Rio Carnival Costume & Parade: Is it Worth it? – A Review

Thinking about diving headfirst into the madness that is Rio Carnival? Specifically, looking at getting a costume and rocking out in the parade, complete with a shuttle to get you there? It’s understandable. The images are absolutely amazing, it could be something special. But the question you have to ask yourself, is it actually all it’s cracked up to be? We went down there to figure out all of that for you, so here’s the complete lowdown to assist you in making a decision.

What to Expect from the Rio Carnival Parade

The Samba Parade in Rio is seriously something to get your head around, truly. Occurring in the Sambadrome, a stadium designed by the famed Oscar Niemeyer, the parade really showcases several samba schools showing off their skills, creativity, and pretty deep pockets. Each school parades through, so too it’s putting on a theatrical show that’s complete with crazy floats, dancers wearing something special, and drummers beating their hearts out. I mean you will feel like you’re dropped into another galaxy really. It’s actually a real competition, judged on loads of things like theme, costumes, music, and overall presentation, so people will act very hard. Schools are really, so very proud of what they produce, I can say. The energy is usually very intense, and it is super contagious – you can usually expect hours of pure energy and over-the-top celebration.

When thinking about getting into the parade by dressing up in costume, realize that things could vary, but it mostly means you will be becoming a member of one of these samba schools, it could be briefly, and getting yourself into their part of the performance. Getting in on that level lets you be up close with the action. It’s an intense way to get involved, is that true? Sure, but things are going to be full of people and can get pretty chaotic.

Getting Your Costume and the Parade Transfer

First things first, costumes. So, so many choices! Usually, buying a package with a costume involves picking from several design choices available from the selected samba school, or similar, the specific costume assigned depends on your budget, and if they have costumes still to go. Costumes are made up of lots of sparkles, feathers, and generally something that can make someone sit up straight. Also be ready for something really skimpy, because sometimes the name of the place is not imagination. It should not come as a surprise, really. Gathering the costume is always an adventure. You often get it a few days before the parade from a specific location that might be crazy packed, that too, could be an actual maze, so so easy to get lost.

Now let’s talk parade transfer. Packages actually generally include transportation to and from the Sambadrome. I’ve learned it, it usually involves buses or vans that are designated for costume participants. That too is a pretty big relief because just getting to the Sambadrome all by yourself might be quite crazy, thinking about the streets being busy, or the public transport packed full of other people wanting the time of their lives.

Reviewing the ‘Experience Rio Carnival in Costume with Parade Transfer’ Package

Ok, so, let’s get to it: a little inspection into the total experience when getting a package that promises a costume and a shuttle to the Samba Parade.

The Good Things:

Immersion: It’s a real immersion experience, truly, there’s not another feeling that getting lost right inside the parade and dancing next to other people that really are living in that dream!
Hassle-Free Transport: I mentioned earlier that the parade transfer component really helps you ditch possible stressful logistics of how you are getting to the Sambadrome with no issues.
The Feels: The feeling to be able to dress up in those sparkles and feathers, so, to show the energy from this legendary party that has some serious emotional weight.

Things to be Aware Of:

Comfort Level: Realize those costumes can be super skimpy, and you also have to consider that it might be uncomfortable when you stay a really lengthy time. You are literally dancing for hours under warm lights in heavy clothing, and too, in front of some crazy audiences.
Crowds and Chaos: I am telling you that the Sambadrome is stuffed, and things might get real wild. Getting separated from people you already know is a risk.
Costume Quality: You may experience different costume conditions. Ensure your costume is not damaged early and confirm any problems with who you collected it from, sometimes there may not be a repair available, it happens.

Making the Decision: Is it Worth it?

So, ask yourself is shaking out with a costume inside the Rio Carnival Samba Parade worth all this cash, effort, and what you might have to put up with? That truly depends on your tolerance level for the chaos, your desire for immersion and the actual value of those kind of special, maybe once in your lifetime experience. If, perhaps, you are a bit careful regarding the party vibe, being in amongst big people, or dancing with little or any clothing for so many hours – possibly looking at different means to experience Carnival could very easily be your path. The Sambadrome does actually have spectator spots which might mean you can watch from a much bigger distance – and less of the money!

If actually getting right in that, into the middle of it, dancing with others, feeling everything about you buzz, then the costumed parade could easily create lifetime memories. The real pro point here really, is that convenience element which will remove some of those planning hassles – because what is sure to follow, I mean, some logistics that go with moving around somewhere you may be unaware of.

Tips for Your Rio Carnival Parade Experience

Okay, you chose it, great! So, here’s ways to get set when it is time to live this party out!

Early Preparation: Be sure that you collect costumes prior so you get that outfit totally fitting.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: The lights, the dancing are crazy so you will need a drink, food is something to think about!
Buddy System: Create buddies for sure because things have a possibility of getting split apart and no mobile phone may make this feel isolated.
Protect Yourself: Loads of SPF sun cream – just due to the sunshine. Also try to store those essentials somewhere pretty darn secure to dissuade pickpockets.
Accept the Chaos: Things do, in fact, happen during a very crazy and active festival of loads of parties like this one. Breathe then you relax and give permission to all things unusual around.

I am certain the Rio Carnival dressed up – might very well have you making memories that just remain. Just do know the stuff around so the dreams in your mind do end where the party really never, ever has you leave.