Belavista Carnival Brazil - Rio de Janeiro Nightlife

Even in vacations, we know emergencies may happen. Thinking about our clients in Rio, we decided to appoint a top quality dentistry clinic in Rio which we describe below:

DENTAL DOCTOR is a full dentistry clinic in Rio de Janeiro devoted to treating foreign and local patients in a clean, modern medical environment. The dentists at DENTAL DOCTOR are fully trained and licensed to practice in their clinic at the Ipanema district in Rio.

They can perform a full complement of dental procedures.
Our warm and inviting clinic in Rio de Janeiro offers the following services:

• Cleanings
• Cavities and Fillings
• Whitening
• Straightening with Invisible braces
• Crowns
• Veneers
• Periodontal Disease and Gum Treatment
• Root Canal Therapy
• Extractions
• Wisdom Teeth
• Fixed Bridge
• Implants
• Dentures
• Sealants



All DENTAL DOCTOR´s services are made with top quality materials.

Our staff of dentists will always begin with a full examination. The doctor will diagnose your dental needs and will give you a complete treatment plan during the initial consultation. The dentist and qualified staff members will explain all of the procedures that are recommended for your treatment plan. Once you and the dentist have agreed on a course of treatment, the doctor will begin the work the same day. DENTAL DOCTOR ´s skilled dentists Tatiana Sampaio (Dentist License CRO RJ 31822) and Fernanda Campana (Dentist License CRO RJ 31726 ) are experienced in the latest dental procedures. They can often complete a full mouth restoration in as little as one week.



Give DENTAL DOCTOR a call. Come experience high quality dental treatment in our friendly facility in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro. Email a question to the dentist or inquire about scheduling an appointment. You will find your experience in Rio to be both affordable and satisfying.

Contact Information: Av. Visconde de Pirajá, 303/601 Ipanema

Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Tel: 21 2227-4026
E-mail: fernandacampana@hotmail.com

We know you have heard of the Rio beaches, but what about Rio cultural activites? If you strive for culture, your best bet is to stay in a district that has many Museums and Cultural Centers. This neighborhood is Flamengo! Flamengo has become an increasingly sought-out neighborhood in Rio for several reasons, including its art deco architecture buildings, famous bars like Belmonte and ultimately its cultural centers and museums. Until the 1950s, Flamengo and Catete were the principal residential zones of Rio's wealthier middle class and that may be the reason why some of many embassies (today consulates) were established here.

Nowadays, Flamengo is a vibrant middle-class residential neighborhood, with much charm and culture to be had. In this article we will describe some of the cultural centers and museums established in the Flamengo district including the Modern Art Museum, Oi Futuro Cultural Center, and the Catete Palace. The best thing is that most of these marvels are free.



Our first stop is the city's Modern Art Museum. It has a privileged location on Flamengo Park alongside Guanabara Bay, with the landscaping designs of Burle Marx. The Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro</b> started its construction in 1954, and is perhaps architect Affonso Eduardo Reidy´s most striking design: rows of angled concrete ribs support and enclose the gallery space. Inaugurated in 1958, has a very unusual history; after a tragic fire in 1978 burned most of its collection, and damaged the structure of the building, a tremendous reconstruction effort put the museum back on its feet, and today the permanent collection has over 2,000 pieces by Brazilian and international artists. A major contribution was made by art patron Gilberto Chateubriand, with a private collection of 4,000 pieces. It is also under the care of MAM, and can be seen in the permanent exhibition. An interesting program of art shows and exhibitions keep the museum as an excellent attraction throughout the year. An impressive collection of the works of Picasso, Max Ernst, Rodin, Brancusi and other artists from Brazil and elsewhere is housed in this concrete and glass building in Flamengo Park.

Another major attraction of the Museum of Modern Art in Rio is the film collection ("Cinemateca do MAM"), one of the best in Latin America, with over 12,000 titles including some rarities. There are sessions and festivals open for the general public, with Brazilian and foreign cult movies that are not normally shown on the commercial circuit. Art workshops are held at the Oficina da Gravura. Additional Information on the Modern Art Museum in Rio: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85 - Flamengo Park.

Our next Cultural Center for Flamengo is OI FUTURO Cultural Center, located atRua Dois de Dezembro, 66. The Center is maintained and supported by major telecom player in Brazil OI and has been receiving since its founding grants from several foundations to enhance its cultural assets and infrastructure. OI FUTURO is housed in a building that was built in 1918 and has just been remodeled, resulting in a gain of over two thousand square meters of internal space. The building's façade was preserved. There are four floors, interposed among the building's eight levels, connected by glass stairways and elevators. Each floor presents different exhibits throughout the month. OI FUTURO´s varied program includes activities related to music, videos and plastic arts. Visitors will also find an up-to-date library with an abundance of research material: magazines, newspapers and on-line computers as well as exhibition rooms. A full multi-use theater with 180 seats presents regular plays every week, at popular prices. A very charming Wi-Fi connected bistro is located at the upper floor of the Cultural Center, which leads to the terrace of the building. From the terrace, you can even see part of the Flamengo beach and Guanabara Bay. You can check OI FUTURO's monthly cultural program and schedule in English at their website.


See below photo of an exhibit at Futuro Cultural Center:



Additional Information on the OI Futuro Cutural Center: Open Hours: Tues-Sun. 11am-8pm; Address: Rua Dois de Dezembro, 63 - Flamengo, Phone:(21)3131-3060. Free Admission for several exhibits, with the exception of theater plays.

Our last stop is the Catete Palace. The Catete Palace - seat of Brazil's Republican Government from 1897 to 1960 and scene of activities of eighteen Presidents - has seen some of the most important events in Brazil's political life, including the Declaration of Brazil's entry into World Wars I and II and the suicide of President Getúlio Vargas in 1954. Transformed into a museum when Brasília became the nation's capital in 1960, and closed for restoration from 1983 through 1989, the Republic Museum reopened with a broad-ranging cultural program that includes exhibitions, concerts, plays, movies, videos, boutiques, restaurants and a book-store.

The gardens of the Museum acquired new lighting, with the replacement of 71 forged iron posts - in the eclectic style - for other posts with contemporaneous designs made of steel. Today, on the ground floor, the Entrance Hall and the Ministerial Room still retain the solemn atmosphere of capital meetings and decisions regarding the nation's destiny. Two long-standing exhibits present historical information about the first occupant of the Palace and his descendants and about the inauguration of the Republic Museum. The remaining rooms hold temporary exhibits that represent varied aspects of Republican Brazil.

On the second floor, known as the "noble floor", luxury and thematic diversity stand out. The Chapel room and the Blue, Noble, Pompeian, Venetian, Moorish and Banquette rooms show off their vintage Brazilian and French furniture, paintings from artists such as Baptista da Costa, Gustavo dall'Ara, Décio Vilares, Rodolfo Amoedo, Henrique Bernardelli, besides sculptures, chandeliers and porcelain from the 19th and 20th Centuries. The third floor highlights the reconstruction of President Getúlio Vargas' room. The remaining rooms are devoted to the display of objects, text documents and photographs from the Republic Museum's own collection. The complex also hosts one of my favorite movie theaters in town. The theater is especially known for its art movies and is named "Cinema Museu da República". You can check the theater's schedule in any newspaper in town.



Above we see an amazing photo of the roof and walls of the second floor of the Catete Palace.

Additional Information on the Catete Palace: Open Hours:Tues-Thurs-Fri, noon-5pm Wed, 2pm-5pm- Sat-Sun-Holidays, 2pm-6pm. Free admission Sundays and Wednesday to the Catete Museum. Address: Rua do Catete, 153 - Catete. Phone: (21) 3235-2650 The park in the Catete Palace is opened for visits until 10 p.m.

We described in this article only some of Flamengo's cultural centers and museums. There are many other Cultural Centers all within the Flamengo district boundaries, with many art exhibits and public libraries. We also suggest and appoint the following:

Figner Mansion Arte SESC Cultural

Julieta de Serpa House of and Culture

Cultural Center Oduvaldo Viana Filho

Carmen Miranda Museum

Telephone Museum

As we mentioned before, most of these Cultural Centers in Rio have free admittance. Other positive aspects of these cultural centers we described above, is that they are very modern and underwent major renovation efforts. If you have cultural interests, consider settling in Flamengo neighborhood on your next trip to Rio. We are sure this district hosts one of the liveliest cultural scenarios in town.

We know you have heard of Copacabana and Ipanema, but what about the Flamengo district in Rio? I bet you do not know that the Flamengo neighborhood hosts the most amazingly designed buildings in Rio, including the famous Biarritz, the Flamengo “little Castle” and even a Carioca version of New York’s legendary Dakota building. Located between the city centre and Botafogo, Flamengo lies on the edge of Guanabara Bay, having the most spectacular view of the Sugar Loaf. The beachfront area is dominated by the Flamengo Park, "Parque do Flamengo" that was built on nearly 300 acres (1.2 km²) of land reclaimed from the bay and is to date the world largest in-city park. Until the 1950s, Flamengo and Catete were the principal residential zones of Rio's wealthier middle classes and that may be the reason why some of these landmark buildings were constructed here. Let us now walk through some of these living treasures.

Biarritz Building: Perhaps the most well known building in Flamengo district is definitely the Biarritz Building, located at Praia do Flamengo, 268 (268 Flamengo Beach). Considered an art-deco masterpiece in Rio, the Biarritz has its construction finalized in the beginning of the 40´s, being a copy of an existing building in Paris, on Montaigne Avenue. This art-déco landmark was designed by French architects Auguste Rendu and Henri Paul Pierre Sajous, who designed two other art deco structures in Flamengo: the Tabor Loreto Building (Flamengo beach corner with Paysandu) and the Saint Trinity Church (located at Senador Vergueiro Street ) built in 1938. See below picture of the Biarritz Building.



Some of the reasons for Biarritz’s elegance fame include its rounded balcony with its yellow awning and imposing marble entrance hallway. The Biarritz has 2 apartments per floor and a unique winter garden in Rio designed with a lovely water fountain.

Seabra Building: Designed by Italian architect Mário Vodret, from the Instituto Profissionalizante de Roma, the Seabra Building, a.k.a. the Carioca Dakota, was finalized in mid 30s, the second building at Flamengo Beach. The Seabra Building is considered the most “ghostly” in Brazil, with its eclectic architecture mixing the Moorish, the Gothic and Tuscan elements. Experts identify Seabra building’s lines with Chicago architect Louis Sullivan . The building has 4 apartments per floor and a facade that greatly resembles the famous Dakota building, John Lennon’s home in New York. A legend says the Portuguese Commendatore Gervásio Seabra commissioned Vodret the building after falling in love with the architecture of a castle in Tuscany. The building’s psychedelic entrance was built to haunt: floors with several designs made of Italian marble, different wall paintings finished with whale oil and immense iron luster.



Seabra Building (a.k.a. Rio´s Dakota) seen above in a fabulous picture above is located at Praia do Flamengo.

Flamengo “Castle” – Castelinho do Flamengo: Designed in 1916 by Gino Copede, it had its plan signed by Francisco de Santos, since Copede was Italian. Originally, it was the residence of the Portuguese construction mogul Commendatore Joaquim da Silva Cardoso. The building, which sometimes is referred to as the haunted house, shows eclectic art-nouveau architecture mixed with gothic and baroque lines. Nevertheless, the Italian tendency stands out, with a high slate-roof-tiled tower. Abandoned for several years and damaged from a fire, the building was renovated by the City Hall and from 1993 on, the Castelinho do Flamengo has held the Cultural Center Oduvaldo Vianna Filho, (doing honor to the Brazilian playwright). Today the Castelinho do Flamengo offers rooms for video exhibitions and theatrical performances, a coffee bar, and a video library with 1800 movies in its catalogue.

See in picure below Castelinho do Flamengo details:




Tabor Loreto Building: Taking over the corner of Praia do Flamengo with Rua Paissandú, the project of Henri Sajous articulated the two facades of the building through the cylindrical volume of the corner, which was finished with glass and grated with delicate ornamentations, smoothing the encounter of the two ´portions of the building. The result is an elegant and proportional set of lines.

Below we see true Art Déco vintage item. Its an original brochure from the Paysandu Hotel, probably from the forties. Very cool!!




Paysandu Hotel: This is another epoch building worthwhile paying a visit. The Hotel façade and the hotel hanging sign couldn't represent more the Art Déco style. The hotel reached its popularity peak in the fifties, when it accommodated Uruguay National Soccer Team during the 1950 World Cup in Rio. Uruguay eventually won the cup adding prestige to the hotel. Botafogo, one of the most traditional soccer teams in Rio, also used to Paysandu Hotel to prepare for its important games. Mythical soccer player Mané Garrincha and Nilton Santos were frequent guests of Paysandu Hotel.

Below picture of Julieta de Serpa Restaurant and Cultural Center decorated for Christmas.




These are only some of Flamengo´s architectural gems. Other art buildings in the neighborhood include the Modern Art Museum, Julieta de Serpa Teahouse and the outstanding twin buildings Hicatú and Itaúba at Senador Euzébio street. Visiting Flamengo, if you are careful enough, you will be able to find a pearl in every walk, apart from its natural beauties. If you love architecture and art, try to settle in this charming neighborhood on your next trip to Rio. But don't forget to bring your camera along!

Lately I have been receiving dozens of emails regarding apartment rentals in Rio de Janeiro. People have sent me many questions and concerns, asking what are the average prices of apartments in Rio, their best locations, best deals, established companies, what should be included in the vacation apartments and so forth. This is when I decided to write a basic guide on renting apartments in Rio, Brazil. Some down to earth tips might save you some monies and avoid headaches.

The first thing you need to know when renting a vacation apartment in Rio is that it’s a legal well established business within the tourist industry in Brazil. Many Brazilians and even foreigners buy apartments in Rio exactly for this purpose. Investors commonly buy used apartments and renovate them to offer the best comfort as beach rentals. Let’s now discuss the main points you should be note when selecting an apartment.

Prices: prices in vacation apartments in Rio can vary significantly. Generally the more luxurious, the more expensive are the apartment prices. Beachfront apartments also carry a premium in their prices. Another rule is obvious, the greater number of rooms, the pricier it gets. (Although if you travel in a group, with 3, 4 or 5 couples, the price per person per room is actually lower when renting an apartment with 4, 5 or even 6 rooms.) Prices are normally charged by number of nights. That is, if an apartment costs US$ 100.00 p/day, 10 nights will be US$ 1000.00. Discounts can be considered above 30 days rentals. Prices per day can decrease for longer periods, since a longer stay will be booked. How much per day? Usually fair apartments can be found starting at US$ 90,00 a day. Two bedrooms apartments in Ipanema, Lagoa and Leblon, all beach neighborhoods can vary from US$ 150 to US$ 300 a night, on average. If the apartments are located in high floors, if they have private pools and/ or hydro massage bath tubs, prices can rise significantly.





Locations/ Neighborhoods: Like any other major city in the world, prices vary by per different neighborhoods and zones. Most expensive apartments are all found on the South Zone (called "Zona Sul" in Portuguese), specifically in the following neighborhoods: Ipanema, Leblon, Lagoa, Copacabana, Flamengo and Botafogo. Barra da Tijuca, once a separate beach neighborhood, also offers some very luxurious flats and residence services, but you need to have a car to drive around since public transportation is limited there. Ipanema, Lagoa and Flamengo have been considered the safest neighborhoods, since prostitution is heavily combated in those areas. Copacabana has a large selection of apartments, and can sometimes turn into a good cost/benefit relation. Need some one liner neighborhood highlights? Here they are: Ipanema: Fashion shops, trendy restaurants, and gorgeous beach. Leblon: upscale shopping mall, excellent restaurants and bookstores. Lagoa: nice park, tranquil night kiosks around lagoon; Copacabana</b>: wide apartment selection, public transport, eclectic environment. Flamengo: family type neighborhood, Flamengo Park, famous street bars. Barra: beautiful beach, Miami hype constructions.

Rental Agencies: The most popular way to find a rental agency is through the web. Rio offers several rental agencies, some of which have been providing this type of service for more than 25 years. The great majority of vacation rentals in Rio are serious in their business, delivering what they claim. Most of them display a list of apartments they own or represent, either by neighborhoods or by number of rooms. They present up to 10 pictures of the rentals and a small description of the amenities and apartment surroundings, so you can familiarize with the region. When you are choosing the apartment, first try to identify yourself with the neighborhood you are staying in, as well as your budget. This will save you time and help in the selection process. Once you know what where you want to stay and how much you can afford, browse through the apartments list and see if there is anything you like. Once you see something you like, send an e-mail to the company stating which apartment you have in mind, and a second or third option, case that apartment is taken. (Many rentals offer an on-line bookings calendar view, which may save you time as well.). To find a list of rentals agencies in Rio, type in Google “Vacation Apartment Rio” and check the results. You will find more than 10 agencies only in page 1 of your search.

How are Payments made: Most Rental agencies in Rio take Pay-Pal, money wires, credit cards and cash. A reservation deposit is necessary to secure your apartment reservation. Companies have different reservation deposits policies. These deposits can vary from 30% up to 50% of the total stay amount. After the agency acknowledges the initial payment, the balance due is normally paid on entrance and key delivery of the vacation apartment. Most companies however do not return reservation deposit for Carnival and New Years holidays, due to great demand. Check the cancellation policy in company’s website or via e-mail.



Amenities: Vacation apartments in Rio also vary a lot in terms of their included amenities. Most of them offer by default a complete kitchen, cable TV, Internet access, air conditioner in the rooms and linens/towels. This would be the minimum acceptable. One level above, rentals can provide CD/DVD player, clothing washing machine, coffee machine, and safe. Luxury apartments in Rio and residence service flats additionally can offer hot-tubs, private pools, and even gourmet kitchen utensils.


Do´s and Don’ts: Another fundamental tip when selecting an apartment is to be attentive in the reservation process. Once you have decided for the rentals agency and the apartment in mind make sure you have all your questions and concerns promptly answered. It is the agency’s obligation to make sure you feel comfortable with your choice. Your rentals contacts should be courteous and receptive. Don’t hesitate in finding another agency if they are rude, since that attitude may follow through your stay, and you definitely don’t want that in your vacations. If you have any friend in Rio de Janeiro, ask him/her to visit the apartment. This procedure is pretty common. Another tip would be to try to plan ahead. As soon as you have your travel dates secured, start your “apartment hunting”. Be sure to ask for a contract as well, and read all of the buildings do´s and don’ts.

Observing these tips and hints, you will not regret having selected an apartment rental instead of a hotel. I truly believe Rio is a city full of wonders and hosts the friendliest people on earth. Buy the latest fashion trend bikinis and flip-flops, but remember that the best vacation apartments in Rio get filled up very quickly especially during New Years and Carnival. So make sure you book well in advance.

During Brazil's Carnival, one of the most disputed (and sometimes controversial) unofficial contests is deciding who was the "ultimate muse", after the four-day party holiday is over. Brazilians, international press, and publicity agencies, reflect upon who was the most dazzling drum queen or parading muse in Rio's Sambadrome. There is no official title for this informal contest, but national media always try to elect Carnival model number 1.

Many criticize this "new" beauty frenzy. People question why does this vibrant contest even exist? Is it a sin to be a muse in the Brazilian Carnival? Is it there any problem in being attractive, sensual or graceful? This is main topic of this article.

Celebrities, actresses, models are usually selected and the top Brazilian beauty during the Carnival holidays. Carnival muses are extremely well paid by the publicity market and pampered by top samba schools. The beer, retail, cosmetics and fashion industry are some of segments that constantly rely on Brazilian models to support their brands. Actresses, celebrities, and performers legitimately see carnival as an opportunity to cash in the investment they have made along their carrier in their mythical attributes. Many of them enhance their media visibility in the samba parade, while being evaluated for movie and TV soap operas casts and TV shows. Nothing wrong with that! Although we have seen some infuriated perspectives, beauty has its decisive place when appropriately shown.

Nothing new since "Beauty is truth, truth is beauty" from Keats "Ode on a Grecian Urn".




Thatiana Pagung - model, dancer, (above in picture )

Amanda Françozo - talk show presenter, model.

Juliana Paes - Movie Actress, model

Sabrina Sato – comedian, model

Graziella Massafera – actress, model

Natalia Guimaraes - Miss Brazil, model

Mirella Santos – dancer, model

Gracyanne Barbosa - Mangueira Drum Queen and model

Paola Oliveira - Actress, Model

All of these beauties reached the limelight in Brazil (and abroad) not only because of their natural gifts, provided by genes, sweat and tears. They have true talents such as representing, dancing, modeling and other artistic expressions. Beauty alone is incapable of lending more than the Andy Warhol's original 15 minutes of fame. Muses have much more to offer in their souls than symmetric lines and sensual poses.

Below see the grace of Mangueira Drum Queen in 2008.



I leave you to make the final call who is the ultimate carnival muse in 2008. The important point to notice is that most of these muses deliver wonder and magic to earth largest popular show, which is the Brazilian Carnival. I believe Brazilian women are authentic in every aspect of their vibrant personalities. Brazilian Carnival is obviously much more than this. (In the collective unconscious abroad, Brazilian carnival is sometimes linked to nudity).

Brazilian women are indeed magically esthetically gifted, and again, I personally think there is nothing wrong with that. Beauty has been worshiped since the Greeks, Romans, and even before, when our ancestors walked the African plains. Many evolutionary psychologists point out today that back in the Pleistocene days, beauty was an important fitness indicator. In essence, the beauty debate is a much more complex issue than a simple dichotomist approach can imagine.


Belavista Brazil Carnival is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus to the Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns

Darwin is back to Brazil 173 years after he wrote the famous quote "On the 19th of August we finally left the shores of Brazil, I thank God, I shall never again visit a slave-country", in a marvelous exhibit in Rio de Janeiro. Although many things still remain the same, the country has somewhat evolved since his first arrival.

Darwin is back on a lighter tone, in his own exhibit, sponsored by several financial and cultural institutions in Brazil, organized in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History . The exciting expo is unmissable and has already toured in several important cities like New York, Chicago, Toronto.

The exhibit depicts a summary of his life and theory in 7 main themes:

A Wold Before Darwin
The Yong Naturalist
A Trip Around the World
The Idea Takes Shape
A Life´s Work
Evolution Today
Endless Forms the Most Beautiful

Read below an introduction excerpt from AMNH original exhibit home-page:

Happiest at home with his notebooks and his microscope, he shunned the public eye. Controversy made him ill. This brilliant observer of nature kept his most original and revolutionary idea under wraps for decades. Yet today, two centuries after Charles Darwin's birth, nearly everyone knows his name. What did Darwin do, and why does he still matter so much?



Keenly observing nature in all its forms—from fossil sloths to mockingbirds, primroses to children—Darwin saw that we all are related. Every living thing shares an ancestry, he concluded, and the vast diversity of life on Earth results from processes at work over millions of years and still at work today. Darwin's explanation for this great unfolding of life through time—the theory of evolution by natural selection—transformed our understanding of the living world, much as the ideas of Galileo, Newton and Einstein revolutionized our understanding of the physical universe.

Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection underlies all modern biology. It enables us to decipher our genes and fight viruses, and to understand Earth's fossil record and rich biodiversity. Simple yet at times controversial, misunderstood and misused for social goals, the theory remains unchallenged as the central concept of biology. Charles Darwin, reluctant revolutionary, profoundly altered our view of the natural world and our place in it.

Charles Darwin looked closely at life. The vast and marvelous diversity of life on Earth, from barnacles to butterflies, ostriches to orchids, made him curious. Countless species, living and extinct—why so many? Some were only slightly different from one another-what could explain that? Each organism so beautifully adapted to its environment—how could it happen?



With persistence and passion, Darwin set out to find answers. He conducted experiments. He read widely and corresponded with fellow naturalists around the world. And he studied the evidence using simple tools, at times little more than a microscope or a magnifying glass. Darwin looked closely—and we saw the world in a new way.

Darwin Exhibit in Rio is presented at "Museu Historico Nacional" ( Historic National Museum ), located at Praça Marechal Ancora, at Rio ´s city Center. The Expo goes on until May 4th and entrance costs R$ 15,00.

NORMAL OPERATING HOURS:

Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday , Sunday and Holidays : 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Monday: Closed

After you are done with Darwin´s expo, check the Museum store as well. They sell several items like T-shirts, notepads, mugs, turtle and iguana toys worthwhile checking out.

If you want to buy Darwin in Rio Exhibit produts on-line, there is also new website.

Don´t miss this great chance to visit the exhibit and stay in a apartment in Rio.

Darwin ´s expo will move on to São Paulo May 4th, where it will be presented until July 15th, at MASP Museum at the Av. Paulista, 1578, São Paulo.


Belavista Brazil Carnival is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus to the Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns

You have finally decided to come to Rio, but do you know what to do? There are inumerous interesting things to do in Rio, like the Corcovado- Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, and the Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. But what about Samba after carnival is over? Now Carnival in Rio is never over: Read below a recent "invention" within the tourist industry in Rio:

Samba City in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, became one of the most looked after tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro. It occupies an area of 114.000 sq. meters, built in the port district by the City Hall, at Rua Rivadavia Correa 60, Gamboa, a district neighboring downtown.

Even the choice of its location was carefully planned for the thematic city: The area where the Samba City was built was considered to be a "Sacred Ground" in the beginning of the century, since the Carioca samba was originally born there.

The triangle, which includes the districts of Saúde, Santo Cristo and Gamboa has a great concentration of the City´s popular culture, notably the personalities and entities, linked to the Carioca Carnaval.



The design of Samba City forms a geometrical figure, with factories surrounding the main square. They seem like parts of a group, linking hands, forming a large circle. It is as if the world of the samba were embracing its ancestors, who were around here during the 17th and 18th centuries, bringing the art of African dance and music, to be incorporated today to Brazilian cultural traditions.

The thematic city will transform Samba School activities into a permanent practice. More than a tourist attraction, Samba City has become a production center of genuine Brazilian art.

SOME OF THE NUMBERS OF SAMBA FACTORY

. gates measuring 10m wide by 7.5m high allow the passage of the allegoric floats fully assembled.

. Sewing ateliers, hat fashioning room, adornment room and the workshops for polystyrene and fiber glass modeling are located on the highest floor of 2.700m2

. A cargo elevator services all four stories.

. The 12m high ceiling ( void ) assure that the allegories can be assembled in their real size.

. From an outside sidewalk, the visitor will go through all factories, watching the allegories construction from an 8m high balcony.

PERMANENT CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

There are varied activities during the week at the Samba City.

If you need more infomation, please call the phones: (21) 2213-2503 or (21) 2213-2546 or access their site at www.cidadedosambarj.com.br.

We are sure you will have lot´s of fun visiting this magical world of Samba in Rio.

Belavista Brazil Carnival is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus to the Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns

Everybody is aware that this year we are celebrating 200 years since the Portuguese Royal family arrived in Rio</b>, but how did Rio de Janeiro become what is known for today? Follows below a small summary of Rio de Janeiro historical events:

The Guanabara Bay was first discovered by explorers from Portugal in January, 1502, which is how the January River, as 'Rio de Janeiro' translates, gained its name. At that time, 'river' was used by the Portuguese for any larger body of water. Soon after, Europeans from all over were coming there, with French smugglers already taking advantage of the bay by 1519. The first permanent European settlement in the area, called France Antarctique, was founded in 1555 by French naval officer Nicolas Durand de Villegaignon. However, Villegaignon was forced to leave two years later after coming into conflict with the rest of the settlers.



Portuguese knight Estácio de Sá officially founded the city in March of 1565, calling it São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro 20 (St. Sebastian of the January 20th River). For many years, the city's common name was São Sebastião. Founded as a base from which to conquer France Antarctique, the French were driven out within two years. The exact site of Rio de Janeiro's founding is at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain. As it evolved over the years, the entire city was relocated to the top of a hill, according to the Medieval European defensive strategy, bringing the current center of town in a southwesterly direction, an urban shift which continues to this day.

Sugarcane was the area's first product, with slaves from both Africa and domestic areas utilized for the labor. When higher-quality sugarcane from northern districts of Brazil became more popular, this industry went into decline. In 1763, the colonial administration was relocated to the city of Rio de Janeiro, and it remained mainly a colonial capital until 1808, when the Portuguese royal family had to flee from Napoleon's invasion, winding up in Rio. Thereafter the city served as the kingdom's capital, becoming the only European capital located outside of Europe.



Prince Pedro I declared Brazil's independence in 1822, but by that time the city's economic and political importance was dwindling when compared to São Paulo. However, it remained the capital even after the late 19th Century, when the monarchy was thrown out and a republic established in its place. Then, in the early decades of the 20th Century, Copacabana Beach's natural beauty combined with the allure of the Copacabana Palace Hotel brought Rio de Janeiro the reputation it retains to this day, as the ultimate jade beach vacation spot.




Belavista Brazil Carnival is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus to the Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns