These parties range from super chic, like the one at the world famous Copacabana Palace Hotel, to risqué party scenes similar in nature to what you might have seen at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. So the price ranges vary greatly. But one thing you can be sure of is that prices for drinks and food at these balls are always inflated.

Once you`ve arrived in Rio you probably won`t need to be reminded of this because you`ll feel the heat, but as a general rule dress light because places are packed with people and after all it`s kind of an 'expose yourself' theme anyway! You`ll see some people just wearing paint, yep that`s right paint! Costumes, headdresses or simply a lack of clothing are quite popular options.

The big Balls are the Red and Black Ball Friday and the Gay Ball on Tuesday. The Ball at the Copacabana Palace Hotel is a high-class option, as is ATU Hall in Barra. If you want a wild party, Scala in Leblon is a good choice on Av. Afranio de Melo Franco, or Canecao on Av. Venceslau in Botafogo. In Copacabana there`s a big Ball at Help a nightclub right on Av. Atlantica. Tickets can be purchased in advance and the parties usually start the week before Carnival and run right on through till the end.