Saturday’s Rio Nightlife Pick – Cordão da Bola Preta (or simply “Bola Preta”), was founded in 1918, and is the oldest Carnival block party of Rio de Janeiro. Bola Preta is one of the country’s oldest and last remaining representatives of the “Carnavalescos” that existed in Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century. Cordão da Bola Preta traditionally happens every first Saturday of Carnival on Rio Branco Avenue in the center of Rio de Janeiro. The parade starts around 9AM and runs until 2 PM.
The standard colors represented are black and white, while the official uniform sported is any white clothes with black polka dots. Lots of folks dressed up and get well into the spirit. The party has been known to draw at least 1.5 million people, so be ready for some craziness.
BLOCOS:
Bloco: Céu na Terra (Santa Teresa)
Considered by many as one of the best and most fun blocos in all of Rio, the procession starts early in the morning at the top of Santa Teresa with around 15,000 partiers singing and processing all the way down the hill.
Céu na Terra – 8AM – 1PM
Route: Largo dos Guimarães, Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, Rua Monte Alegre, Rua Áurea, Rua Oriente, Rua Progresso, until o Largo das Neves
Entrance: Free
Bloco: Cordão da Bola Preta (Centro)
One of the biggest blocos anywhere in the world, Cordão da Bola Preta processes down Avenida Rio Branco in Centro and usually attracts around 1,5 million people. You will never see anything like it anywhere else!
Cordão da Bola Preta – 9:30AM – 2:20PM
Route: Avenida Rio Branco, from Presidente Vargas up to Cinelândia
Entrance: Free
LIVE:
Folia no Circo (Lapa)
Bateria da Mangueira brings their rhythm masters and percussionists to the infamous live music venue of Rio de Janeiro. The night will be shared with Cordão da Bola Preta, soon after the monstrous procession down Avenida Rio Branco, which should attract over 1,5 million people, so expect Circo to be off the hook!
Circo Voador – 10PM
Rua dos Arcos, 1 – Lapa – Tel: (21) 2533-0354
Entrance: R$40- R$100
CLUBS:
Noon- Carnival (Gávea)
The successful Rio day party returns for a special Carnival edition featuring some heavyweight DJs. German producer and DJ Claptone is back for a special show, he will be joined by local legend Mauricio Lopes, Anna Leevia, Gustavo Tatá and Paulo Pires.
00 – 10PM
Av. Padre Leonel Franca 240, Gávea – Tel: (21) 2540-8041
Entrance: Check with venue
MÚSICA BRASILEIRA:
Samba Urbano + Rio Maracatu (Lapa)
This carnival Leviano will feature a different schedule, with the best “rodas de samba”, blocos and recreation for everyone! The attractions will perform blockbusters from Tim Maia to Block Strategy, samba, maracatu and much much more!
Leviano – 9PM
Mem de Sá, 47- Lapa – Tel: (21) 2507-5779
Entrance: R$15
Batuque na Cozinha (Lapa)
Batuque na Cozinha provides a classic tour of samba, with a repertoire that includes hits from Noel Rosa, Ataulfo Alves, Nelson Cavaquinho, Guilherme de Brito, Ismael Silva, Top Hat, Candle, Silas de Oliveira, among others.
Café Cultural Sacrilégio – 11:30 PM
Av. Mem de Sá, 81, Lapa – Tel: (21) 3970-1461
PUBS & BARS:
Pub Escondido (Copacabana)
If beer and burgers are your thing, then you really must not miss Pub Escondido. With a funky modern decor and impeccably strong beer menu, there are only good times to be had. Delicious burgers and many other menu items also available.
Pub Escondido– 9PM
Rua Aires Saldanha 98 Loja A, Copacabana- Tel: (21) 2522-9800
Entrance: Free
Academia da Cachaça (Leblon)
This bar specializes in the local booze, cachaça, and the different fruit drinks caipifrutas and caipirinhas. For those summer days.
Academia da Cachaça – 9PM
R. Conde Bernadotte 26, Leblon – (21) 2239-1542
Entrance: Free
Lord Jim’s Pub (Ipanema)
The oldest pub in Rio in its newest guise and a great local crowd. Known for its live music and happy hour.
Lord Jim’s Pub – 7PM
Rua Paul Redfern 44, Ipanema – Tel: (21) 2249-4881
Entrance: Free
Mab’s Restaurant and Bar (Copacabana)
The new American-owned beachfront restaurant and bar on Copacabana Beach is a great place for food and drinks to kick off the night.
Restaurante Mab’s – 5PM
Avenida Atlantica 1140, Copacabana – Tel: (21) 2275-7299
Entrance: Free
Lapa Irish Pub (Lapa)
If you are up for some Irish beer and a familiar environment to drink it in, this is the place to go. The pub attracts all kinds of people and offers live music, London Pride and Heineken on draft.
Lapa Irish Pub – 5PM
Rua Evaristo da Veiga 147 – Lapa – Tel (21) 2221.7236
Entrance: R$20
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