Rio Grand

Every year, half a million people journey to Rio de Janeiro for Carnaval, a four-day festival of decadence and debauchery. In other words, it's the Brazilian version of Mardi Gras, complete with Vegas-style glitz that would make Liberace look like a Plain Jane.

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• Rio de Janeiro
• Liberace
• Martial Arts
• Festivals and Parades

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Get a taste of this Latin American spectacle during the first annual Carnaval Brasil at The Sail Inn. Highlights include sexy samba dancers, art demos, and capoeira performances that combine acrobatic dance with martial arts moves straight out of Street Fighter.

The art of capoeira, according to Angelique of Capoeira Brasil, is “very alluring and exciting. Spectators will be surprised with the strength and discipline of the performance, but should feel encouraged to want to try and do it,” she says.

If that sounds a little intimidating, just sway to the afro-Brazilian rhythms of Grupo Liberdade, Banda Som Brasíl, and DJ Seduce. Plus, the event is 21-and-over only, which means you can see glittery thongs and pasties . . . hopefully just on the ladies.