Carnatal 2009
Natal, in Rio Grande do Norte, hosts the largest micareta, or off-season Carnival, in Brazil. Carnatal 2009 (Dec.3-6) will have several top attractions from Carnival in Salvador, such as Banda Eva, Ivete Sangalo, Claudia Leitte and Chiclete com Banana.
In Carnatal, like in Salvador, you can join one or more of ten blocos, or Carnival groups. You can follow the bands playing atop trios elétricos -- sound-wired trucks -- over a 2.5 mile-course, or party in one of the mezzanin boxes along the Corredor da Folia (the "revelry corridor").
Joining the blocos in Carnatal is not free. In Natal, the abadás, or bloco outfits, are being sold at Natal Shopping (turn off the volume lest you listen to their Christmas ad). Your best bet if you're not in Brazil is to get assistance from a travel agency.
Photo courtesy of Carnatal.
No comments yet. Leave a Comment