Carnival Plot themes in Rio do Janeiro parades have amazed tourists all over the world. Although the association that defines the rules for the Carnaval in Brazil prohibits plot themes solely based on foreign cultures, that does not mean Carnival Directors are limited to that. Samba-Schools in the past have used their creativity to produce themes which have both a true Brazilian story but are also intertwined with an European theme, for example. This phenomenon, show us the universality component of the Brazilian Carnival.



As an example in 1962, traditional samba-school Portela created a carnival parade based on Austrian painter Johann Moritz Rugendas, who lived in Brazil for several years, depicting the life and nature of Rio do Janeiro. Another very famous carnival parade in Brazil with a mixed cultural background was made by Acadêmicos do Salgueiro in 1959. The official title of the theme-plot was “Viagem Pitoresca através do Brasil – Debret” or “"A Picturesque Voyage through Brazil” and was written by Nelson de Andrade. Salgueiro´s 1959 theme-plot based on Debrét enjoyed great success and earned the samba-school the second position. That parade was so successful that as a result, the samba-school was invited to parade in Cuba. For those who are not aware, Jean-Baptiste Debret (April 18, 1768 – June 28, 1848) was a French painter, who produced many valuable lithographs depicting the people of Brazil. One of his classic pictures of Brazilian scenes about Rio do Janeiro´s carnival is shown above and below.



Below, the offcial lyrics for this Carnival Parade based on Debret

Viagem Pitoresca e Histórica ao Brasil -1959

Authors Djalma Sabiá e Duduca
Salgueiro Singer: Djalma Sabiá


"Obras de vulto e encantos mil
Legou Debret
Às nossas belas-artes, ao Brasil.
Pintou
Com genial saber,
Para sua era reviver!
Foi na verdade um grande artista,
Primaz documentarista
Do Brasil imperial,
Tendo alcançado a galeria imortal.
Retratou nativas maravilhas e coisas mil,
Série de acontecimentos nacionais,
Viajando através do Brasil...
Seu patrimônio histórico
Hoje nos traz
O tempo imperial, revelando o valor do pintor
Que exaltou a nossa vida nacional.
Lá-lá-lá-lá-lá-lá"



To read more about the Culture of Brazil´s Carnival in English, please read our exclusive directory.

Dear Belavista Readers,

Starting this month, Belavista-Rio will start a new series on Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup. We will be describing most of the 2014 Brazil World Cup developments such as stadium renovations, investments in infra-structure and historical facts. Brazil hosted the 1950 FIFA World Cup which was historic, but sad for us Brazilians since we lost at the Final for Uruguay by 2 X 1 in a legendary game.

We believe most soccer fans all around the world are eager to know what goes on at the backstage of Brazil 2014 World Cup. At Belavista Brazil Carnival Blog, this is what we promiss to deliver so when the Cup finally arrives, you can have all data you need.

In the first article, we will write a full retrospective about all the Official FIFA World Cup Posters from 1930 to 2006. The post in under research and should be posted next week. For now, please read the about FIFA South Africa´s 2010 World Cup Official Poster Ceremony:



The official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ poster was unveiled on 23 November 2007 following a board meeting of the Local Organising Committee in Durban. The poster was designed by the South African creative agency Switch, who also created the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ emblem. The design beat three rivals in a public vote held throughout South Africa from 11 September to 30 September 2007. As the lucky winner in a lottery among all of the voters, South African Marilyn Rhoda was presented with a prize of two 2010 FIFA World Cup™ tickets provided by official sponsor MTN.

"Portraying a country in the shape of a man heading a ball is a new idea with potent symbolism. For me, football is all about emotion and passion, which is why I was particularly attracted to this poster. It invites the world to join in the celebration of the greatest football event on earth, while highlighting the pride and passion of the African continent and her people. It represents the African dream come true. The South Africans made a good selection for the poster, which will represent their country all the way up to 2010," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.



For the first time in football history, the FIFA World Cup™ will be hosted on African soil from 11 June to 11 July 2010. The artwork depicts a celebration of the African continent as well as everyone who calls it home. The simple and yet iconic rendering is symbolic of the relationship between football and Africa and captures a sense of excitement, awe and aspiration. It also reflects the positive impact that the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will have on Africa. Africa is the "hero" of the official event poster. The unique shape of the continent almost naturally lends itself to the shape of a man's profile, while the face represents every single African supporter from Morocco in the north, Gambia in the east, Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia in the west to South Africa in the south.



"The official poster symbolises the important role of football in the history, tradition and culture of the African continent. It's also a recognition that football has always been an inspiration for a better future and a generator of hope in Africa. It recognises that Africa has a football face and a football heart," explained Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee.

Bright, vibrant and celebratory, the colours of the poster are inspired by the South African flag, but also draw upon the African continent. The strong yellow background symbolises the sun as the source of warmth, energy and life.

From a total of 16 creative entries, all submitted by South African-based agencies, three proposals had been pre-selected for the public vote by South African residents. The jury was made up of FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke, CEO of the 2010 South African Local Organising Committee Danny Jordaan, Minister in the South African Presidency Essop Pahad, Deputy Finance Minister Jabu Moleketi, South African playwright and author Wally Serote, and artist and director of the Vega School of Brand Communication Gordon Cook. Following on from the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ in Germany, this was the second time that residents of the host country have been actively involved in the selection of the official event poster.

Brazil is a continental country, full of cultural differences. But just like in the United States, where basketball, country-music, and fast-food seem to be omnipresent across all regions, we too have several national passions and identities. In Brazil, the Carnival festivity, soccer championships and pageant contests (like in California) are definitely some of the top current popular expressions. But have you have ever imagined when any one of two of these country passions goes together? Lately, we have observed a number of beauty contests being promoted all around the country: Miss Brazil, Top Beach Girl, Goddess of Samba, Carnival Muses and most recently, the newest popular fever, the National Soccer Muse which happened in Rio-de-Janeiro. This is what we will talk about today.



Since 2007, a famous sports channel decided to take profit of this “new wave” and promote a new beauty contest involving the soccer enthusiasts and supporters all throughout the Internet. The objective was to select the most beautiful muse of each of the Brazil´s major league Top 20 teams. Needless to say it was a tremendous success, with huge media appearance and public involvement. Last estimates show more than 10.000 goddess of soccer enrolled themselves in the contest, which had three phases. During the first phase, the organizers selected through the Internet, three muses per each major soccer team in Brazil. At the second phase, one muse per team was selected, also through a disputed poll through the Internet and mobile phones messages. On the final phase, which happens in the end of December in Rio-de-Janeiro, out of the 20 TOP muses from teams like Fluminense, Gremio, and Flamengo, one final soccer muse is elected for one year.



We will post in Belavista Brazil Carnival Blog some pictures of the Muses elected by this disputed beauty contest, as well as information about their carrier. To start out this series, we will post the winner of 2008 – Ariane Gonzalez:



Full Name:
A: usually Ariane Garcia Gonzalez.

Nickname:
R: Nane.

Hometown:
A: Rio Claro.

Live with whom?
R: boyfriend.

Age:
A: 22 years.

Weight:
A: 51kg

Height:
A: 1.68 m

Hip:
A: 90cm

Bust:
A: 90cm


Workout?
A: Gym and walking outdoors.

Smoke?
A: No

Drink?
A: Socially

Has tattoo? How many? In which part of the body?
A: Yes. A star on each wrist.

It has piercing? How many? In which part of the body?
A: Yes, at the belly button.

Has some special ability (such as singing, dancing, shoes, playing football, other sports, do something quite different, etc.).

A: Interpretation, dance and singing.



Speaks more than one language other than Portuguese ?
A: Spanish.

Married? Single? Have a boyfriend?
A: Yes, dating.

What most attracts a man?
A: Smile.

Have pets? How many? What?
A: Yes, a cat.

Mania or addiction (eating, cleaning, etc.):
R: cleaning.

Defects:
A: perfectionist.

Hobby:
A singing and watch soccer games.

You know play football?
A: Yes

If you play - or play - what would your position and why?
R: Striker, since I am determined.

What is the most beautiful football player of his time?
A: The half Diego Souza.

What is your biggest idol in football and why?
A: Marcos, the Palmeiras goalkeeper.

Just like the rice and beans, the caipirinha-drink and the acarajé, another icon in Brazil´s gourmet culture is the churrasco. Originally brought by the Gauchos from the South of Brazil, the churrasco in its several serving formats, have been a social gathering point for many generations, across most of the country. Today, there are many churrascaria-chains like Fogo de Chão, Porcão,Vento Haragano, Barbacoa and Pampa established in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and in now in many US cities like Dallas, Miami, New York and even Beverly Hill. Below, we will describe the “Rodizio” style churrasco, that helped popularize this authentic element of Brazil´s south gourmet culture.



Rodízio (pronounced [xu dʲizju] or [xo dʒizju] in Brazil, [ʁu dizju] in Portugal) is a style of restaurant service in Brazilian and Portuguese restaurants. One pays a fixed price and the waiters bring an offering of food to each customer at several times throughout the meal, until the customers signify that they have had enough. In churrascarias servers come to the table with knives and a skewer, on which are speared various kinds of meat, most commonly local cuts of beef, pork, or chicken whereas in a Pizza rodizio varied pizzas are brought on trays.



Foods served at a churrascaria often include:

* Filet mignon chunks wrapped in bacon
* Turkey chunks wrapped in bacon (these two are usually two-bite sized)
* Sirloin steak (cut semicircular and served in slices)
* Roast beef (served like sirloin steak)
* Rump Cover (called Picanha in Portuguese)
* Beef short ribs
* Pork ribs
* Chorizo or some other spicy Iberian pork sausage
* Chicken hearts
* Grilled dark-meat chicken
* Grilled pineapple or banana (meant as a palate cleanser between courses)
* Sushi

Most rodizio courses are served right off the cooking skewer, and are sliced or plated right at the table. Sometimes they are accompanied with Spanish fried potatoes, fried bananas, collard greens, black beans, and rice.

In many places where churrascarias have been opened, such as the United States (but much less common in Brazil), the diner is often provided with a colored card, red on one side and green on the other. According to the usual meaning of these colours, the servers will only bring more meat if the card is flipped to the green side.



In Brazil, one of the most traditional churrascaria chain is Fogo de Chão. An authentic “churrascaria,” known in Brazil as a restaurant where meat is the specialty, Fogo de Chão (fo-go dée shown) is a genuine steakhouse from Rio Grande de Sul in Southern Brazil, with “Gaucho” (Southern Brazilian cowboy) chefs preparing and serving delectably slow-roasted meats.

Fogo de Chão is the dream of two “Gaucho” brothers, Jair and Arri Coser, who, as young boys, learned the Gaucho way of roasting meats over open fire pits, and became the caretakers of a culinary tradition passed down from generation to generation for over three centuries.
The menu features 15 different cuts of slow roasted meats, carved tableside by authentic “Gaucho” chefs. Traditional Southern Brazilian side dishes and a sumptuous gourmet salad and vegetable buffet complement the meats. Today, Fogo Chao restaurant is present in more than 16 locations in the United States.

Fogo Chao
Dallas (Addison), TX
4300 Belt Line Rd.
(972) 503-7300

Chicago, IL
661 N. LaSalle St.
(312) 932-9330

Fogo Chao
Houston, TX
8250 Westheimer Rd.
(713) 978-6500

Beverly Hills, CA
133 N. La Cienega Blvd.
(310) 289-7755

Fogo Chao
Atlanta, GA
3101 Piedmont Rd.
(404) 266-9988

DC Washington, DC
1101 Pennsylvania Ave NW
(202) 347-4668


Fogo Chao
Philadelphia
1337 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-636-9700


Minneapolis
645 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-338-1344


Fogo Chao
Baltimore
600 E. Pratt St., Ste. 102
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-528-9292

Austin Austin, TX
309 E. 3rd St., Ste. 100
Austin, TX 78701
512-472-0220


Fogo Chao
Indianapolis
117 E. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-638-4000

Miami
836 1st Street
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-672-0011

Scottsdale
6300 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480-609-8866

Kansas City
222 W. 47th Street
Kansas City, MO 64112
816-931-7700

Opening Summer 2009!
Denver, CO
1513 Wynkoop St.
Denver, CO 80202


Fogo Chao
San Antonio, TX
849 E. Commerce St.
Suite 393
San Antonio, TX 78205

What are the best neighborhoods to enjoy Brazil Carnival in Rio?

If you are traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to enjoy Carnival, there are a few districts and neighborhoods we recommend. Definitely try to stay at the “Zona Sul” or South Zone. We strongly advise visitors to stay at the following districts: Flamengo, Ipanema, Copacabana, Botafogo, Lagoa, Santa Teresa, Laranjeiras, Leblon, and Rio´s downtown Centro da Cidade (financial district). The main reason is that most of the carnival festivals activities are located only in these neighborhoods. Flamengo, Botafogo, Centro, and Santa Teresa are especially close to Rio´s Sambadrome, where the official Rio Carnival parade is held.

Below, a marvelous picture of Rio´s sunset in Flamengo District



Avoid staying at Barra or São Conrado. They are simply too far from the Parade and there are very few street carnival parties compared to these other Rio districts. In 2009, Rio´s 2009 Carnival will have more than 250 street groups or “blocos de rua” in Portuguese. They are really fun, authentic and free. The great majority of these amazing street groups are held in districts like Ipanema, (Banda de Ipanema), Laranjeiras (Volta Alice, Imprensa Que Eu Gamo), and Centro (Cordão do Bola Preta). For a full list of 2009 ´s Street Groups please check our Rio Carnival Street Parties cultural tab.

Below, the Hotel Monte Claro in at the Center of Rio - Lapa

Rio-de-Janeiro is worldwide known in terms of its beaches by the now immortal “The Girl of Ipanema” song. The famed lyrics composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes slowly became not only an anthem of Rio´s beach culture but also of the Brazilian woman. As a native Carioca, born and raised in Rio-de-Janeiro, I have to express my “disagreement” with the overrated allegation that only in Ipanema we can find the beautiful girls: In Rio, we can find muses just about any beach…



Above, we see a the Girl of Rio de Janeiro...Did you know the term "Bossa Nova" was used of the first time at the Flamengo district, and not in Ipanema?!

In the city blessed by all Gods, whose nature was admired by naturalist Darwin, European painter Jean-Baptist Debrét and American explorer Harriet Chalmers, the beautiful girls are not only at or from Ipanema Beach, but thankfully from several neighborhoods. To prove our argument, Belavista-Rio decided to investigate and post a series of articles describing some of Rio-de-Janeiro´s hottest beach points. Some of these include Pepê surfers peak Barra Beach, Leme beach, Leblon´s Safeguard # 11, and recently a small spot at the Flamengo Beach.



Although my thoughts could be biased, since this where I live, the Flamengo-Beach and neighborhood itself has been going through an up-rise in terms of the beauties´ presence. I will explain why: Before, Ipanema and Leblon were the main areas for spotting the marvelous “girls next door” since most of the nightlife activities were centered there. Since 2001, new bars and restaurants have been opening all over town, like the new chain of botecos Belmonte, Devassa which also established themselves at the Flamengo District. Because of this Flamengo has been increasingly searched (like the Lapa Region) not only by tourists, but by locals for their hang-out spots. Consequently, locals need not to go to other beaches to meet their friends.




Also, the Flamengo-Beach, once completely polluted, now show hopes for survival, (see photos below ). Sometimes I see small fish close to the sand: Maybe the reason why “Ipanema type” girls are back to the beach. Surely the beautiful girls in Rio are in Ipanema, but also in Leblon, Lagoa, Botafogo, Barra, Leme Beaches...And better, in a natural and non posy way!



Above, the Flameng-Beach clear waters...

In terms of a specific area, since the Flamengo Beach has over 1.5 mile, your shot would be close to the Porcão Restaurant “wing” of the beach (looking from the beach to the bay, your extreme right hand side). There is a large sun tent called “Point da Galera” ( that sells beer & Guaraná ) where the local sports fans, jocks, and the Rio beautiful girls tan themselves! I hope once in Rio you are able to check out for yourself what I am saying at Flamengo Beach. Once last advice, don´t forget your sunglasses! As you will see, the Girl of Rio-de-Janeiro can be everywhere, and not only in Ipanema!

Today we will talk in about one bird in Rio-de-Janeiro considered as one of the city´s favorite icon: the frigate bird or man-o'-war bird. Since the discovery of Rio-de-Janeiro, the frigate birds of Rio de Janeiro, here called as “Gaivotas”, have been drawing attention by naturalists, biologist, adventurous, and nature lovers in general. Please read below a scientific excerpt of the Frigate Bird from Columbia Encyclopedia.

Man-o'-war bird or frigate birds most aerial of the water birds, found in the tropic seas. The man-o'-war bird's wingspread (7 1/2 ft/228.5 cm) is the largest in proportion to its body (3-4 lb/1.4-1.8 kg) of any bird. It can soar motionless by the hour and has been recorded in flights lasting nearly four days, spending most of that time several hundred feet or more in the air. It is awkward on land and in the sea, where the feathers quickly become water-logged. Here in Brazil, the frigate birds of Rio de Janeiro are translated into Portuguese as “Gaivotas” and inspired several composers and Brazilian Poets.



Above, great photo of a man-o-war bird taken in Rio by Netmark from Flickr.

These frigate birds of Rio de Janeiro can be seen regularly at most beaches like Ipanema, Leblon, Flamengo, Copacabana and Urca to the amusement of locals and tourists. Its name derives from its grace and swiftness in the air and from its piratical tendencies; it harasses boobies, pelicans, cormorants, and gulls until they drop their catch. Man-o'-war birds feed chiefly on fish but also prey on the young of sea birds and on jellyfish, squid, and young turtles. They have long hooked beaks and forked tails; the male has an inflatable orange throat pouch that becomes red at courtship. Amongst Brazilians and ,native Cariocas and surfers, the frigate birds of Rio de Janeiro are also a symbol for liberty and freedom.

Please see below this fantastic photo of a Gaviota taken in Rio by Rafael Sieber from Flickr.



The purplish black magnificent frigate-bird, Fregata magnificens, 40 in. (100 cm) long, is found from the Bahamas and Baja California S to Brazil and Ecuador; the great frigate-bird, F. minor, is found in the Indian Ocean. Other species, e.g., the Ascension and Christmas Island frigate-birds, are named for their habitats. The lesser frigate-bird, the smallest (32 in./80 cm) of the family, is found in the South Pacific and on the islands off Brazil and Madagascar.



Above, a picture of a flock of Frigate Birds taken by CSERFATY within Rio-de-Janeiro State. This photo shows us the gaivotas can also fly in a large group!

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | 2008 | The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press.

Last week, I visited one of the most famous historic landmarks of Brazil, the omnipresent Sugarloaf Mountain and its cable car inaugurated in 1912 in Rio-de-Janeiro. I hadn’t been there for quite a few years, so the experience would be extra special, since it would be the first time I would see it with eyes of someone working on the tourism field at the wonder city, like myself. It would be sort of a review of the “SugarLoaf experience" itself.



Sugar-Loaf Entrance:

The visit was planned on a Saturday, and it was not really packed, but sunny. There were many tourism buses, but no crowd at the Urca neighborhood in Rio. At the very entrance, I was glad I wasn’t approached by anyone selling me stuff, although I have the “gringo” look. The ticketing booths were relatively well displayed; the cue organized and looked very clean. Although I had problems with my half-price entrance ticket, (native Cariocas are discounted, but have to show ID + proof of residency), I was happy to hear so many different languages and accents at ticketing booth.


Sugar-Loaf Station I: anxiety for everyone

As soon as you pay and have the ticket in your hands, you get to see a very well made mock up of the Sugar-Loaf and Urca Mountains. I saw many people already flashing their cameras and being amazed with the project. Right after, I could see a nice souvenir shop, selling all kinds of well made design Rio and Sugar-Loaf products. ( If you are anxious to see the view, there is also a second souvenir shop at Station III).


The shop is well decorated and has English speaking salesmen. Prices of Sugar Loaf gifts were reasonable and creative. I was then directed to the first cable on to the Urca Mountain, and from the platform, we could see already the massive rock in front of us. The cable car that lifts us to the first stop takes approximately 3 minutes moving at a speed of 21.6 km/hour or 6 meters ( 18 feet ) per second. It has a capacity for up to 65 people, but had less than 30 this day.



Suspense in Sugar-Loaf Station II

Impressive and breath taking this first leg, where you can see the Red Beach - Praia Vermelha, the green and blue color tones of the Guanabara Bay & Rio-de-Janeiro shore. More flashes all around the cable car and much amusement could be seen during those lively 3 minutes. Once we reached the Urca Mountain - Station II, we could see everyone was already thrilled with the spectacular sight. At 721 feet we could see almost all of the wonderful city view: Niteroi, Christ the Redeemer Statue, Flamengo and Botafogo Beaches, Santos Dumont Airport, Rio-de-Janeiro ´s downtown, and part of Santa Teresa neighborhood…amazing!


The Sugar-Loaf´s general infrastructure has improved a lot, with visible security, Sugar Loaf workers in uniform, boards and signs indicating directions, trash cans, and water fountains. At the Urca Mountain station, where the “Station II” is located, there is also food kiosks, diapers' corner stands, and clean bathrooms. At this level, you can also check out a very interesting film that tells the story of the construction and evolution of the cable car ride, in wide amphitheater. For those real adventurous, there is a helipad too at Station II.

After watching the film, I directed myself to the second platform in order to take the cable car to Station III, where the SugarLoaf Mountain is located at 396 meters ( 1 300 feet ) above sea level. Just before I arrived at this platform, there is also an interesting spot worthwhile stopping by, which is old open-air cable car on display that was used in the '30´s. Many tourists entered this “antique cable car” imagining how it would be those days. This vintage cable car area was just a great location for the taking pictures.



As I embarked for the final up-wards stretch, I observed one procedure that could be perfected at the Pão de Açucar. Someone in my group lost the entrance ticket, which should be kept all the way until the end. The ticket is used in all turnstiles when entering the cable car. I remember someone telling me to keep the ticket, but I saw no sings re-emphasizing this necessity. I am not sure either this observance was stated in all languages…So just as a reminder, keep your Pao de Acucar ticket all the way until your exit!

Amusement in Sugar-Loaf Station III

At a reasonable speed of 10 meters per second, 31 km p/ hour, our cable car then rose to the final stop at Rio´s Sugar Loaf Mountain. The view on the way up was even more spectacular, as we could now see Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema beaches and Rio-de-Janeiro Oceanic Islands as we approached the tremendous mountain top. We could also see several mountain climbers on the face of the giant Pão de Acucar mountain, which impressed all tourists aboard. As we felt the cool breeze entering through the window shaft of the cable car, the bulky mass seemed even bigger and bigger. As soon as we finally landed, the sense of astonishment and awe was visible at the faces of all tourists.


Walking around Sugar-Loaf´s Station III was thrilling! The 360º Rio-de-Janeiro view points from this historic landmarks of Brazil was unimaginable to all accents. I could now see the many mountains that circumvent the wonder city, including Teresópolis´ “Dedo de Deus” peak which lies at the Órgãos Mountains at 2,959 feet, most of the Guanabara Bay, Niteroi´s shoreline, apart from the Oceanic Islands in front of Copacabana beach and Ipanema. Simply wonderful!




At Pão de Açucar´s Station III, there were also several shooting platforms perfect for your favorite photograph at this unimaginable scenery, as well as kiosks, an ecological park and an extra souvenir shop. Tourists and locals simply couldn’t avoid demonstrating their state of ecstasy; magical indeed: Many couples showing their love, children with their parents, friends just hanging out…The wind was blowing cool, the fantastic view of Rio-de-Janeiro in sunset, and my soul replenished...Do you want to know more, come to Rio! I felt then my mission had been accomplished. This Rio-de-Janeiro beauty could be then reviewed in a full article.



Below, I reproduced some factual information about this Rio-de-Janeiro classic:


Sugarloaf Mountain (in Portuguese, Pão de Açúcar), is a peak situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean. Rising 396 metres (1,299 ft) above sea-level, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar. However, it is believed by some that the name actually derives from Pau-nh-acuqua (“high hill”) in the Tupi-Guarani language, as used by the indigenous Tamoios.



Visitors can watch rock climbers on Sugarloaf and the other two mountains in the area: Morro da Babilônia (Babylon Mountain), and Morro da Urca (Urca's Mountain). Together, they form one of the largest urban climbing areas in the world, with more than 270 routes, between 1 and 10 pitched long. Some classic routes in Sugarloaf are:

• Italianos, 5.10a, 2 pitches. Beautiful and well protected face climbing. Can be connected to other routes, in a total of 6 pitches to the top.

• Stop Chimney, 5.6, 7 pitches. Classic runout but easy chimney.

• Lagartão, 5.11c, 7 pitches. First two pitches are traditional climbing, the rest is bolted.

• Ibis, 5.10d A1, 10 pitches. Runout and committed. Some parties climb it in one day, sleeping on one of the ledges in the first half of the route.


The mountain is only one of several monolithic morros of granite and quartz that rise straight from the water's edge around Rio de Janeiro. A glass-paneled cable car (in popular Portuguese, bondinho - more properly called teleférico), capable of holding 75 passengers, runs along a 1400-metre route between the peaks of Pão de Açúcar and Cara de Cão every 20 minutes. The original cable car line was built in 1912 and rebuilt around 1972/1973 in its current form. The cable car goes from the base, not the peak of the Babilônia mountain, to the Urca mountain and then to the Pão de Açúcar mountain.



The mountain may be known for its memorable scene in the 1979 James Bond movie, Moonraker, in which the villanous henchman Jaws attempts to kill 007 and the agent's ally, Dr. Holly Goodhead, on a tram, but instead is defeated at their hands when he comically flies through a 7 Up billboard by accident. So familiar is this peak, the mere sight of it in a film is considered sufficient to establish the setting as Rio de Janeiro.


Candidate to be one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The Cable Car connects the base to the Morro da Urca, and then Morro da Urca to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Several personalities as Kennedy, Einstein and Lech Walesa have already enjoyed the trip and several other international celebrities.

Rio-de-Janeiro - Now its Official: The Goddess of Carnival Gracyanne Barbosa lost her post as Carnival Drum Queen for traditional Mangueira Samba School, to model and samba dancer Renata Santos, former Queen of Drums for Academicos de Santa Cruz. After a successful 10 year partnership with the Samba-School from the west part of Rio-de-Janeiro, the model will lend her grace, charm and personality now to Cartola´s green-and-pink legendary samba-school.



The previous star of Mangueira, Gracyanne Barbosa, remained as the Carnival Queen of Drum for two years and still has not announced her new plans. For Renata Santos, this movement can definitely be considered as an up-grade, since Academicos de Santa Cruz is not a member of the elite Group in Rio-de-Janeiro.



During an interview for “O DIA” newspaper, she stated: “'I know Ivo Meirelles (Mangueira´s President ) for long a time. When he decided to make a complete turn-around at the samba-school, he also decided to invite me to become the Queen of Drums. I had never thought this could happen in my life, but I'm ready. I went through a “Masters degree of 10 years” at Santa Cruz Samba-School and now it my time to join the Special Group. I am very happy”, said the Brazilian Carnival beauty




The official announcement was made in closed feijoada that occurred at the Samba-School’s court, were new board of directors from Mangueira were presented. According to carnival backstage insiders, Gracyanne is already being approached by other traditional samba-schools in Rio-de-Janeiro. If you want to know how these true Goddess of Brazilian Carnival are selected for the Queen of Drum post, read an exclusive article we wrote explaining this process.

Rodrigo Freitas Lagoon: History From 16th Century to today’s charm!

That Rodrigo Freitas Lagoon is one of the most charming districts in Rio-de-Janeiro, everybody knows. But what about its history? I bet few ( even amongst native Cariocas) know how the Lagoa District became the glamour spot as we see currently, with many restaurants like Mr.Lam Rio, Braz Pizzaria, Katmandu Sushi Lounge and the lovely Lagoa Kiosks. So let´s get to know a little bit of the district’s history and origins:

In the XVI century, there were some farms and mills in Jardim da Gávea, comprising the current neighborhoods Gávea, Jardim Botânico, and Lagoon itself. This area presented good lands for sugar cane plantation, which activity interested very much to the settlers in the beginning of Carioca’s life.
At the lake borders, which were known by the Indians as Sapopenipã - meaning lagoon of flat roots in Tupi-Guarani, and by the Portuguese people as lagoon of the socós, since there were loads of such birds in the region, it was settled the Engenho Del Rei (King’s Mill) by the Governor Antonio Salema, right after having expelled the French corsairs from Baía de Guanabara in 1575.


Rio-de-Janeiro old picture see below:



At the beginning of the XIX century, D. João VI when moving to Brazil, in 1808, arrived at Rio-de-Janeiro and, the first thing he did was to built a gunpowder factory so that his army and navy were able to protect the wonder city against possible French invasions. The location chosen to build the factory was within the lands around the lagoon, which was already named Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. In order to such construction to be done, D. João VI reimbursed Rodrigo de Freitas family, and the factory was built this year. In 1826, the gunpowder factory built by D. João VI exploded and was, then, moved to Raiz da Serra on the way D. Pedro II used to make do get to Petrópolis, which was called Fábrica da Estrela (Star Factory). From half of XIX century, sugar cane production starts facing a crisis making some mills in the rural regions to become small farms.




On January 1, 1871, Jardim Botânico Railway Company, a company that got the first concession of mule trams in Rio-de-Janeiro, extended its railways to where today is Jardim Botânico neighborhood. Two years after, on December 17, 1873, the Company launched Gávea extension, which became “Freguesia" next year. Freguesia da Gávea, which comprised the current neighborhoods of Lagoa, Jardim Botânico, Gávea, Ipanema , Leblon, Vidigal, São Conrado, and part of Barra da Tijuca, reached in 1890 a population of 4.712 people.




Above, old photograph of the Lagoon.

At the end of the century, Freguesia da Gávea started to be filled by textile factories, and then, fast increasing population. In the first decade of XX century, in the urban reform program implemented by the Mayor Pereira Passos, it was performed Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon sanitation. In 1919, Mayor of Rio-de-Janeiro Paulo de Frontim, aiming at solving the lagoon sanitation problem decided for its salinization, but it was during Carlos Sampaio’s administration that such area started to be effectively urbanized, integrating, thus, the new and large "noble area" to the city. (In 1920, although the groundings, the Lagoon area were still closed to Humaitá and Marquês de São Vicente streets) . In 1922, the lagoon border was rounded by a beautiful avenue, which was used for building houses for the carioca high-society, this avenue was called Epitácio Pessoa Ave., honoring the President of Republic that time, Mr. Epitácio Pessoa. In 1926, it was founded the Brazilian Jockey Club, which remains in the same area until today.

Below, the elegance of Brazil´s Jockey Club, in the early century.



In the 50’s, the textile factories ‘Carioca’ and ‘Corcovado’ were closed in Rio-de-Janeiro, and their areas were urbanized, thus ending the industrial phase in the Neighborhood. At the same time, the shantytowns were withdrawn from the region where the poorest lived. During Governor Carlos Lacerda’s administration, the Rebouças tunnels were opened, which links Lagoon to Comprido, thus linking North to South.


At the beginning of the 70’s, the real state speculation occurred in a more aggressive way in the neighborhood which was targeted by the Construction Companies, which started to ground, even though they had no authorization from the City Hall, the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon in order to build residential buildings. Thus, the Lagoon, which had already been suffered from the groundings since 1808, lost almost half of its original area. Several protests from people who lived there and architects like Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa came out in order to make the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and its border declared historical patrimony.

Below, we see Gavea Rock from the Lagoon:



In the 80’s, the attentions in Rio-de-Janeiro, were to Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon waters clean-up, where several projects were presented and some of them, having the private initiative help and international capital, were performed. However, only in the 90’s, Cariocas could appreciate the water mirror less polluted. It was in the last three decades of the century that the neighborhood got a good participation in Carioca’s nightlife with bars, discos and restaurants for all tastes.

Credit for Rio-de-Janeiro old school photos to Rio Passado from Flickr.