Friday, January 16th, 2009
Events for 2009 in: Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela
This is a Calendar of events in Bolivia,Guyana, Suriname, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela throughout the coming year 2009 including cultural & gastronomic festivals, conferences and roundtables, spectacular tourism land and water exhibitions, pageants and exhibitions tourism fairs and sporting events …. as well as much much more
JANUARY 2009
01 January 2009 -New Years Party Surifesta
Where: Suriname – Paramaribo
- The Famous end of year Surifesta of Suriname is held every year on New Years eve. The Surifesta Foundation is the organization that is the lobby group for the festivities concerning “Owruyari” (the end of the year parties and New Year’s Eve). Festivities and end of year Calendar are well known to all in Suriname and people wait in eager anticipation for this exciting event
The Surifesta Foundation organizes some of these big activities regarding the end of the year celebrations as well. Some of these activities that are held yearly are: The Surifesta Kick Off Party; a “Kawina Festival”
16 – 18 January 2009- 9th Annual Napo River Festival
Where: Ecuador – Tena
- Organised by the Ecuadorian River Institute this Event is used to raise awareness of the Napo River watershed and the importance it has in the daily life of Ecuador. “This unique gathering seeks to educate the public about watershed issues, preserve cultural traditions, and promote sustainable forms of development and resource management”
- The Napo river is of vast importance as last major tributary of the the Amazon River in Ecuador that remains free-flowing and has minimal contamination and development in its headwaters
- This is a free event which hosts a variety of contests includint: Flip -rafting, Inner Tube Racing, Kayak Rodeo, A massive downriver Float and much more … of course!
- http://www.kayakecuador.com/default.htm
20 January 2009 – Saint Sebastian Festivity
Where: Brazil – Canutama AM
January , a month when all over Brazil events and festivals are held to pay homage to Saint Sebastian (San Sebastian) who was the patron saint of Pipa. Festivities take place over 3 days and planning begins 4 months before. On the day of celebration, street stalls, bingo and of course crazy Brazilian bands come out to perform at their best.
- The Story:It all started when the patron saint of athletes, soldiers and the guardian of love, showed compassion on Pipa at the beginning of the last century .
Mr Antonio Pequeno, one of the respecters of local tradition, tells a story his grandfather, (of the same name) and who had been the church warder since its construction, told him. In 1919 a Spanish ship came by, headed for Para, leaving in its wake the dreaded influenza – the plague! Wherever it went it left a trail of death. Dona Chica, of the velho Castelo family had a small statue of Saint Sebastian and decided to pray for Pipa – to keep the plague away.
If her prayers were met she promised to inaugurate a church in the saint’s name and make him patron of the village. Once this promise was made not a single inhabitant more caught the dreaded disease. In the 40’s building of the church was started and later, the artist Agnaldo Simoneti, who often visited, made two statues of the saint. One is on the altar of the church and the other was placed on a rock in the sea to show the saint that many people, both on land and sea have faith in his protection
27 January – 1 February 2009 – 8th World Social Forum
- Highlighting the Amazon’s Diversity
Where: Brazil, Belem – PA
An open platform for discussing alternative paths to sustainable development. This is an annual meeting held by members apposed to globalisation. The meeting tends to be in January when its “great capitalist rival” the World Economic Forum is meeting in Switzerland.
FEBRUARY 2009
01- 05 February 2009 -Carnival of Manaus Samba Schools and Carnaboi Parade
Where: Brazil – Manaus AM
03 – 05 February 2009 – Carnailha
Where: Brazil – Parintins AM
04 February 2009 – Aniiversary of the Fort of Sao Jose de Macapa
Where: Brazil – Macapa RR
9 – 15 February 2009 – Scucmbios Challenge 3rd Edition
Where: Ecuador
12 February 2009 - The Route of the Amazon
Where: Ecuador – Fco. de Orellana
20- 22 February 2009 – Carnival
Where: Suriname
20- 24 February 2009 – Carnival in the Middle of the World
Where: Brazil – Macapa RR
21 February 2009 – Election of the World Ecotourism Queen
Where:Ecuador – Tena
21 – 23 February 2009 – 2nd World Ecotourism Fair
Where: Ecuador – Tena
23 February 2009 – Mashramani
Where: Guyana – Georgetown
Posted in Brazil, Destinations, Ecuador, Events in 2009, Travel Advice | No Comments »
Monday, January 12th, 2009
Rio de Janeiro, as the City of Carnival, offers a selection of Carnival balls you really should not miss. You won’t have to spend a fortune to have a great time. Tickets to most balls will cost you around R$30 to R$50 ($15-20) and are available on the door. Exceptions are the two most famous ones in the luxury hotels Copacabana Palace and Gloria. Other great balls are in Rio Scala. Clube dos Caiçaras and the Hard Rock Cafe’s Kid’s Folia also organize animated costume balls for adults and children. There are more theme balls city-wide e.g. balls for singles etc.
Costumes are not mandatory, with the exception of a few balls. Putting on one will help you get in the right mood and will make the night even more special, though. Bear in mind however that Rio is the capital of Carnival and costume standards are very high.
A true Carnival ball features live music and samba rules the floors. The percussion groups are full of vigor and can be just as loud as vast loud-speakers in a night club.
The Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace Hotel
Saturday, February 21st, from 23:00
This legendary ball is not just the high point of the night but also the most famous Carnival ball; the natural choice for glamour and sophistication. Luxury costume or black tie/evening dress is required, and a number of international and local VIPs are always among the guests. All tickets include buffet dinner and free bar.
There are different tickets for the individual dining rooms. All tickets provide access to all ballrooms.
Tickets for the Golden Room include a seat at a table of 6, 10 or 12 people.
Tickets for the Noble Room include a seat at a table of 10 or 12.
Standing tickets do not offer a table seat; however, good weather allowing, there will be tables on the balcony.
Golden Room: from R$1,950.00 (approx. R8800.00)
Noble Room from: R$1,300.00 (approx. R5800.00)
Standing: R$1,000.00 (approx. R4500.00)
Box: R$2,750 per person (approx. R12 400.00)
Venue: Copacabana Palace Hotel, Avenida Atlantica 1702 – Copacabana
Tel: (+55 21) 2545 8790
Official Costume Competition in Hotel Gloria
Saturday, February 21st
This is a very traditional Carnival event in Rio with the best, biggest and most original costumes of the year (mainly the so called destaques). It offers you the chance to see the best costumes of the principal samba schools before the Samba Parade, at close hand. There are also entrants with costumes only made especially for this event.
It is a big night with app. 900 people attending and it takes place in the halls of Hotel Gloria, one of the best and smartest hotels in Rio. The presentation is very theatrical. The huge and dazzling costumes represent historical characters or any chosen theme, according to the imagination of the gentlemen, ladies and drag queens who participate in the event. They compete in 4 categories: the sumptuous, the original, drag queen and soul.
You do not have to wear a costume; you can just go and see the competition.
Venue: Hotel Gloria, Rua do Russel 632 – Gloria
Doors open at 18.30 and the competition starts at 19.00. It finishes at about 22:30.
Admission: R$50.00 – free ticket delivery within the city of Rio
Tickets are on sale at the hotel or at Rua Senador Dantas 117 / Room 2009 – Centro (Downtown) or call and reserve on 2267-1692 / 8804-9484 (Senhora Nilce-only Portuguese spoken).
Ball Masque 2009
Friday, February 27th, 22:00-05:00
Live music taking turns with a DJ and the drummers of Imperatriz, one of the best Rio samba schools. This will be its third year and this time the theme is ‘Moulin Rouge’ .
Dress formal or wear a fancy-dress.
Venue: Hotel Sofitel, Av. Atlântica 4240 / Level E – Copacabana
Admission: R$370.00
Table seat per person: R$500.00
Prices include free buffet and drinks
Tel: (+55 21) 2525-1206 (Alexandra-English spoken 9:00-18:00)
SCALA BALLS
In its 20th year, the Scala nightclub offers thematic dances every night during Carnival, having the grandest indoor carnival parties of the city. The venue is big and very well-known.
Venue: Rio Scala, Avenida Afrânio de Melo Franco 296 – Leblon
Tel: (+55 21)2239-4448 / 2511-4140 (only Portuguese spoken)
You will find standard tickets for most events on the door even on the night, just do not arrive too late.
You are advised to buy tickets for the Gala and the Gay Costume balls 3-5 days in advance. Reserve tables and boxes 3-5 days in advance on the above number.
Table prices per table seating 4 people.
VIP box prices are per person and include unlimited alcoholic drinks (except whiskey) and free buffet with sushi, fruit and snack bar.
Thursday, January 19th
Mangueira Carnival Ball
It is a good opportunity to experience the music and atmosphere of one of the most traditional and well-known samba schools (Mangueira) without having to visit its rehearsal space. The School will have it all – its drummer group, its principal samba dancers and the flag bearer and her escort. It is a true and real samba night; you can dance all night or just watch and enjoy the crowd. This is a traditional event which happens every year.
Admission: R$40.00
VIP box seat: R$160.00
Table: R$300.00
Friday, February 20th
Red and Black Ball
This night celebrates and is dedicated to the world-famous Rio football team, Flamengo, with the red-and-black striped flag. It is one of the most popular nights.
Admission: R$80.00
VIP box seat: R$190.00
Table: R$600.00
Saturday, February 21st
Ball of the Marvelous City
The night celebrates and is dedicated to the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Admission: R$80.00
VIP box seat: R$190.00
Table: R$600.00
Sunday, February 22nd
Gala Ball
This is the biggest ball in the series with some special guests.
Admission: R$40.00
VIP box seat: R$160.00
Table: R$300.00
Monday, February 23rd
Ball of the ´Beer´
A new event in the series. Unlimited and free beer all night. Live music by a Carnival band taking turns with a Rio DJ (Mc Marcinho).
Admission: R$50.00
VIP box seat: R$160.00
Table: R$300.00
Tuesday, February 24th until 7:00 am
Gay Costume Ball
It is probably the most famous night in the series. A truly exotic collection of characters take to the two floors and a grand entrance is de rigueur – the ball is broadcast to the whole of Brazil. A flamboyant crowd with lots of drag queens and their admirers.
It is very popular with all folks not only gay boys and girls.
Admission: R$80.00
VIP box seat: R$200.00
Table: R$700.00
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Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Updated January 2009
Click here to view Brazil tours on offer
Click here to view Amazon tours on offer
Current time in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro):
Currently, Brazil is one of the most accessible countries in South America when travelling from South Africa – but this is definitely not the only attraction! Sun, sea, and sand kaleidoscope together as Brazil. It is South America’s largest country and is, perhaps, its most mythical.
Brazil ignites the imagination like no other destination. With a coast pushing out into the Atlantic, Brazil stretches to contain all within: rainforests and mountains, remote villages and pulsing cities, legends and myths, music and dance. It is the land of capoeira and Carnaval; it houses the world’s largest rainforest (the Amazon) and one of its largest cities. Brazil is a land of extremes: beauty, poverty, wealth, and heat. It is not for the faint-hearted. For those who are passionate, clever, and eager to live each day with an appetite for adventure, pleasure, and intoxicating beauty, Brazil is not to be missed. You must travel here at least once in your life!
Flying in directly to Sao Paulo, it’s just a short flight or bus ride to Rio de Janeiro, the bustling, samba-ing, partying, ocean-edge city! Rio is also the doorway to two of our favourite little island getaways – Ilha Grande and Paraty.
Perhaps in a completely different trip to Brazil, you have to visit the Amazon Jungle, and spend some time travelling up the east coast.
When to go
The Amazon region experiences heavy rain between January and May, making it near impossible to get around. The same goes for the Pantanal, travel is always best in the dry season. December to February (summer) is when most Brazilians travel, so prices soar and availability can be tough to get. However, it does mean that the atmosphere is very festive! Brazil’s low season months are May, June and August, the cheapest and least-crowded times to visit.
What to do:
- Dance and experience the urban pulses of São Paulo and Rio
- See the big city sites: cable car, trams, favelas, and winding streets
- Explore the atmospheric cities of Salvador and Recife in the secret Northeast
- Visit Amazonia – cruise through the rainforest and fish for piranhas
- Lounge on the world-famous beaches along Costa Verde and Ilha Grande
- Take a boat-ride beneath the magnificent Iguazu Falls
- Taste Brazil’s famous rum at a Cachaça distillery
- Dance samba in Carnaval
Where to go in Brazil
Notable events
| February |
21-24th: Carnival |
| May |
Dia del Trabajador (Labor Day) |
| June |
13, 24 & 29th: June Bonfire Festivals (Rio) |
| Late June/August |
Bumba Meu Boi (Sao Luis & across the Northeast) – A wild, amazing folk festival combining African, Indian and Portuguese influences. An exhilierating mix of dance, music, parades and theatrical performances. |
| End of August |
Folklore Nordestino – a highly recommended festival in Olinda, with a great mix of dance, music and folklore from all over the Northeast of Brazil. |
| September |
7th – Independence Day |
| October |
Oktoberfest (Blumenau, Santa Catarina)
Rio Jazz Festival
12th – Day of Nossa Senhora de Aparecida |
| November |
15th – Proclamation of the Republic Day |
| December |
1st Week – Carnaval (Natal) – a highly acclaimed out-of-season Carnaval |
Visa and Health Requirements for Brazil
Visa – none required for South African or British passport holders on holiday. However, visitors must have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds to support themselves while in Brazil. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months when entering Brazil.
Vaccination – Yellow Fever compulsory; Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended.
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Sunday, January 27th, 2008
São Paulo, the gateway to Brazil, is one of the world’s largest cities. Seventeen million people occupy just under 500 square kilometers. It is an urban jungle with a stretch of high-rise buildings as far as the eye can see. As the country’s commercial capital, one resident offered an apt description: “São Paulo works so that the rest of Brazil can play.”
Paulistanos (residents of São Paulo) work hard, and play even harder, inhabiting their city with a street-savvy, stylish energy. Bear in mind, the city doesn’t go out of its way to cater to foreign tourist; rarely will you find yourself amidst a sea of American, German and Australians. Instead, you will experience life undiluted and dynamic, as do its citizens. Spend your time shopping (people come from all over the world for São Paulo’s malls, markets, and shops) or attending performances (theatre or capoeira) or clubbing or eating in one of the city’s many delightful restaurants. From its humble beginnings as a mission on a hill in 1554, São Paulo has grown to become the continent’s biggest metropolis. Italian, Japanese, German, Lebanese, and Indian neighborhoods weave into the fabric of the city, connected together by a bustling transportation system. Art museums and galleries, parks, markets, bars, and dance clubs enliven the city, offering pleasing rewards for those who seek them out. It is a challenging, intoxicating and unforgettable city.
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Sunday, January 27th, 2008
This small city sits 1,600 kilometers from Recife, and is known for its lively parties and delicious food. It is a UNESCO city (Cultural Patrimonio of the Humanity) due in large part to its beautiful azulejo (tiles) walls and cobblestone streets. São Luis is the capital city of the Brazilian state of Maranhao, and is the only city established by the French and then occupied by the Dutch. It remains a distinctly Portuguese colonial city with its own unique culture marked by its cuisine, traditions, festivals, and live reggae parties. Eat peixada (a regional large fish) and shrimp pie, arroz de cuxá (typical dish of rice with local herbs), carne de sol (beef that is sun-dried then cooked). Try drinking Jesus, a regional soft drink that is pink and tastes like bubblegum.
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Sunday, January 27th, 2008
Salvador da Bahia (generally known as ‘Salvador’) is the African soul of Brazil. It was the nation’s capital until 1973 when Rio took over as the political head. Sugar and tobacco comprised this small city’s economy in the 16th and 17th centuries, causing the influx of slaves shipped in from Africa. The descendents of these slaves preserved their cultural roots, resulting in a city infused with hypnotic drum beats, graceful dancing, fragrantly spiced delicacies, and an irresistible energy.
Once famous for its gold-filled churches and beautiful mansions, now it’s host to many an outrageous festival. One of the biggest and most impressive Carnival celebrations takes place in Salvador, with live music pulsing from enormous trucks. The Pelourinho (the now renovated city centre) offers the biggest collection of colonial baroque architecture in Latin America. There are loads of terraced restaurants, bars, and, of course, sublime beaches. Be sure to visit the Museu Afro-Brasileiro for the Candomblé Culture exhibition. The museum exhibits wood carvings, baskets, pottery and other artwork and crafts, tying together Brazilian and African artistic traditions. There is an extremely fascinating exhibit of photography, sacred objects and ceremonial apparel demonstrating the African roots of Brazilian Candomblé religion. Salvador is an ideal location for daytrips to nearby sites. It is the gateway to Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil’s “Lost World”, situated in the northeast of the Bahia state. The park, created in 1985, is a mixed landscape of wild rock formations, caves, crystal clear lakes, underground rivers, and the semi-arid Sertão. Spend time in another enormously popular nearby destination, Diamantina. If you’re there at the right time, you’ll catch the bimonthly vesperata in which musicians play old favorites whilst posted in windows and balconies around the charming square, Beco do Mota. Be sure to visit Ilha de Itaparica (Island of Itaparica) or the beaches further north.
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Sunday, January 27th, 2008
Rio, that lush, ocean-edge city, is the tourist capital of Brazil. Framed by waters dotted with islands, it is a city of memory, fantasy and allure – a cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city). It is home to world famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and to a nightlife admired around the world. The Cariocas (people of Rio) know how to enjoy themselves. If you visit the clubs, bars, theatres, and restaurants, not to mention the beaches, you will know why.
Christ the Redeemer, the statue on Corcovado Mountain at the edge of Rio, overlooks one of the most densely populated cities on earth, and is witness to a spirited people thriving on dance, drink, beach, sport, and sun. In the daytime, the fifty-nine beaches that spread along Rio’s coast cater to people of all shapes and sizes. At night, the Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Lagoa beach districts pulsate with irresistible beats. Everyone finds something appealing about Rio: from visiting ritzy neighborhoods to hiking the surrounding mountains to beach lounging to taking a tour through one of the world famous favelas (slums). It is a city where you can leave behind your preconceptions, and open your heart and imagination to the vivaciousness of life.
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Sunday, January 27th, 2008
A 100 km bus ride away from Recife Brazil, is Porto de Galinhas (Port of Chickens). Its curious name comes from the 18th century forbidden slave trade when “chicken” was the code to refer to the slaves stepping off the boats. Porto used to be an anonymous fishing village; today, it’s one of the most important tourist destinations in Brazil. Many locals still make a living from their catches of the day, as well as from the coconuts that abound in the palm plantations.
Porto is known for the best beaches in Brazil. Eighteen kilometers of white sand beaches stretch along the coast, speckled with resorts, and buffed by a permanent breeze. The centre of town offers a grid of streets lined with small houses, hostels, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can depart from the centre for boat or buggy trips to the Porto beaches.
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Sunday, January 27th, 2008
The sunny beaches of Natal, 300 kilometers from Recife, have always been a tranquil oasis. In recent years, with improved infrastructure and information systems, tourism has dramatically increased. As in many towns in Brazil, Carnaval is a hugely celebrated event, bringing to the streets concerts, parties, and crowds of dancing people. During non-Carnaval time, however, there is still plenty for a visitor to see and do. Buggy ride in the sand dunes in the day and in the evening, watch a regional show of music and dance at the Centro de Turismo. There are bars, cafes and restaurants offering great food – you’ll be amazed at the many ways prawns (camarones) can be cooked and eaten!
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Sunday, January 27th, 2008
The grand Iguazu Waterfalls sits on the frontiers of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Higher than the Niagara Falls and four times wider, Iguazu’s 275 cascades fan out over nearly 3.2 kilometers of the Iguazu River. A volcanic eruption once cracked open the earth, and formed what is now the Falls. Water thunders over the giant cliff, sometimes at a rate of 450,000 cubic feet per second.
Various islands separate the Falls into separate currents, the best known being Gargantua del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Best seen from the Brazilian side, these fourteen falls drop more than 100 meters with such force that the spray rises up into a 30 meter cloud. Walk through the subtropical forest of Iguaçu National Park for a closer view of Gargantua del Diablo. Or meander through park’s jungle trails; plan a full day to enjoy the nearly pristine ecosystem. The Falls’ name, coming from the Guaraní word for “great water”, was aptly chosen. Whether it’s by boat, helicopter, or by foot, take in this site for all it’s worth…just be sure to take some dry clothes with you.
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