Carnival
In Brazil, in the weeks prior to the carnival holidays is when the best parties, band and parade rehersals are held, a great opportunity to absorb the vital energy, that is so present during carnival, before the actual holidays. Watching the samba school rehersals is the best way to get acquainted with the genuine samba, for all samba schools have a kind of “headquarters” where all the rehersals are held and visitors and participants get a chance to learn the lyrics of the samba chosen by the school for that year’s carnival. Definitely a memorable experience. Another beautiful attraction are the final rehersals that happen at the “passarela do samba” where the schools have a chance to parade for one hour and twenty minutes having this way the opportunity to exhibit the artifacts, costumes and big structures finely decorated , and their beauty, witch reflects directly our culture. These artifacts are made by local artisans, who together with the community work throughout the year in order to prepare for the carnival’s most conspicuous moment, the parades. During two consecutive nights seven schools parade (each night) usually Sunday and Monday. The “pasarela do samba” is located downtown, a highly accessible area, surrounded by subway, cab and bus stations as well. Inside the “passarela” you can also find stores, bathrooms and fast food establishments. This year the carnival will begin no the 24 of February ending on the 28 with a variety of events and parades with a unforgettable closing ceremony witch is held on the 4 of March.

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New Years
New Years celebrations happen all over town, especially at the beaches, in Ipanema/Leblon, Flamengo, Barra da Tijuca, Guaratiba, Sepetiba, Ilha do Governador, and in Ilha de Paqueta, where absolutely no fees are charged for visitors. Copacabana beach is without a doubt the star, wordly famous for its firecracker show, witch lasts 18 minutes, spread around 4 km of Copacabana’s sky. Besides this beautiful show, big stages are built and spread along the beach, there concerts are held, also free. Hotels and restaurants offer many options going from buffets to parties, like every year, following tradition all wear white, since we will be hosting the year to come.

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Corcovado
With 38 meters added to Corcovado mountain’s 710 meters, the Christ statue stands for the faith and sympathy present in every carioca. The Statue will be 75 years old in 2006. The opening ceremony was held on October 12, 1931, presided by the Getulio Vargas and Cardinal Sebastiao Leme. Escalators and elevators with panoramic view installed a couple of years ago, modernizing this amazing monument. Visitors have two ways to get up there, they may choose to go by car, or by train where one has the opportunity to admire the view composed by Tijuca Forest, our urban forest and an over view of our beautiful city. Inside the station the visitor has the opportunity to learn a little bit about its history. Equipped with stores and auditorium as well as consultants the small museum found inside the station gives visitors another chance to learn some more about the railroad the leads to the monument and its history.

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Sugar Loaf
Is not only an icon but also Rio de Janeiro’s trademark, most famous tourist attraction. In the months of December, January, February and July the frequency goes to 3 thousand visitors per day. With daily check ups and strict maintenance, it has registered no accidents with victims at all until present date and is considered by international entities of the safest cable trains in the world. The complex consists of 3 stations. One of “Praia Vermelha” to go to Urca, and 2 from Urca to the Sugar Loaf. Besides being a natural attraction is also considered a culture pole, where conferences, art exhibitions, cocktails and parties are held, since there is great infra structure (bathrooms, souvenirs, shops, restaurants).

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Gems

Famous for its rich soil, filled with minerals, gems and precious stones, Brasil is the perfect destination for those who appreciate not only mesmerizing landscapes but also precious stones. Brasil is undoubtedly one of the major producers of precious stones with a large diversity found in our soil. For example, Brasil has the major emerald producer in world, together with Colombia and Africa; many exquisite stones such as Imperial Topaz and Tourmaline are also found here.