That Rio-de-Janeiro is one of the most marvelous cities in the world, nobody questions. Several architecture, nature and aesthetics prizes and awards have been give to the "city of wonder" or "City of Lure" as been commonly called.



Today, Belavista-Rio will post a series of pictures taken by Harriet Chalmers. For those who aren´t aware, Harriet Chalmers Adams was an American explorer, writer and photographer. She travelled extensively in South America, Asia and the South Pacific in the early 20th century, and published accounts of her journeys in the National Geographic magazine. She lectured frequently on her travels and illustrated her talks with color slides and movies.



Above, a sensational view of the Copacabana beach...just a paradise waiting to be discovered...

She visited Rio-de-Janeiro an took several fabulous pictures in 1919 of the spectacular nature, architecture and daily routine of the Cariocas, name given to those born in Rio.

Harriet Chalmers was described by The New York Times as "America's greatest woman explorer. As a lecturer no one, man or woman, has a more magnetic hold over an audience than she."




Some of the pictures taken by Harriet Chalmers in 1919 were made in tourist locations that are famed until today such as the Sugar Loaf, Copacabana Beach, Lagoa, São Conrado, and Rio-de-Janeiro´s city center.

Below, a fantastic shot of the old days of Brazil




The images surely makes us travel back to those days where streets were peaceful, nature was even more exuberant, and modus vivendi surely European.




Above, another extraordinary photo of the City´s center: Elegance and Beauty.

Rio do Janeiro´s Short History:

Rio was discovered on January (Janeiro) 1, 1502 by Portuguese navigators who mistook the entrance of Guanabara Bay for the mouth of a river (Rio). Sixty years later because French traders in search of pau-brasil (Brazilwood) were routinely "visiting" the area the Portuguese crown established the city of Sao Sebastiao do Rio-de-Janeiro.





After 2 years of bloody conflict the French were expelled and settlers began to cultivate the surrounding fertile lands. In the beginning of the 18th century the city's importance and population increased immensely as it became the main shipping port for gold and diamonds that came from Minas Gerais.





In 1763 the colonial capital of Brazil was transferred from Salvador, Bahia to Rio. In 1808, as Napoleon's armies began the invasion of Portugal, the decision was made to transfer the monarch and his court to Rio do Janeiro, where he would remain until 1821.

Below, a beautiful picture of the Botafogo Bay: This scene was depicted by at least 30 famous painters from Europe and Americas.



During this time Brasil was elevated in status from a colony to United Kingdom with Portugal. With the advent of Independence Rio became the capital of the new empire. The city prospered economically, and by 1891 it had a population of over 500,000 inhabitants ranking it one of the largest cities in the world.



As the city grew in prominence mountains were removed, bay water reclaimed, and skyscrapers constructed.

Below, the Rodrigo Freitas Lagoon...amazing picture.




With the inauguration of Brasilia in 1960, the city of wonder ceased to be Brazil's capital. Even today discussion is rife concerning whether Rio was improved or hurt by the transfer of the government.

Below, an ice-cream vendor of the early century called Ya-Ya. Great design!




In any event, this second largest city in Brazil is still a major cultural capital and, to some extent, its "emotional" capital as well. Rio do Janeiro has a majestic beauty, with built-up areas nestled between a magnificent bay and dazzling beaches on one side and an abruptly rising mountain range, covered by a luxuriant tropical forest, on the other.

Below, Sao Conrado view in the beginning of the century.





This unique landscape makes Rio one of the most beautiful cities in the world, justifying its title of "Marvelous City" (Cidade Maravilhosa). Rio's cultural life is intense and varied. Perhaps at no time is the city's festive reputation better displayed than during the annual carnaval which enlivens the city for 3 solid days with music, singing, parties, balls, and desfiles (street parades of brilliantly-costumed dancers performing the samba.)





Lapa picture above, was already a hot spot of town, with thorough commerce.

Economically it is a service industry center, a key financial center, and the producer of foodstuffs, building materials, electrical equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and textiles. But it is in the pursuit of leisure that Rio is outstanding.



Above, a picture of Leme Beach, with no construction almost.

With its world famous beaches free to all (such as Copacabana and Ipanema), its splendid bay, one of the loveliest in the world, and its wonderful climate, a blend of summer and springtime, Rio do Janeiro is a city that lives in and for the sun. Its population is around 5,750,000 inhabitants.




Street Vendor where already common those days...Many of them came as immigrants from several countries.





Av. Niemayer in 1985, very old picture and car too! It was probably an expedition those days to go to Sao Conrado!




Below, another great photo of street vendor early century...

Today we will describe the beauty of Alessandra Mattos - Muse of the Brazilian Carnival & Queen of Drums for Estácio de Sá Samba-School:


Muse Alessandra Mattos is 31 years old and since her adolescence, dream in participating of the Brazilian carnival parades in Rio do Janeiro. She would watch the carnival parades through TV as her parents would travel to the beaches for vacations. She then had a chance to parade for with a true samba-school called Estácio de Sá, a very traditional samba-school in Rio when she was 14 years. It was a dream come true which she longed for. She started then to participate in all of the samba rehearsals at Estácio de Sá Samba School and never stopped to parade again. After intense samba dance training, she was finally invited to become Estácio´s de Sá Queen of Drums in 2005, ( Rainha de Bateria ), a very competitive post at the Brazilian Carnival which she holds for 5 years.


Below, Alessandra fotos Mattos in Rio´s Carnival Spirit in 2009!



Alessandra Mattos also parades for another major samba-school in São Paulo called Águias de Ouro, and in 2009, she was also invited to become the Muse for Unidos da Tijuca Samba-School of Rio de Janeiro.

Alessandra works out twice a week with weights, but believes she has a genetic gift for her built. The Brazilian Beauty also goes through regular massage sessions and other cosmetic procedures to maintain the healthy look, specially during carnival. She also avoids eating anykind of fried food. When asked about the part of the body men look more, she admits is her thighs and legs. She considers the legendary Luma de Oliveira ( Queen of Drums of Portela in 2009) , one of the most influential and charismatic Drum Queens ever in Brazil. Alessandra Mattos considers the "A Dança da Lua", from Estácio de Sá 1993, one of the most energetic Samba-Parade theme songs ever performed at Brazil´s carnival.



Above, fotos Alessandra, the Brazilian Queen of Drums for Estacio practices her Samba routine!

The astonishing Carnival Muse Alessandra MAttos became an instant hit at the You Tube in 2008, when she posted a video explaining the make-up preparation process before parading. Click here to see this marvelous video. The Queen for Estácio de Sá is also a perfect example that Carnival in Brazil goes together with family. She is a mother of three, Lucas 14, Mateus 8, and Natasha of 6 years old, and told us her kids are already demonstrating interests in Samba dancing. Finally, Alessandra is always participating in charity programs, directed to cancer prevention. Good luck Alessandra in 2010 Carnival´s Parade!

Fotos Alessandra: Carnival Inspiration for posing below:



So if you want to meet Alessandra one day, try going to Estacio Samba-rehearsals.

Giovanna da Silva Justo, or simply Giovanna Justo, as she is known in samba world, was born and raised in Morro da Mangueira, which gives the name to the most traditional and important samba school from Rio de Janeiro. She is Orlendi Justo and Djair da Silva’s daughter. Orlendi was Mangueira’s vice-president in the 90’s, and Mrs. Djair dedicated herself to her husband and to their kids.


Giovanna started her life in the samba world in the 80’s, when she used to parade in Mangueira’s children wings, which was managed by the late Dona Neuma. Throughout the years, she became interested in the art of being a true porta bandeira- Flag- Bearer. This is when she started having classes with the legendary instructor Dalmo José. In the end of the 80’s, Giovanna started to parade in Mangueira’s Samba-School junior mestre-sala and porta-bandeira wing, which comprised of 15 young couples.



After having an important role at the junior porta-bandeira´s wing, in 1994 she had her first invitation to parade as <Estação Primeira de Mangueira’s first porta-bandeira - Flag-Bearer, the one of the most legendary posts in a samba-school parade. Next year, in 1995, she had her first parade with excellent results and top parading scores. She became then Estação Primeira de Mangueira’s official porta-bandeira or Flag-Bearer, in English.

Below, Flag Bearer ( Porta Bandeira ) Giovanna Justo , Marquinhos and Fernando Costa at a Bacalhoada from Tijuca:



After many years having the best scores, several invitations from other schools came up, recognizing her bright career. However, it was only 2004 that she had her greatest acknowledgement in her carrier until then. The Porta-Bandeira was honored to receive the famous award in samba world in Rio de Janeiro, called Estandarte de Ouro (Golden Flag Award), which took her to the limelight of the samba world in Brazil.



Above a the first couple from Unidos da Tijuca in action; Pictures from Alexandre Vidal

In 2009, she had a major shift in her life. Giovanna Porta-bandeira was invited by another large and traditional samba school from Rio de Janeiro - Unidos da Tijuca Samba-school. The invitation was made by its president Fernando Horta and after intense negotiations, Giovanna decided it was time to pursue new challenges.

She would now carry the blue and yellow pavilion from Unidos da Tijuca Samba-School along with Mestre-Sala Marquinhos with great pride. They will represent the Samba-School founded in 1936, for the 2010 Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro.

Congratulations Giovanna Flag Bearer for such a devoted, passionate and brilliant samba career.

Carnival in Rio 2010 started officially last Tuesday night June 30th, when the 12 Top Samba-Schools of the Special Group participated at the drawing ceremony which defined the order of presentation of the Rio carnival parades. The Rio de Janeiro carnival parades will take place at the Sambadrome Sunday, February 14th, and Monday February 15th (Dates for the Major Schools



The ceremony took place at Rio´City of Samba ( Cidade do Samba) and was opened by LIESA´s president, Jorge Castanheira. He thanked the presence of the founders of the LIESA, Samba-Schools patrons, and press members. Later, the president of the Carnival Association in Rio pointed out that he was happy to see all samba-schools in full carnival rhythm. He also congratulated all of them for the quality of the plot themes announced by the samba-schools. After that, he wished good luck to all the presidents. Then, the Social director of the LIESA, Jorge Perlingeiro, explained the criteria that would guide the drawing.

He also clarified that the Samba-schools had been divided in five pairs: The pairs were the following ones: 1) Salgueiro and Portela; 2) Villa Isabel and Unidos of the Tijuca; 3) Grande Rio and Imperatriz; 4) Viradouro and Porto da Pedra; e 5) Beija-Flor and Mangueira.




The members of the panel commission which presided the drawing was then composed: Jorge Castanheira - President of the LIESA; Zacarias Siqueirade Oliveira, Vice-president of the LIESA; Pablo Villela, Director of Operations of the Riotur; Ribeiro Helio de Oliveira, vice-president of the body of the LIESA; Helmet Jose Dos Santos, director of Carnival of the LIESA; Nelson Deliberativede Almeida, Legal director of the LIESA; e the municipal secretary of Sport and Leisure, State Deputy Francisco de Carvalho (Chiquinho da Mangueira)

The first part of the drawing was decided in few minutes, just like the second part. Finally, the Social director of the LIESA, Jorge Perlingeiro, presented the final order for the Carnival Parade in Rio de Janeiro´s Sambadrome.




Rio Carnival 2010 Sunday Schedule - February 14th

1st) 9:00 PM - União da Ilha;
2nd) 10:05 PM - Imperatriz Leopoldinense
3rd) 11:10 PM - Unidos da Tijuca
4th) 00:15 AM - Viradouro;
5th) 01:20 AM - Salgueiro
6th) 02:20 AM - Beija-Flor

Rio Carnival 2010 Monday - February 15th

1st) 9:10 PM - Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel
2nd) 10:10 PM - Porto da Pedra
3rd) 11:10 PM - Portela
4th) 00:15 AM - Grande Rio
5th) 1:10 AM - Vila Isabel
6th) 2:10 AM - Mangueira

All samba school patrons were happy with the drawing results and promissed a great <b>Carnival Rio for 2010. They are now focused on the promotion of the parade plot-themes and the writing of the sambas for that parade. Schedule yourself visit and celebrate in the world´s largest popular party: the Brazilian Carnival. We are sure you will have the greatest time of your life!!