Five days of partying and madness until Ash Wednesday: the Rio carnival is well worth its reputation as the largest carnival in the world. Follow the procession of samba schools in the Sambodrome, where the real extravagance of music, choreographies, costumes and sequins begins. A victim of its own success, the event has lost its authenticity to some extent; you have to reserve your place a long time in advance and pay the full price. As for the Salvador carnival, more than a million people dance around trios elétricos and lorries converted into floats that transport the musicians. You can join in if you register in advance.