Paraty Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

There are countless annual events, religious celebrations, festivals and seasonal things to do held throughout Brazil, with Paraty joining in the fun and partying wherever possible.

One of the biggest festivals in Paraty is the extremely popular Carnival (Carnaval), which like most of Brazil, takes place in late February or early March. The Paraty Carnival is something of a large street party, with endless costumed performers, live music and lots of dancing. Worth looking out for during the carnival festivities is the Saturday Bloco da Lama procession, where crowds cover themselves in mud and then dance nonstop.

Paraty Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

The Holy Week events held in Paraty are also very noteworthy, with a particular highlight being the Procissao do Fogareu (Bonfire Procession), where a torch-lit parade marches through the streets of the historic centre at midnight on the Thursday falling just before Easter. On the seventh Sunday following Easter (the Pentecostal Sunday), the Festa do Divino Espirito Santo (Festival of the Holy Spirit) sees decorated streets, parades and lots to eat.

Each June, the processions and events during Corpus Christi are simply spectacular, with the cobbled streets of central Paraty being transformed by carpets made from flowers, coloured sawdust and leaves. Also in June is the Festas Juinas (Bonfire Festival), where dancing, music, street performers and fireworks draw crowds. The high point of the Festas Juinas is without question the maritime procession leading to the Ilha do Araujo.

Founded in 2003, the Festival Literaria Internacional de Parati - FLIP (Paraty International Literary Festival) has gained much recognition over the years and attracts authors and writers from throughout the world. Held every July and lasting five days, the literary events commence with an epic concert, featuring many Brazilian stars.

In August, be sure to check out the Festival da Pinga, where the region's 'cachaca' (Portuguese liquor also known as 'pinga') is drunk in large quantities. Soon after are further events with strong seafood and gastronomical themes.