you. If you find a bar that charges to use a clean bathroom, pay without thinking twice. It is common for us to need to pee in the street; women help each other by acting as a shield/cover for one another.
Respect
The vibe is festive, but “no” means “no”. If someone bothers you, be firm and ask for help from the people around you. Generally, crowds are very proactive in isolating men with abusive behavior. Smaller and morning blocos tend to be much more respectful in this regard.
Have a great Carnival!
I wish you a wonderful Carnival! If you have any questions, send me a message; I am available to help however I can 😊🎉