Four Days in My Rio

In Rio de Janeiro, the first day of December symbolizes the beginning of a long summer and the city becomes the theatre for a series of annual celebrations. From Carnival to New Year’s Eve, from Christmas to Easter, each day of celebration highlights the happiness, joy, and vitality of the Brazilian people.

Situated at the mouth of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain offers a spectacular 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro and the surrounding beaches, mountains, and forests. Halley Pacheco de Oliviera/Wikimedia Commons

In Rio de Janeiro, the first day of December symbolizes the beginning of a long summer and the city becomes the theatre for a series of annual celebrations. From Carnival to New Year’s Eve, from Christmas to Easter, each day of celebration highlights the happiness, joy, and vitality of the Brazilian people.

The summer ends with the “Aguas de Março” (Waters of March). This is also the title of a song by famous Brazilian singers/songwriters Tom Jobim and Elis Regina. The song is named after the tropical rains always expected in March.

Rio is characterized by its untamable nature; sameness is not a word often used to describe this city.