Carnival TuesdayParade (el Coso) - A spectacular parade of dancing participants, contest winners, flamboyant costumes, drag queens and more

Carnival SaturdayA day entirely dedicated to dance

Main FestivalFREE entry

HotelsApprox. $125 - $200/ night

FoodApprox. $25 - $30 at top ranked restaurants

TaxiApprox. $5.50 + $2.60 for each additional km

Health Protection – Sudden Illness or AccidentComprehensive travel insurance is advised for all other nationals. However, if suddenly ill or involved in an accident while visiting Spain, free or reduced cost necessary treatment is available for all nationalities

Carnival WeekendFashion designers vote for "la maschere piu bella" or The Best Mask at the Venetian Mask the last weekend of the Carnival

AttendanceApprox. 30,000 visitors/day during this festival

Main EventMascheranda Grand Ball
Palazzo Pisani Moretta, Venice
8p.m., February 10, 2013
$390 to $520 per ticket

Pre-CarnivalGo Wednesday through Saturday before Carnival
and enjoy the costumes and entertainment without the crowds

Health Protection – Sudden Illness or Accident• Free or reduced-cost treatment is available for European visitors
• Others should buy travel medical insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses
• Medical expenses will not be covered by the Italian government

Main Events • Band of the Year competition where
  mas bands consisting of masqueraders compete
• Calypso Monarch competition where
  local artists compete
• Panorama Music competition for
  Steelbands playing carnival music on pans
• Limbo, stick-fighting competitions and more

Parties• Some parties are all inclusive
• Parties range from approx. $15 - $315

Hotels• Prices vary depending on amenities and guest services
• Several 4 and 5 star hotels cost between $150 - $250

Carnival Costumes• Costumes vary in price depending on the band and costume
• Costumes can be anywhere from $250. - $1000

Travel DocumentsA passport valid for three months beyond the date
of the return ticket is required for residents of
Australia, Britain, Canada Europe and the United States

Health ProtectionPurchase travel medical insurance
to cover unexpected illnesses or accidents

SafetyDon’t carry large amounts of cash
Stay with a group when possible

Carnival Capital of the WorldRio Carnival is considered one of the most artistic
and interesting events in the world

Where to StayTo be close to action, stay in the Southern Rio, Copacabana,
Ipanema and Leblon Botafogo. Lapa and Flamengo
are 15 to 20 minutes away by subway

AttendanceApprox. 5 million people, including 500,000
foreign visitors attend this festival

Main Festival Tickets Approx. $62 for general seats
Approx. $850 for front box seats
Tip: Avoid buying tickets on the streets

HotelsApprox. $2,000 - $10,280 for five days/four nights
Tip: Book at least 8 months in advance

SafetyLeave wallets at home
Carry only enough cash to last the night

Health Protection – Sudden Illness or AccidentThere is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK or the United States
Full health insurance is strongly recommended as medical costs are high