Carnival preparation in Rio

Product Details

For the month of February Rio transforms itself into a frenzy of singing and dancing as people take to the streets to join the peerless Rio Carnival. The streets of Rio are infused with an energy as revelers sway along to the infectious rhythms of the many Samba schools parading through the city. Imagine being a part of this extraordinary event, imagine being able to point to a float, a costume or a stage and say "I did that!" That's exactly what you could be doing with this project. You could be helping out with anything from building stages to making costumes and floats! On top of this you'll have a chance to explore one of the world's most intriguing cities! This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the carnival from within as you get to know this magnificent city and it's inhabitants.

Project details:
You will work alongside Samba School members to assist with the decoration of the big Carnival floats, and/or help prepare the costumes for the world famous carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro - the biggest show on earth with more than 50.000 participants and 22 hours of show!

Over the decades, the Samba School floats have developed into full-blown stage sets that bring even more vibrancy and life to the parades. However, for a long time there was a problem with space - the floats used to be built in shed-like workshops scattered amongst each community. When the Sambadrome was built in the 1980's, the Samba Parades experienced a period of expansion and the Samba Schools moved into abandoned warehouses near the Docklands. Although an improvement, this was still not an ideal solution, so a permanent premises was sought. In 1999, the Mayor agreed to build permanent workshops on a huge site of disused rail yards in the Gamboa district, thus creating a Samba City. The complex is fitted with the latest facilities and the centre also has a separate section providing sports facilities for poor communities. The Samba City flourishes today in the same district where the samba started, reflecting its traditional roots. Moreover, the Samba Schools of Rio are now united by their shared home.

Why the project needs volunteers:
This is a unique opportunity to take part in a cultural exchange programme in which you will be exposed to the culture of carnival and its new structure. This is an excellent way of gaining work experience a behind-the-scenes insight into the Rio carnival.

Your role as a volunteer:
Work in the Samba Schools workshops is hard, but at the same time it is fun and interesting. Volunteers should bring very comfortable and light working clothes. Volunteers will be able to:
1. Paint and decorate big carnival floats.
2. Create carnival costumes by gluing or sewing.

Where the project is based:
This project is based at the new Samba City where all the samba schools belonging to the special group build their floats and create their costumes. It is located only 30 minutes from the accommodation in Gloria (Baron Garden) by bus.

You will be living and working in the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Rio de Janeiro. Rio is a culturally diverse city with lots to see and do in your spare time. It is in a geographically stunning location and deserves the title of cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city). It is surrounded by lush peaks and amazing beaches. It is a city of contrasts where the rich live alongside the poor. The Cariocas - inhabitants of Rio - are free-spirited, welcoming and with a love of Samba and celebration are always ready to party.

Brazil encompasses all aspect of the Latin spirit. It is a seductive place and is also a country of staggering beauty - its scenery is guaranteed to take your breath away. There is also an intoxicating rhythm of life - that is famous the world over. From the bronzed bodies of its beaches to the unexplored wonders of its rainforests, Brazil is a destination that has to be seen to be believed and experienced to understand.

Please book your flight to arrive into Rio de Janeiro (airport code GIG) on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup.