Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro

Introduction

Rio de Janeiro is located in the southeastern part of Brazil, on the western shore of Guanabara Bay, which extends northward. A 14-kilometer-long bay-crossing highway bridge connects it to Niterói on the eastern shore. In January 1502, Portuguese colonists arrived at the bay and mistakenly thought it was the mouth of a great river, so they casually named it "January River," which phonetically became "Rio de Janeiro." The city founded half a century later took this as its name. After more than 400 years of development, Rio de Janeiro has become the second-largest metropolis after São Paulo and a hub of commerce, industry, and finance. It is also one of the largest foreign trade ports alongside Santos Port, home to Brazil’s most renowned museums, Latin America’s largest library, the world’s largest football stadium, and the country’s biggest parks and botanical gardens.

Towering at the southern entrance of Guanabara Bay are two bread-shaped peaks (Sugarloaf Mountain), which are iconic symbols of Rio de Janeiro. Take the cable car up to the mountaintop at an altitude of 395 meters, and you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of the beautiful city: the sparkling waters of Guanabara Bay dotted with white sails; the sun-drenched, silvery sands of the sprawling beaches teeming with visitors, colorful umbrellas blooming like flowers; the wide seaside avenue stretching endlessly with continuous streams of vehicles, and densely packed modern buildings standing along the shore facing the sea...

Many Christian countries around the world celebrate Carnival, but in terms of scale, number of participants, richness of content, and vibrant atmosphere, none can compare to Brazil. And among Brazil’s major cities, Rio de Janeiro takes the crown.

Every year in mid to late February, Brazil erupts in three days and nights of nationwide celebration. During this time, the streets and alleys of Rio de Janeiro are adorned with lanterns and colorful flags, dressed in festive finery. The entire city pours into the streets like a tidal wave, with people of all ages and genders dressed up in dazzling attire, dancing samba with wild enthusiasm, waving their arms, and swaying their hips—seemingly releasing all the worries and hardships pent up over the year. Music performances, dance shows, theatrical acts, and competitions take place one after another.

Brazilian Brasília