Armchair Travel: The Spirit of Carnaval

Rio de Janeiro Festivals
by Lola (Akinmade) Åkerström Feb 27, 2009

From Colombia and Bolivia to the home base, Brazil, we’ve been bringing you some exciting dispatches and vibrant photography from Carnaval celebrations across South America.


Photo by sfmission.com

Who knew Carnaval was celebrated in Oruro, Bolivia?! Hal Amen’s spectacular photo essay gives us a glimpse into the colorful festivities in this Altiplano city.

Ian Mackenzie also shows us some highlights from the Barranquilla Carnaval, Colombia in yet another stunning photo essay of unique costumes and vividly-clad dancers.

In Brazilian Carnaval: Going Beyond Rio, Julie Schwietert dispatches from the cities of Recife and Olinda in Brazil, taking us on a photographic journey through their unique ways of celebrating this festival.

Still looking for more classic shots from Carnaval? Check out these coffee-table gems:

Carnaval – Photographed by Claudio Edinger

A collection of semi-risqué photos taken by photographer Claudio Edinger that captures the rawness of Brazilian Carnaval.


Price: $7.37 | BUY

Carnaval! – Edited by Barbara Mauldin

Over 300 colorful photographs take you through various celebrations around the world. From New Orleans and Trinidad and Tobago to Basel, Switzerland and even rural Bulgaria.


Price: $7.27 (Used) | BUY

Carnival In Rio mini: Samba, Samba, Samba

Accompanied by a CD of select Samba sounds from Rio, you can flip through this coffee table book while listening to music to instantly transport you there.


Price: $10.17 | BUY

Discover Matador