By Jack Arnhold, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Carnival is such a huge event in the calendar of Rio de Janeiro that it takes a long time to say goodbye. This weekend, there are still plenty of Carnival ‘ressaca’ (hangover) parties taking place for those who want just one last taste of this city’s Carnival spirit, before the rest of the year has to begin.
From Friday, March 15th, until Sunday, March 17th, there will be a host of free concerts at Praça Garota de Ipanema, next to Rio’s iconic Arpoador rock. These events will run from around midday to 10PM and will also feature street food, craft beers, fashion, and arts and crafts, all in one place.
On Saturday, March 16th, there are a host of post-Carnival parties taking place throughout the city. At 2PM, the ‘bloco’ (street party) Terreirada Cearense will be hosting a special day of events in the gardens of the MAM (Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro). This is not a bloco in the strict sense, but rather a series of workshops and fun activities presented by the people who organized the Carnival bloco.
Things will kick off with a picnic, followed by some workshops at 3PM. At 3:30PM there will be a ‘roda do bloco’ (bloco samba circle) where they will combine an open singalong session with workshops on singing and percussion. And at 4:30PM, there will be time for some more performances, songs and a small party.
Sambastião are also organizing a Carnival ressaca samba circle at 3PM in Praça do Russel, Glória. The ‘roda da samba’ (samba circle) will begin at around 4PM, accompanied by some cold beers, traditional Brazilian snacks, with tables and chairs available from R$20.
For one more taste of the madness of Carnival, head to Espaço Rampa in Botafogo for the bloco Saymos do Egyto, plus special guests. This bloco will begin at 10PM and will no doubt run on until the early hours. Tickets are on sale now and this is a party that will sell-out soon, as Saymos do Egyto are one of the most popular blocos in all of Carnival.
Also on Saturday night, Bco. in Santo Cristo will be hosting another Carnival ressaca party, featuring TropiCals, Forró Red Light, and Pino Henrique Pedra. This will start at 11PM and they are promising to bring the spirit of the street Carnival into the club.
On Sunday at midday on Rua Dezenove de Fevereiro in Botafogo, Veg Borá will be throwing an all-day event. They will be hosting vegan produce, arts and crafts, plus a flash tattoo stand, a kids’ area, and much more. This is a Carnival-themed event, and there will be a prize of R$100 gift voucher for the best costume.
At 3PM there is Bloco Das Poc at Gamboa 345. Expect a sample of what made Carnival so spectacular, with free glitter, music from Jessica Lucas, Tom Mauza, Duda Olïve, and Gui Ferrera, and plenty of surprises.