1. Most Brazilians have never been to Rio de Janeiro's Carnival.
2. But people love to watch the parade on TV.
3. (FYI: a school of samba named Portela had a giant Jack Black on the runway this year).
4. Actually, there are a lot of types of parties all over the country.
5. In Salvador, Bahia, the most popular genre of carnival music is axé, and people follow the trio elétrico -- an adapted truck with a band that plays live for seven or eight hours, moving along a circuit on the street.
6. In Pernambuco, there's the giant figures tradition and the rhythms are frevo and maracatu -- and axé is not welcome.
7. And even in Rio de Janeiro, outside the Sambadrome, the crowds take the streets to go dancing with the "blocos" which are carnival bands that perform on the streets.
8. Carnival, after all, is about going out to sing, dance and drink on the streets.
9. When it comes to drinking, in São Paulo, a lot of people prefer catuaba than beer.
10. Glitter is an important element on the streets.
11. The street blocos are often themed. This year, a bloco from São Paulo paid homage to David Bowie.
12. In Olinda, there was also a bloco called "Bumba Meu Bowie".
13. You will be the best dressed at the "bloco" if you make yourself a smart costume like this one:
14. Or try a meme, like this totally weird magazine cover:
That became true!
15. You can also try to dress as a popular gif, like this one:
OMG!
16. All the gringos that come to visit us during carnival kind of blend into the spirit of the beaches and streets.
17. Here is the distinguished Sir Ian McKellen.
18. Brazilians think that everyone looks beautiful during the carnival.
