Carnaval Brasileiro

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  you like to wear costumes?  
  
  you like drums and shaking your body parts?
  
  you like exposing your body parts or looking at exposed parts?
  
  you like art painted on your body parts or like to look at art ON bodies?
  
  what about the costumes (so relevant I mentioned it 2x)
  
  if you said yes to any 4 of the above, get the self to Carnaval Brasleiro

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  Posted on 03.21.13 paul s.

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  I went to Carnaval for the first time in 2005, when I first moved here, and I just went this year for my second time.  And WOW, it was definitely a lot more crowded (which I expected).
  
  While there's no denying that Carnaval is a blast, I think it is extremely expensive for what you get.  I had luckily won tix this year, but I most likely would've felt pretty ripped off if I'd paid $40 to stand in long bathroom lines, barely get to see most of the dance performances (because they're on the floor and you must battle through throngs of people to try to get a glimpse), and paid for pricey drinks once I arrived (which I did do, but wasn't nearly as big of a deal since my tix were free!)  At least coat check is only a mere $3.00.
  
  Oh-- and this year they ran out of water!!!  There was still over an hour left and absolutely none of the bars had water left!  All the bartenders kept trying to hawk more alcohol on us instead. Ummmmmm....???
  
  I think that, if tickets are going to be $40, the event should at least last longer.  It goes til 2am (when the light are abruptly flipped on), but the place was still filled with a ton of people dancing while performances were still finishing up.  If they stopped serving alcohol and kept it open for 2 more hours (maybe just turn it into a DJ'ed dance party??) it would not only be more fun and worth the price tag, but probably a lot more safe than kicking a bunch of half-naked, liquored-up people out onto the streets...

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  Posted on 02.15.13 Veronica M.

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  Have gone for the last 5 years.  never drank anything but water and it has been a super awesome time.  so enjoy seeing people's creativity and costumes.  great show, great music, everyone's in a great mood, everyone is so gracious in posing for pictures.  would recommend to anyone at least once.  if costuming is not your thang, don't despair!  lots of tshirts and shorts/pants & beads...   though if you're feeling adventurous Lucy in Disguise on soco rents out costumes for the night, other places to hit up for ideas are the Bazaar Austin, Cindie's  and costume world on north Burnet.    it's mardi gras Brazilian style!  part lingerie show, part masquerade, part halloween, part whatevah!  anything goes!  body paint artists on site !  monies at coach check goes toward camps for at-risk kids.  all around superlative!

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  Posted on 02.08.13 jo w.

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  I feel like not enough people know about this amazing event.
  
  First weekend in February people! What else do you have going on?!!
  
  What is Carnaval you ask? Probably one of the most free spirited events in Austin, you can wear (or not wear) whatever you want, dance around to samba music, plus there are bars surrounding the entire place, and you kind of feel like a celebrity because everyone wants to take your picture.
  
  Everyone here is SO HAPPY. It's awesome. Everyone who lives in Austin should go at least once, go to the costume store, grab a mask and some feathers and go crazy. You won't regret it.

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  Posted on 02.04.13 Jessica M.

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  This girl is no longer a Carnaval virgin thanks to free tickets from Yelp!
  
  I admit I was a tad bit intimidated beforehand--it's really difficult to accurately describe this event and the people that make it so special so I wasn't sure what I was walking in to.
  
  Behold! A feast for your eyes and a beat for your bootyshaking. No costume is out of place, but feathers, lights, skin and fishnets are more than welcome. I spotted more than a few Native Americans, alligators and peacocks floating around.
  
  The bevvies were easily accessible, too!
  
  Just another reason why Keep Austin Weird is totally appropriate for our city.

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  Posted on 02.04.13 Emily F.

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  5 stars for people watching . . . . had a great time at this party and will be back next year!

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  Posted on 02.03.13 Rudi D.

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  I think we blew the mind of a visiting very-cowboy New Mexico native into a thousand little pieces. He was warned but he mistakenly underestimated our ability to rope him into 'the biggest gay naked party' he's never imagined. Cowboy Sunshine will never be the same.
  
  Step 1: Band together with a group after way too many winter beers & T-Rex impersonations and settle on a theme. Ours was Garden of Eden. I was elected Satan, 'cos I look good in red. Simple.
  
  Step 2: Enter in a handful of local contests to win a ticket, 'cos those puppies have shot up a bit in price since 2008. Keep the hope alive.
  
  Step 3: Begin scavenging for parts of costume. 'Costume' is used liberally here, as most people's costumes are comprised of underwear, and headpiece and lots of strategically placed paint. Wrap a passport belt around your lower leg a few times and cover with leg warmers. It's cold this time of year.
  
  Step 4: Work out like your life (and dignity) depends on it. Think Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2. Yeah. That or as-close-as-humanly-possible or bust, kids.
  
  Step 5: Reply like a madwoman to a ticket giveaway, allowing your non-Carnaval-but-still-supportive friends to rsvp for you if you are driving between towns at the moment. Check your street mailbox several times a day. Repeat.
  
  Step 6: Rope others into your twisted group theme. In Garden of Eden we had Adam, Eve, a snake, an apple, the devil, an angel (Giddeon? I don't know) a tornado, a flying monkey. Who's missing? A tree of knowledge, God and the sun. Triple check, after a Screw Your Resolutions event.
  
  Step 7: Head to Eve's house and learn how to muddle Caipirinhas and have flames of eternal damnation painted on you. Try not to laugh when your armpits are painted. Fail in doing so. Pun back and forth between you and God for laughs. Make him a Caipirinha and ask him questions.
  
  Step 8: Do your Samba thing in boots to prevent mystery puddles from fuddling your feet ew. Wear a mask if you don't want your face plastered all over the interwebs but then pose with lots of strangers while losing God, your tree, Sunshine, Flower, Snake, Apple, Adam & Eve. Regroup. Repeat.
  
  Step 9: Shower all that off, refuel with Central Market frozen pizzas and don't wake Sunshine up till morning. He's had a rough weekend.
  
  Step 10: Start thinking of next year's theme. Bollywood anyone?
  
  -Fin-

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  Posted on 02.06.12 Monica O.

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  Admission ticket: $40
  Parmer Events Center Parking: $7
  Coat check: $3
  Water boots: Priceless
  
  But I was not wearing water boots to the Festival of Soggy Feet, also known as Carnaval. Everyone's probably said enough already about this festival; the 2012 event went by in flashes of glitter, costumes, bodily exposure, and documentation for future blackmailing purposes. Had it not been for a fabulous group Carnaval prep and pre-party, however, I wouldn't have enjoyed this event nearly as much.
  
  I'm thinking of cheeky commentary regarding the event: bare cheeks abounded? I don't know. I do know they could've installed a Slip 'n' Slide with the layer of alcohol on the ground. I also know I was tired of kicking the bottles and cups away from my feet on the ground, only to recreate a scene from Singin' in the Rain with all the splashing. Really? There's no way to remedy the total nastiness that is the half inch of fluids on the ground? Kind of tough to samba when it feels like you're going to get sucked into a puddle of yuck. This may have gone unnoticed were I intoxicated, but such is life. And thank Krishna Keri B advised against the coat check; the line to retrieve your checked item was ridiculous.
  
  But I found the secret bathroom, danced for a few hours, elbowed some touchy dudes, and had an awesome time.

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  Posted on 02.05.12 Deji M.

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  I have been to Carnaval Brasileiro about 4 times over the last 10 years. It has certainly changed over the years!  The fact that I have not gone every year has no bearing on the event itself, but the company I have kept. As a Brazilian American, I have found that it is a wonderful opportunity for the Brazilian Community to really feel at home. I loved last year's event so much that I decided to join the Austin Samba School, which is an unbelievably wonderful community. I have attended Carnaval in MidWest cities like Cedar Falls (IA), Iowa City, Madison (WI) and Chicago in the past, but NONE compare to this event. You will not be sorry, this year will be even better!

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  Posted on 01.17.12 Melissa V.

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  This is one of the most amazing, colorful and beyond wild events that Austin, TX has to offer! I'm lucky to say that I've been going to Carnaval for the past four years and without a doubt it gets bigger and better every year! Fantasies come to life and inhibitions are thrown to the wind! It usually starts around 9 but your feet will kill you if you stay until the very end. This height of the party would be around 11 so if you go around then, you'll see the best of the best and sweat just enough! Let me forewarn you, with appoximately 5,000 friends, the Palmer Center become packed! Boobs to back packed! The drinks are a little pricey ($6-$7) but that's to be expected, however, there are plenty of drink stations so the lines move quickly! Be sure to take plenty of cash (Cash Only) where you store it is strictly up to you! No food, but that would be something great to include... feijoada and caipirinhas for the early birds, eh?!
  
  The festive and live music is from another world! Seriously, every year they fly in a band from Brasil to perform and for five hours, non-stop, their music makes you move!
  
  My boyfriend, who motivated me to go all out this year to really throw some serious effort into our costumes, had a great time considering this was his first experience! He's hooked and you know you are as well when you start planning next years costume as soon as it's over!
  
  To really enjoy it, GO IN COSTUME, GET BODY PAINTED, JUMP INTO A CONGA LINE and if you can, get to the front so you can watch the Austin Samba School perform. You can't help but to move to the beat of the drums!
  
  **Although there is not age minimum, there can be a lot of partial nudity so I wouldn't advise taking kids to this function**

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  Posted on 04.14.11 Lucia B.

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  Ah, Carnaval.  We've been going for years and will continue to do so for as long as we stay in Austin.  
  
  Carnaval is the Austin equivalent of the real Carnaval down in Rio.  Happens every February around mid-month.
  
  Live Music! Live Dancers! Live! Live! Live! You get to shake yer booty and dance all night to Drummers and a Samba Band all the way from Rio itself :-)
  
  What a great time! Get your tix online at <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.Sambaparty.org&s=006a738398c3b0d006d8b7bb041f061f7bec77ac5c03edf83a0153342d1a4bb0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.Sambaparty.org</a>, dream up a costume (or not), and go revel in this high-energy festivity!
  
  As previously stated, we go every year, and have always been thrilled by the crowds, the costumes, and especially the great music and awesome people we meet :-)  We seem to make new friends each year, and always go home with huge smiles and great memories.
  
  If you've never been, you should try it at least once!  You won't be disappointed!

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  Posted on 02.09.11 John S.

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  Very un-Austin and in a good way, Carvanal brings Rio (or at least a small bit of it) to us without having to travel for 10 hours.   Buy tickets in advance (around $40 each) as they seem to always sell out.    
  
  The number of people dressed up this year was incredible - at least 75% of the people attending had some sort of costume, many of them incredibly risque (Lucy in Disguise and The Bazaar are your best friend).   You'll see boobs of all sizes and types and way more beer belly than during a visit to Sea World.   Wear a mask and something tiny and revealing (they have a coat check) as the place is hot and sweaty once the sea of people starts grinding to the samba beats.   Nice and dark inside to help hide your flaws too.    People will usually ask before taking your picture as well.
  
  World famous samba performers will fly in for this event, along with my favorite part, the Austin Samba school.   Lots of scantily clad dancers and tons of drums.   They perform two or three times during the evening - make sure you catch at least one performance.
  
  Like everything else fun in Austin that is popular and packed, be prepared to wait.   Unfortunately, the venue for this event has pretty limited bathrooms and space for port o cans.   Bar lines can be 20+ minutes and bathrooms can be even worse (try the portable toilets in the beer garden patio area, which tend to be quicker).   Probably worth bringing in a flask should your outfit permit.
  
  Police are present and are complete asses if you try to get on stage and dance, even when the singer asks for people to get up.   No worries if you remain in the crowd.

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  Posted on 02.21.10 Brian B.

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  I've been attending Carnaval Brasileiro for several years now.  As soon as the date is announced, it's on my calendar!  A truly unique, Austin event that is hands-down the best party of the year.  I'm a bit of a music snob, and Carnaval always delivers an outstanding band of superb Brazilian musicians, who play all the right tunes.  Whether you go to party, dance, people-watch or all of the above, definitely check it out.  Also, get your tickets EARLY as it usually sells out!

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  Posted on 01.16.10 Joe R.

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  This was the craziest wildest party ever.  I consider myself an Old fogey, but had the time of my life!  Everyone was genuinely enjoying themselves.  The music is throbbing and pulsating and LOUD!
  
  There is no better people watching anywhere, and Everyone is dressed (or undressed) with faces painted and glittery.  It's Mayhem and Merriment!
  
  Can't imagine a better place for this kind of party than Austin!

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  Posted on 01.13.10 Annette M.

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  For all things "Austin" and keepin' it weird, Carnaval Brasileiro is the place to be.  It truly is not weird in a "weird" way.  It is so much fun and it rocks all the way to the point of closing time, which I think is 2 am.  The conga line and the Samba dancing and the sweating your arse off and the skimpy costumes, from the men and women is all over the top.  Straight or Gay, Conservative or Liberal, Republican (well?) or definitely Democrat, etc...you get the point.  It's a party for all.  Young AND Old.  Everyone gets along and it's a beautiful thing.  When in Austin, it is a MUST see and MUST do at some point, and then year to year.

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  Posted on 01.12.10 Brad C.

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  Even if you don't dress up and don't drink it is still a blast, I know from experience. Just going to observe people, costumes and the general merriment of the event is fantastic.
  
  The music is very rhythmic and even my boyfriend that never ever dances and listens to metal enjoyed it and danced with me. The atmosphere and the energy given off from the party is so much fun...even waiting in line for the doors to open is enjoyable.
  
  The year that I went there was lots of standing, dancing and who knows what else in the middle and stadium bleachers on the sides for you to take a break and observe. The food, drinks, and face painting are pricey as expected.

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  Posted on 02.12.09 Erica V.

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  I know it's an event but it's annual sooo if anyone is curious about this party and does a little research here, let me shed some light (it's okay, I won't illuminate the darkest corners!).  Imagine if a gay bar Halloween party and a strip club Halloween party were to have a baby....no, imagine if Mardi Gras had a super sexy, blatantly flirtatious Latino cousin.....no, imagine that dream you have with all the sexy demons and angels and they all want to have sex with you.  Yeah, put all that together and you can get an idea.  
  
  I've been going to this party for almost 15 years and I never get tired of it.  Not only is it about the costumes and the flirting, but it's also about the incredible music.  Every year they get a nationally known Brazilian Samba band to play the stage, but lately they have also used Austin's own Academicos da Opera which I think is even better cause they get right down on the floor in a huge drum circle.  This music is intoxicating (which is great cause it's damn hard to get a drink here---lines too long).  You cannot stop dancing and at the end of the night you get that all over warm body relaxation that you get after a great workout or even better sex.  
  
  But if you are an exhibitionist or a voyeur or if you are not afraid of a large crowd of these, then this is your party.  To get anywhere in the crowd, you have to get in a conga line and next thing you know, you are swept away with a bunch of fun-loving strangers to god knows where.  And costumes!  I am always awed by the work that goes into this event.  From feathers and beads to leather and chains.  Drag queens and dominatrixes.  Fairies and well, fairies.  Body painting to body stockings.  It's all here and it doesn't mind being seen and photographed and danced with.  Sigh.  I always have a bit of post-Carnaval depression.  
  
  So, don't be scerd.  You are really missing out if you let your fears hold you back.  True of Carnaval and of life.

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  Posted on 02.06.09 Keri B.

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