In addition to the Samba Parade, and all the fun in the Streets, Rio offers a selection of Carnival balls you really should not miss. You won't have to spend a fortune to have a great time. Tickets to most balls will cost you around $20 to $50. If you are coming with a group you may reserve a table, or even a box.

A true Carnival Ball features live music. It's usually 2 bands taking turns, and sometimes there is a guest vocalist. Samba percussion is very loud. Bring earplugs if you have sensitive ears. Some balls are broadcast live on TV, and it's really funny watching reporters trying to squeeze answers out of the almost-gone-deaf dancers (see True Carnival Stories).

Five golden rules work at all Carnival Balls:

• Avoid reserving tables right next to the dance floor. You would have to spend the night shooing away people who want to do the samba standing on your table, of all places!
• The more stuff you bring, the more you have to worry about. If you want to take photos, for instance, we suggest disposable cameras.
• The first thing to do once you get past the door: buy dozens of tickets for drinks. It makes a wonderful ice-breaker. If you don't make a connection with words, try the bottoms up sign - it is universally understood.
• Avoid doing drugs. They will make you dehydrate you even faster, and you could run into serious problems with security, or police (see safety).
• As nobody can compete with the greatest show on earth, the best balls usually happen on Carnival Friday, Saturday and Tuesday.

Carnival Ball Etiquette

Tickets are for sale at the box office of clubs and venues where balls happen, all you have to do is enter the line. Avoid scalpers, you never know what you are getting... If you prefer to plan everything ahead, some balls are good bets (see bottom of this page). Call for box office hours, and purchase your ticket a couple of days earlier if it makes you feel safer.

Costumes are not mandatory, with the exception of few balls. Putting on something special will help you get in the right mood, though. If you are traveling with a group, coordinated costumes are a lot of fun. Bermuda shorts and the old Hawaiian shirt will do fine, but we know you can be more creative than that..

Female impersonator and actress Rogeria doubles as a reporter at Scala's Gala Gay Ball. Here she interviews a tourist for Bandeirantes, a major Brazilian network. Use your imagination, put on a colorful costume, and let the samba beat get into you. You may also be spotted by a Brazilian TV (couldn't resist the pun, sorry...)

Favorite Carnival Balls

Though hundreds of balls happen all over the city, some are always better bets than others. New Carnival balls take a while to catch (if at all). We lined up the some interesting possibilities for you to choose from:

Gala Balls

The only luxury ball that survived the test of time and is still worth going to happens at the Copacabana Palace on Carnival Saturday. If you like to rub shoulders with the rich and famous, this is the ball you are looking for. Attractions include a number of local socialites, international stars, actors, soccer players, models from top agencies (on freebies of course), sometimes the mayor... Young men and women in masks are hired to entertain. They will invite patrons to the dance floor, so you probably won't be stuck on your chair. Arrive early, and watch the grand entrance of Narcisa Tamborindeguy, a local socialite who lives next door. Black tie or luxury costumes are mandatory. Women will probably want to schedule a visit to a beauty salon, and aks for a special hairdo and make-up. Individual tickets start at US$500 per person, and cost twice as much if you choose a table in the Golden Room. Tickets are often sold out before the big night. Buy yours ahead directly from the hotel to avoid any disappointments.

Balls for Singles

If you are like most single people, and want to score at Carnival, good luck! Carnival Balls are hot, fun, and they are just the right opportunity for you to establish a closer contact of whatever kind with locals. Help, a disco along Copacabana Beach, has balls for singles every Carnival night. Tickets are around $20, and most girls and boys that go there have pretty much the same thing in mind. These are not the balls where you would like to take along your mother, sweetheart, fiancée, etc. Scala, a club in Leblon, also promotes balls every night. Vermelho e Preto is on Friday, and Scala Gay is on Tuesday.

Gay Balls

Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals, drag queens, and transvestites from all corners of the world come and celebrate Carnival in Rio. They can be seen in all their glory on floats at the Samba Parade, stopping traffic at the street festivities, and, of course, having a great time at the balls. The most traditional ball for alternative lifestyles is Gala Gay at Scala, in Leblon, on Carnival Tuesday.

The number of exotic characters is astounding, and you can count luxury costumes by the dozen. If you are allergic to feathers, stay home... This ball is so colorful and fun, it is even televised! You may be spotted by the cameras, so wear a mask if you are shy (as if). Right out the door there is a crowd of people cheering the new arrivals. If you freak out with all the attention, avoid the runway and go directly to the stairs to cut the line. You do not have to be gay or lesbian to participate. Straights are very welcome, and pretty much part of the scene!

Le Boy disco has gay balls every night, alternating dance music, and samba. Balls have different themes and a live attraction that could be either a guest group, or some hot performance with go-go boys. Elite, a traditional samba hall near the Sambodrome, promotes popular gay balls on Carnival Sunday, and Monday.

Off-Carnival Dance Parties

Not everybody is into Carnival music, and some people actually look quite clumsy doing the samba. No worries! The party scene is waiting for you with top attractions on all Carnival nights. These attractions change every year, but you can always count on a few good bets. Bigger parties may happen at venues such as the Circo Voador, Anexo do Mam, Pier Maua or some warehouse near the docks. Dance clubs are also open, with guest DJ's and special attractions. For an updated list check out our Carnival Party Planner.

For gays and lesbians: X-Demente parties happen on Carnival Saturday and Tuesday. Past attractions include RuPaul, Jeff Striker and Martha Walsh. These parties usually happen at Fundição Progresso in Lapa and Marina da Gloria, along Guanabara Bay. You will meet the famous Carioca Barbies in the flesh, so to speak - bare chests are almost mandatory. B.I.T.C.H. is on Sunday, and may be at a theme park in Barra, or an abandoned train station Downtown. There have also been editions of Salvation, the White Party, and other circuit biggies. For a complete list check out our Carnival Party Planner.