Do you know what is the largest party/festival in the world?
Take a guess...
If you love Festivals, you'd probably say Burning Man, right? Or Coachella, maybe Tomorrowland? But I have some news for you. All the answers are wrong! The largest party in the world takes place in Brazil and it's called Carnaval (Carnival for gringos). Although Carnaval is known all over the world, most people only know about the Carnaval that takes place in Rio de Janeiro. They have no idea that the largest street party/festival in the world takes place in a city called Salvador. Salvador is the capital of the State of Bahia. It is situated on the coast of Brazil, North Eastern coast to be more specific. As the first Capital of Brazil, Salvador was the main stage for the African Slavery that occurred back in the 1800’s, making it the city with the largest African-american population outside of Africa. Therefore, Salvador is a city deeply immersed in its African roots (and thank God for that).
Salvador breaths happiness despite all its social and economic issues that surround its people. It's something hard to understand, believe me! It is my hometown and I still haven’t figured out how there can be so much happiness despite the problems they face. Its intriguing. For soteropolitanos (people born in Salvador), partying is priority in life!
Salvador hosts the biggest street party in the entire world (we surpass Rio’s Carnival in numbers of attendees)!!! TheCarnaval de Salvador happens, usually, in February (sometimes in March) and receives nearly 2 million people daily during the 5 days of party. Crazy, right??? It’s probably the craziest thing you will ever experience in your life. Human corridors are formed throughout the streets, live music being played, people dancing in the same rhythm and pace….it is surreal. It’s a lifetime experience!
The Carnaval de Salvador is a very colorful party and has the most beautiful mix of races and social classes that you will ever be able to see in a street party. It’s a big melting pot with flavors from around the world! The music is contagious and the energy of the people jumping and dancing on the streets is at least magical!
The party consists of Trio Elétricos (a customized semi-truck built with boomboxes) with live bands performing on the stage built on top. The truck slowly moves down the streets and the people follow along. Depending on the circuit you choose – there are two of them – you will be walking and dancing for about 4.5 km (on Barra-Ondina circuit) or 4km (Campo Grande circuit). Strangers hug each other, kisses are stolen (YES, STOLEN), not a party for a "don’t-touch-me" kind of person! You have to keep in mind that body contact is the norm.
In the days that precede the party, people start to get ready for the event. All sorts of embellishments can be seen during the six days of party. However, the most noticeable accessories you will see are the head pieces, masks and statement earrings! They are Big, Sparkling and Colorful. This is a time to show off!!! Tennis shoes, short shorts or skirts and customized shirts make the Moda of Carnaval. Some people choose to wear costumes too. It’s a party to let your creativity out, everything is allowed (and I mean it)! Keep your mind open!
My tip for you, if you love to party, this is an experience for your bucket list. I guarantee you are gonna have incredible memories and stories to share for a lifetime. However, much caution is needed when partying in Carnaval. Make sure you are surrounded by friends that are local and can guide you through this crazy party. Safety is one of the biggest issues when it comes to Carnival, so be aware of that. Depending on your budget and/or your will, Carnival can offer endless possibilities that range from being in the "pipoca" - popcorn in English, meaning to be part of the street crowd which is free to all, all the way to the fanciest and most Exclusive VIP partiesalong the circuits.
Carnival is my favorite party in the entire world!!! Every February, I get terribly homesick wishing I was there. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it there this year. My last Carnival was in 2015 and I can't wait for the next one!
