Carnaval "blocos"

Carnaval block "Cordão do bola preta" - at Rio Branco Avenue - Center of Rio de Janeiro city.

Carnaval`s parade in Rio de Janeiro (with the Samba-enredo being played) used to happen for several years, all over the main streets of the Center of the city (Presidente Vargas and Rio Branco`s Avenue).

After the 80`s (1984), the great brasilian architect Oscar Niemeyer created along Sapucaí Avenue, the Sambódromo - popular called the apotheosis of the Samba.

But over the streets of Rio, other kind of rhythm has being played since 1920`s until 1960, when it begun to be substituted by the Samba-enredo, the “Marchinha de Carnaval“, who was responsible for the Carnaval on the streets along this 40 years.

Carnaval block "Carmelitas" - Santa teresa - has this name because of the Carmelita`s monastery, here in Santa Teresa

The first Marchinha music was created in 1899 – “Ô abre alas” by Chiquinha Gonzaga (also a great Chorinho`s composer during the 30`s). The idea was to make something like a military rhythm but faster, so as people could make a group and march behind the singers and players (group named Carnaval BLOCOS) and also keeping the Carnaval philosophy of plea, creating lyrics with double senses and jokes with politics, social behaviors or woman`s social situation, for example.

But fortunately it has grown again…so, ladies and gentleman, we present to you the “BLOCOS DE CARNAVAL“ , already playing on our streets during the weeks before their official parades, singing “Marchinhas de Carnaval” over the rails of the train in Santa Teresa, following our small yellow “Bondinho“, or walking over our main streets, not only here on our neighborhood but all over Rio de Janeiro.

Carnaval block - "Céu na Terra" - following the rails of the bondinho (yellow train that crosses Santa Teresa).

So, wear your fancy goods and come to Santa teresa to join us, beacuse here is already Carnaval time!!

Premio MATTADOR

During Xmas we had the pleasure to host Laura Modolo, a contemporary artist from Trieste during her first (but not last) visit in Brazil. Laura is promoting the first international prize called "Mattador" for young screenplay writers, dedicated to her son Matteo Caenazzo, who recently passed away.


The last term valid to endorse the script is 15th of April 2010.
The price will be given on the 17th of July in the theater "La Fenice" in Venice.
To know more about the competition check the page: www.premiomattador.it

Sambodrome Rehersal

Star World Championship

This is a great news for all the sailing lovers and unique opportunity to follow the best sailors worldwide: Over 80 teams are registered for the 2010 Star World Championship, which takes place from 12-23 January.


International teams have been training in Rio for months and are praying to the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado mountain that theirs will be the team to wrest the title from 2009 World Champions George Szabo and Rick Peters (USA).


In addition to taking home the Star World Championship Trophy, one of the most coveted in all of sailing, the winning skipper is awarded the honor of displaying a gold star on his main sail.
Brazilian teams are going in forces to win the title in the local winds and waters...good wind!


for more information check this link: http://www.sailing.org/star-worlds-2010.php

Almost Carneval!

Almost Carnaval!!!!

Janeiro has just began and Rio is already boiling with samba...as usual!

Since December, in SAMBÓDROMO (the place where Carneval official parade happens) essays of the schools of Samba are for free and opened to public. The place is amazing, open air and cold beer being sold. A very good opportunity to feel, out of period, a little bit of the Carneval vibrations and sounds.

Sambódromo`s essays Calendary:

Jan - 09th - Saturday - At 8 PM - G.R.E.S.Porto da Pedra.

At 10 PM - G.R.E.S. Portela.

Jan - 10th - Sunday - At 7 PM - G.R.E.S. Santa Cruz.

At 8 PM - G.R.E.S. Mocidade.

At 10 PM - G.R.E.S. Salgueiro.

Jan - 16th - Saturday - At 8 PM - G.R.E.S. Caprichosos de Pilares.

At 10 PM - G.R.E.S. União da Ilha do Governador.

Jan - 17th - Sunday - At 7 PM - G.R.E.S. São Clemente.

At 10 PM - G.R.E.S. Viradouro.

Jan - 24th - Saturday - At 8 PM - G.R.E.S. Mangueira.

At 10 PM - G.R.E.S. Unidos da Tijuca.

Jan - 30th - Saturday - At 7 PM - G.R.E.S. Estácio de Sá.

At 8 PM - G.R.E.S. Porto da Pedra.

At 10 PM - G.R.E.S. Portela.

Jan - 31st - Sunday - At 8 PM - G.R.E.S. Grande Rio.

At 10 PM - G.R.E.S. Vila Isabel.

Sambódromo`s map

Other good opportunity to hear some samba is MANGUEIRA...the first school of samba in Rio, created by Cartola, one of the greatest samba`s composer.

So...wear the green and rose of Mangueira`s flag and come to RIO!!

Mangueira`s headquarter

Residence Monte Alegre

With the arrival of 2010 a new option of accommodation has born in Rio- Santa Teresa, not far from C38, it is an old house just renovated and refurbished after 6 months of works and transformed in 7 small studios-flats units.

Residence Monte Alegre welcomes those who are looking for a long-term stay in town, providing all the necessary infrastructure such as en-suite bathrooms, kitchen and fridge facilities.
All units are independents and all different to each other conserving an ancient charm on the wooden floors, stairs and ceiling.

Several common areas, as big patio in the back and the varanda at the entrance overlooking one of the most characteristic street of Santa Teresa, with the "bonde"(electric tram) strolling just in front of the house, as well as local shops and bars are at walking distance.

Residence Monte Alegre is the right opiton for those who want to be indipendent and self catering in Rio, with all the recommendations of C38 staff. To know more about it just visit this blog: http://residencemontealegre.blogspot.com/

Welcome 2010

Happy 2010!!