Costumes for Carnival

With less than a week to go until the start of Rio Carnival, there’s no time for dilly-dallying in planning what you’re going to wear for the four-day funfest.

While the sequins and spangles of the samba schools are really best reserved for those on board the Carnival floats, there’s plenty of opportunity for the rest of us to get dressed up too. Forget little black numbers and chic suits, Carnival is all about fun and fantasy, so the more outlandish your outfit, the better.

While some street parties (or blocos, as they are known) have themed fancy dress, others are ‘anything goes’ affairs, with revelers turning dressed as anything from bumble bees to instantly recognisable celebs (there was many an ‘Amy Winehouse’ to be spotted at Carnival in Rio last year.

If you don’t want to go all out on the fancy dress front, at least make an effort by investing in an assortment of accessories such as masks, hats etc, which can be taken on and off as the Carnival mood dictates.

Whether you already have your outfits planned out or are looking for inspiration, the best place to head for is Saara, in Centro. This maze of streets at the heart of downtown is awash with stores selling every Carnival knick knack you could imagine – from superhero outfits to spangly headgear and fairy wands.

Best of all, Saara is known for its bargain basement prices, so budget travelers in Rio will be able to stock up on Carnival goodies without breaking the bank.