Top 10 Events in Brazil, Brazil

The most popular folkloric festival in Brazil, Boi Bumba (Bumba Meu Boi) celebrates the legend of a sacred bull, who died and was brought back to life by the magical power of drumming. During the festival, various groups recount their own versions of the well-known myth, through a colorful combination of costume, dance, drama, and drumming. While celebrations take place in towns and cities across the country, one of the most authentic of these is in Parintins, Amazonas — also known as ‘the city of the bulls’ — where the festival has a distinct Amazonian flavor, and the carnivalesque atmosphere is especially contagious.

One of the largest cities in the world, the sprawling metropolis of Sao Paulo is also home to the Brazilian Grand Prix, and its high-altitude, anti-clockwise Interlagos track has been making and breaking F1 champions since the 1970s. Known for their fierce tribal-like loyalty, the local supporters’ energy is contagious, and you'll feel right at home sipping on a caipirinha (Brazil’s potent, cachaca-based cocktail) in the midst of the 80,000 capacity-crowd here. Plus, when race day is over, you're perfectly positioned to explore all that the city, and its surrounding areas, have to offer — from all-you-can eat beef buffets and live samba, to picturesque beaches and rain forests.

One of the most popular festivals in Brazil, Barreto’s Cowboy Festival celebrates all things rodeo, and features a huge range of events and attractions connected to the country’s cowboy and hinterland traditions. From bull riding to bullock cart processions, folkloric dancing to horse riding shows, for fans of country culture, there’s no greater place to be in August than this 110-hectare park, complete with a horseshoe-shaped stadium designed by famous Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer.

While you might not expect to find one of the world's largest Oktoberfests in Brazil, the former German colony of Blumenau in Santa Catarina state, rivals Munich as much for its authenticity as it does for the passion of its celebrations! Founded in 1984, the 18-day Blumenau Oktoberfest is a culturally-rich blend of folklore and tradition, and gives locals and tourists alike the chance to fully immerse themselves in a wide range of carefully preserved German customs — including of course, bratwursts and beer!

Of the people and for the people, organizers argue that Olinda’s Carnival is the most democratic in the world, with more than 500 groups taking part in its parades, more than 100 performers wowing the crowds for free across its nine stages, and all ages, generations, and races represented. Olinda’s Carnival also benefits from its unique, picturesque setting — a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the fact that the best of its festivities take place during the day, lending it a particularly family-friendly vibe. Look out for the huge paper mache puppets amongst the paraders, as well as the infectious 'frevo' rhythms — both of these make Olinda a truly one-of-a-kind carnival experience!

Can you think of a better way to ring in the New Year than by partying the night away, Brazilian-style, on Copacabana Beach? Celebrating ‘Reveillon’ (New Year) in Rio is a truly memorable experience, and Copacabana makes for the perfect base. With several stages to choose from, and non-stop entertainment programmed from 6pm right through to the wee hours, not to mention a mesmerizing fireworks display at midnight, you won't want to be anywhere else in the world when the clock strikes 12. Wear your whitest of whites (it’s tradition!), grab a caipirinha (or two!), and get ready to party!

Despite its name, Rock in Rio has featured headline acts ranging from Nirvana to Stevie Wonder to David Guetta, and is known as much for its diverse musical lineup as it is for its world record-breaking number of attendees! Today, it’s the largest music and entertainment festival in the world, and its winning formula has also taken European cities, like Lisbon and Madrid, by storm. Featuring jam sessions, a New Orleans-style ‘Rock Street,’ urban art, samba school parades, social projects, and more — along with several main stages — this festival knows no bounds, and its energy has to be experienced to be believed!