Salvador, one of the top destinations for Carnival in Brazil, has launched its official Carnival 2012 guide. As of this writing, the information about the camarotes, or Carnival suites, is up. Parade schedules will be updated soon, under "Programação" in the top tab.
Also available from now is the information about blocos - a reference list about Salvador Carnival groups, organized under categories, with their address, website if available, and contacts.
You will find a link to another handy tool - the official 2012 Salvador Event Calendar.
A superb feature of the official guide is the live online broadcast. If you would like to get a feel for what this incredibly intense Carnival is like, check back "Carnaval ao Vivo" in the left tab when the festivities are about to start. In Salvador, Carnival officially begins the Thursday before Fat Tuesday, so this year that will be Feb.16.
2012 is special for Salvador in that one of the city's main attractions - Mercado Modelo - just commemorated its 100th anniversary, on Feb.2, also the day of the Iemanjá celebration.
The market, a great place to buy handicrafts and soak in the local color, is better than ever: it underwent renovations in 2009 and got a new elevator for people with disabilities and mobility issues. The restrooms on the first floor were remodeled and the parking lot, expanded.
An exhibit depicting the landmark's history is scheduled to open on March 29, the city's anniversary. The underground space is being prepared with special lighting for the event.
This summer, you can enjoy Filhos de Jorge and Mania de Sambar performances at the market every Friday and Saturday.
Photo: Carnival at Terreiro de Jesus in Pelourinho, Salvador, with the city's Basilica in the background. Rita Barreto/Courtesy of Turismo Bahia.