Rio Carnival Survival: Veteran Tips for 4-Day Festivities

Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is a vibrant celebration, demanding endurance and street smarts from experienced revelers. Veterans offer survival strategies for the four-day festival, emphasizing a balance of enjoyment and preparation. Staying hydrated under the summer heat is critical, though navigating limited bathroom facilities presents a challenge. A nutritious breakfast fuels participants, but overindulgence can hinder movement through crowded streets.

Professor Helena Lemos, a lifelong participant, shared her strategy of light, energizing snacks like dried fruit and almonds. She also opts for calming lemon tea and tapioca for breakfast, supplemented with a fruit smoothie and creatine for stamina. Pharmacist Ana Rodrigues Andrade, who has participated in numerous street parties, highlights the importance of sunscreen, hygiene items like toilet paper and hand sanitizers due to poor bathroom conditions, and protective tape for hands when playing instruments.

Physical education teacher Diego Tiriba focuses on security, recommending carrying only essential items like identification, cash, and a bus card in a money belt. Most veterans advise against buying food during street parties to avoid digestive issues. They also caution against combining beer with fast-paced parties on hot days, which can lead to dizziness. Even experienced revelers sometimes make mistakes, like forgetting sunscreen or protective gear.