Alright, in actuality I don’t hate Carnaval per se. Who can hate thousands of people drinking and partying in the streets? Oh wait, the people who live in said city.
Carnaval is a blast! It really should be on every person’s bucket list. I have had quite a few awesome Carnavals and I still enjoy a good bloco here and there.
The thing is, I live here. Do you know how annoying it is to have to check a bloco (street party) schedule to see when you can leave your home? I have been blocked from my apartment before, back when I didn’t know better. If the street party congregates in front of your apartment, you have three options: 1. join 2. stay in or 3. leave for the entire day.
It is a pain in the ass! Not to mention, it smells. The entire city smells of beer, piss and sweat.
And I’m not Brazilian, which Carnaval blatantly points out. I can’t hang like Cariocas!
Blocos are full, sweaty, dirty, smelly, and (if you are with children) somewhat stressful. I have never figured out how Cariocas are not afraid of losing their children in the bloco crowds! It must have something to do with being raised going to them. That or there is some Carioca secret. Maybe they all have hidden GPS systems in their kids’ costumes.
I am going to try this year though. Mr Rant is out of town for Carnaval and the kiddos are heading out to the in-laws. I will be hitting up the blocos with friends this year! I keep telling myself that I won’t flake out and be boring. Fingers crossed people! To be honest, my fear should actually be that I will party too hard the first day and be out for the rest of them. I must remember that I am out of practice.
Have you been to Carnaval? Did you like it? If you haven’t been, do you want to go?
11 comments
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Wagner
February 3, 2013 at 12:05 am (UTC 3) Link to this comment
This is unacceptable, I`m gonna write to immigration asking for them to revoke your visa. =)
Rachel
February 3, 2013 at 12:10 am (UTC 3) Link to this comment
hahahahaha noooooooooooooooooooooo!
Danielle
February 3, 2013 at 1:04 am (UTC 3) Link to this comment
Is it dangerous for me to go to a bloco with my recently broken arm? I can wear my brace for extra protection. My surgeon said it was fine, but Alexandre is freaking out. Vote now
Rachel
February 3, 2013 at 1:43 pm (UTC 3) Link to this comment
You are totally fine! Just don’t go towards the music car, that is where it gets the most packed.
Danielle
February 3, 2013 at 1:06 am (UTC 3) Link to this comment
just signing up for comments
Ray
February 3, 2013 at 1:18 am (UTC 3) Link to this comment
I have one thing to say, Mr.Rant is the master pro Carioca, and leaves town during Carnaval… I am with him, head for the hills where it’s peaceful and quiet…
Ray
Rachel
February 3, 2013 at 1:44 pm (UTC 3) Link to this comment
And leave your family behind?
Lindsey
February 3, 2013 at 1:28 am (UTC 3) Link to this comment
Danielle: It just depends which bloco you go to… it’s not necessarily going to be like the ensaio we went to… some blocos are more spread out but some will NOT be good with a broken arm.
I don’t like Carnaval… last year I gave it a real sincere go at it and it was fun for the first couple of days but then I was done with it. Some people do like 2 weeks worth of blocos and to me that’s just boring.
John Girouard
February 3, 2013 at 1:55 am (UTC 3) Link to this comment
We would love to attend!Defenitly on the bucket list,though the prices at that time of the year are kinda out of our realm.Can totally relate to your situation , since we live literally at ground zero of the Gay Pride festivities here! One of the biggest in North America! Starts Friday at noon and does not stop til 23:00 Sunday night.We have in the past had a blast attending,now…well not so much.We usually escape.We couldn’t live without it,the energy is amazing,but we prefer to enjoy it now from a distance…dare I say age might have something to do with it ?
Born Again Brazilian
February 3, 2013 at 11:17 pm (UTC 3) Link to this comment
My carioca family hides up in the mountains during Carnaval. It seems to be less chaotic here in SP. Some day I’ll force myself to experience it more in Rio.
Rachel
February 5, 2013 at 1:47 am (UTC 3) Link to this comment
My boys will be, and we normally do too