This
wonderful city is an invitation to enjoy one of the most beautiful
metropolises on the planet. No place in the world mixes with
such harmony and beauty, the sea, the beach, the skies, the
mountains, the jungle and cement. These elements are found side
by side with the daily hopes and frustrations of a people who
are unwilling to give up and who every year renew themselves
with the rhythm of the music of the Escuelas de Samba (Samba
Schools).
In this
cosmopolitan city, sophisticated dressers mingle with the shabbier
unemployed from the surrounding suburbs. Downtown, the Plaza
de Mayo is the traditional focus of activity, and lately has
been the scene of mass protests against the government's handling
of the economic crisis. Nearby Avenida 9 de Julio is popularly
known as the world's widest thoroughfare and is truly a pedestrian's
nightmare. Avenida Santa Fe is the most fashionable shopping
area.
The happy
and optimistic spirit of the Cariocas is expressed in every
corner of this great metropolis at the southern end of Brazil.
Rio was the capital of the country for many years – until
the creation of Brasilia in 1960 – and through this city
have passed princes, kings, barons and emperors; every one adorning
its historical downtown with theatres, palaces, plazas, fountains,
cathedrals and elegant buildings belonging to certain periods.
In the area around Rio Branco Avenue, some of its glamorous
past can still be seen in the Paço Imperial, the São
Bento Monastery, the City Theatre and the beautiful Outeiro
da Gloria Chapel which is the church preferred by the old Brazilian
monarchy.
This city
would be nothing without its music. At the end of the day, bars,
restaurants and nightclubs greet those looking for good beer
or good music, such as music from Tom Jobin with lyrics from
Vinicius de Moraes. Bossa-nova, pagode, gafieira, samba, batucada,
forró, lambada, regaee, MPB and jazz are some of the
most requested rhythms during the Carioca night. Unforgettable
evenings along with the excellent hospitality of its people
can end with a night time dip in the sea on the lit beaches
of Copacabana.
Alsurturismo