Maceio Carnival - Experience Brazil's Wildest Party On The World's Best Beaches
Although it's not quite like Rio, Maceio Carnival is an event worth seeing. While the big party-goers head to the crowds of the big city to see Brazil's Carnival, you can enjoy the festivities at a smaller venue, with some of the world's greatest beaches in the background.
But, don't get the idea that Maceio Carnival is not a big to-do. Maceio actually has two different annual carnivals; the Brazilian Carnival that is celebrated nationwide around Easter, and it's own mini-Carnival called "Maceio Fest," which is held in November. Both offer a great chance to see real Brazilian culture, enjoy the wild party atmosphere, and take in the sights of Maceio in one trip.
Brazil's Carnival is held in either February or March. It comes right before Lent, which is when Catholics abstain from bodily pleasures. The purpose of Carnival is to get as much bodily pleasure as you can before you have to start abstaining - which means that it is the wildest party on Earth. Carnival is celebrated all over Brazil, with Rio being the center of the festivities. However, people from all over northeastern Brazil, as well as international travelers who can do without the big city hassles, come to Maceio Carnival. At Maceio Carnival you'll find all the same craziness and fun.
What do people do at Carnival? There is drinking, dancing, singing, parading in the streets, wearing wild costumes - basically anything goes. It is also a Brazilian tradition, so it's a great way to see a part of Brazilian culture.
The smaller Maceio Carnival, called Maceio-Fest, is really the same but on a smaller, more local scale. There are still the costumes, wild partying and debaucherous fun. The bars and restaurants are open all night with partiers, trucks cruise the streets with bands, dancers and other performers, and spectators crowd the streets to watch the parade. People wear outlandish costumes and spend day and night enjoying life to its fullest.
Whichever Maceio Carnival you decide to attend, either the big nation-wide Carnival or the smaller Maceio-Fest, be sure to book your hotel well in advance. You can also expect to pay a little extra during Carnival, since these are Maceio's primary tourist events. Unlike the Rio Carnival, you don't need to buy tickets to the Maceio Carnival.
The dates of Carnival differ from year to year. Here are the dates from 2004 all the way to 2014:
2004 - March 4-7
2005 - February 5-8
2006 - February 25-28
2007 - February 17-20
2008 - February 2-5
2009 - February 21-24
2010 - February 13-16
2011 - March 5-8
2012 - February 18-21
2013 - February 9-12
2014 - March 1-4
As anybody who has been to Maceio Carnival will tell you, getting out of the big city and experiencing the fun on the beach is the way to go. It's also worth it to catch the smaller Maceio-Fest in November if you have a chance.
From Maceio Carnival back to Brazil Maceio Guide
Rental Maceio
If you plan to stay in town for a week or more, a Maceio apartment rental is a much better deal. This page gives you information on getting a Maceio apartment rental, tips and information on where to look for vacation rentals.
Maceio Pictures
Enjoy these Maceio pictures. One look at these Maceio pictures, and you'll be looking for a plane ticket!
Tourist information Maceio Brazil
This page has Maceio tourist information, as well as links and phone numbers where you can get more Maceio tourist information.
Maceio Airport
What's the best way to get to Maceio? Most will tell you that it's the bus. Brazil's bus system is efficient and comfortable, and this is usually the best and most cost effective way. This page gives you information on how to get to Maceio by plane or bus.
Maceio Shopping
This article introduces you to Maceio shopping. Although known primarily for its beaches and natural swimming pools, Maceio has lots of great goods you can buy. Make sure you enjoy Maceio shopping while you are there.