7/7/2014
RIO DE JANEIRO
If you like parties, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil has the biggest of them all. It is called Carnival and takes place in February or March each year.
CARNIVAL
The highlight of the Carnival is the colorful parade. Thousands of people, dressed in elaborate costumes which are often decorated with feathers, sequins, mirrors, or metal, dance to samba music. As soon as the party is over, many people start making costumes for the next Carnival.
FACTS
Rio de Janeiro means "River of January." The Portuguese explorers who named it arrived in January 1502. Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil until 1960, when a new city, Brasilia, was given that honor. Carnival takes place just before Lent, when Christians often give up certain foods. The people want to have a good time first. On New Year's Eve people throw gifts into the sea. They hope the Sea Goddess will bring them luck for the next year.
RIO'S BEACHES
Rio has a 30 mile coastline and many beautiful beaches. The most famous of these is Copacabana. Football, volleyball, and surfing are popular pastimes on this 21/2-mile stretch of white sand.
RIO'S FAMOUS STATUE
Rio's most famous landmark is the statue of Jesus Christ, which overlooks the city from the top of Corcovado mountain. The 130-foot- high statue, called Christ the Redeemer, was built in 1931. The local people like to think the statue's outstretched arms are embracing and protecting the city.
THE MARACANA
The Maracana is one of the largest and most famous stadiums in the world. Over 180,000 people once watched a football match there. now it is an all Seater stadium holding 95,000. Pop concerts take place there as well as sporting events.
