While Rio is Brazil’s most well known and spectacular Carnaval, other centres celebrate just as enthusiastically but differently reflecting Brazil’s diverse culture.
The main event in Florianopolis is the samba school procession in the city centre. However, all over the island smaller versions of Carnaval take place including an Azorean one of brass bands with a very different beat from the Brazilian samba.
The Main Event
The grand parade takes place in the sambodromo in the city centre, a structure of two huge stands straddling a wide road through which pass Florianopolis’ three samba schools.
At midnight a firework display signals the start for the first samba school to parade. The troupe of floats and dancers moves along the sambodromo blasting the samba school’s signature tune over the sound system to stir up supporters.
On sighting the floats crowds leap to their feet, throw streamers, sing and cheer. Floats glide pass showering spectators with glitter, and between each float dancers whirl past in a blur of colour.
The last and third samba school passes along the sambodromo at about 4am.
The atmosphere is electric. Nothing is more Brazilian than Carnaval.
The Lead up to Carnaval
In the weeks leading up to Carnaval practising bands can be heard all over the island.
Closer to the main event days of street parties take place including a hilarious gay parade and an impressive costume parade reminiscent of the days of masked balls, before the people took Carnaval to the streets. Some costumes are so elaborate the wearer has to be assisted to walk in the heavy finery.
Getting a Ticket
Tickets are sold by touts to people queuing at the Sambodromo entrance. The price per ticket varies depending on your negotiating skills but ranges between BRL33 (USD19) to BRL50 (USD28). It is a good idea to queue early at the Sambodromo, about 8pm, not only to buy a ticket but to secure a good front seat.
Getting There
Access to Santa Catarina Island is by two short suspension bridges connecting the island to the mainland. By air it is an hour’s flight from São Paulo.
Accommodation and Transport
Most tourists choose to stay at the beaches and resorts around the island rather than in Florianopolis itself. There are regular bus services between Florianopolis and all parts of the island.
Carnaval Dates
Carnaval is a four day event that starts midnight of the Friday before Ash Wednesday. It is usually in the middle of February however the actual dates change every year.
Tourist Information
There is a tourist information kiosk at the airport and in the Florianopolis city centre. However staff don’t speak English. The Carnaval program is distributed on flyers throughout the city.
Other Carnaval Centres
Rio Carnaval is famous for samba and the samba school parade whereas Salvador is noted for its moving stages called trio electrico. Olinda, a lovely colonial city, is dominated by frevo, typical music of Pernambuco.
Santa Catarina Island
The 70km island has a population of 360,000 and is noted for its beautiful beaches ranging from those safe for swimming to rougher surfing beaches.
Like much Southern Brazil the island was settled in the mid 1700’s by immigrants from the Portuguese Azores. Visits to traditional Azorean fishing villages and trying the seafood restaurants are popular excursions.
For more information on Florianopolis and Santa Catarina Island see the Brazilian tourism website
Rosemary Findley - I don't know which came first, addiction to adventure or passion for travel. Whichever, both have been exciting lifelong companions taking ...
