Rio de Janeiro Street Parade 2008

One morning we decided to take a cab to visit the Samba City situated in the old Rio Docklands just five minutes aways from cruise-ships berthed at Mauá Pier. The cab driver was surprised by our decision because he said there is a parade going on in town in the next hour so perhaps may be the school is close. We gave him the number on the pamphlet and the mobile so he can place a call to make sure of the opening hour. There was no answer so we decided to let him drive us to the area where the street parade will be held.  He dropped us at the nearest street because many streets were closed to the traffic for the parade. That was when we walked toward to the parade that I crossed the news crew. The reporter saw me passing by and signal to the cameraman to catch me. She then came to ask me if I don't mind to answer few questions.  I suggested her to ask the two Parisian girls but she isn't interested at all and insisted on me. In my country I use to be behind the camera but for this interview I don't mind at all.

When the parade starts you can choose to stay and find a spot on the side walk and wait for the parade passing by or be on the street in the crowd. Be aware that there are street fences between the side walks and the streets are prepared by city workers same thing as in other countries before the event.  The only places for you to get in or get out along the parade are the intersections mapped for that. Once you decide to follow the parade be aware that you will be screwed up being pushed like the tin can sardines to your dismay.  You can not decide to take a rest because you will be pushed everywhere. There were plenty of vendors riding along with coolers on wheels. Just don't stay too close to them, or you could be ran over when they start to move again.  Since I always like to have fun we decided to take the street and get lost in the ocean of people. Bear in mind that whenever a crowd gathers in big numbers, there are pickpockets who may try to take advantage of the situation. Be alert and use your common sense and it will be fine.

Seniors and children of all ages participate at Street Carnival, so this is the ideal time for the whole family to have a good time together! The TV helicopter hovers over the crowd.  After a while walking with the band and the float in the human mass we decided to get off the street and stroll along looking for souvenirs to buy. We decided to rest a little bit so we saw a terrace on the side walk with chairs, big patio umbrella and people barbecuing. They have put some sort of ribbon barricades to close their terrace. We thought that it is a terrace and would like to take a table. A man came to my cousin and spoke to him in Portuguese. Because of our lack of language we try to understand each other.  Finally another man came to open the ribbon and invited us to come in. He spoke to the people seating in one table and we saw everybody standing up and move to the other table. I later on understood that this is a private club and not a public terrace. Soon as we moved in, the man put back the ribbon to close the gate. They started to offer us lot of beers, drinks to the girls and bring in barbecue meat. We try to chat with the entire family, taking pictures, email exchanges etc... After a while we have to say goodbye to our new friends without forgetting to leave them something somehow equivalent to what we have been offering. This is my best memory of the entire trip to this year’s Carnival. Now back in Canada I still get in touch with this wonderful and simpatico family. This hospitality was what I meant when I was interviewed earlier, i.e., that Brazilians are hospitable, warm and very accommodating. One single proof of my statement expressed prior to meeting this wonderful group of people.

Rio 2008 Index

Street Parade  •  Sambadrome Parade  •  Get in & out Sambadrome

Ilha Grande  •  Sugar Loaf  •  Corcovado by taxi  •  Botanical Garden

Apartment/Flat  •  Tourists transportation  •  $ Tips

Rio 2005 Index  •  Venice Carnival 2009  •  Guestbook

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