Tell us about one the best celebrations, parties or events you've been to. What did you like about it and why, what happened there to make it so good or memorable.
The best celebration I've ever been to was the Carnival Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I'd always heard of the infamous festival, but I didn't know what to expect.
The moment I stepped out of the airport, in Rio, I knew I was in a unique place. The streets were buzzing with sounds: music, a new language (Portuguese), and car horns.
We arrived one day before the official holiday started, so our first day consisted of lounging and adjusting. Fortunately, we were staying with Brazilian friends so we got a local verified tour of the city. We went to a local supermarket and caught a "taxi", which was really us riding on the back of a 1970's El Camino. Our host family made sure the driver took us the scenic route through the hills of Rio. The views were amazing.
We were up early the next day ready for our first 'blocko' or street party. I can't compare a Blocko to anything I'd experienced before. Let's say it's a cross between a parade and a a moving block party. Each Blocko was led by a truck with huge speakers that could be heard from miles away. This truck was blasting music, that was themed for the specific blocko. Some played country, electronic, traditional carnival songs, or even Brazilian funke music.
Also...EVERYONE wears a costume.
We went to 5 blockos and they were all similar in structure, but varied by music and types of crowds. Some were for families, and some were for younger people. Some were for people from a certain neighborhood or region. One thing they all had in common was people have a great time, dancing drinking, and enjoying each others company.
There was also an actual parade, which was more like a competition that groups of people prepare all year for. The parade is huge and is hosted in a stadium in the city. It reminded me of a more exciting 'Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade'.
After the 'Blockos' and parades' we spent the rest of carnival being tourist, jumping around to iconic tourist sights.
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