Part 4: Reading

The Rio Carnival is one of the most famous festivals in the world. It is held every year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before Lent. The festival lasts for five days and attracts millions of visitors from around the globe.

The highlight of the carnival is the samba parade. Samba schools spend months preparing colourful floats and costumes. Dancers perform energetic samba routines in the Sambadrome, a huge stadium built for the parade. The costumes are decorated with feathers, sequins, and bright colours. Music fills the streets as people dance and sing together.

Besides the main parade, there are street parties called 'blocos' all over the city. Anyone can join these free parties. People wear casual costumes, dance to live music, and celebrate with friends and strangers alike.

The Rio Carnival is more than just a party. It is a cultural tradition that brings people together. The festival was first celebrated in 1723 and has grown into the biggest carnival in the world. In 2019, about 7 million people took part in the celebration. The carnival is also an important event for the local economy, creating thousands of jobs every year.

If you love music, dancing, and colourful celebrations, the Rio Carnival should be on your bucket list!