Traditions and customs in Rio de Janeiro

1. Carnival

Samba school parades in the Sambadrome, plus hundreds of free street blocos across the city.

• Best time: February or March, before Lent
• Tip: The blocos are free and often better than the Sambadrome. Carry no valuables at all.

2. Samba circles (roda de samba)

Musicians around a table in Lapa and Pedra do Sal, open and unticketed.

• Where: Lapa, Pedra do Sal
• Best time: Monday nights at Pedra do Sal

3. Beach culture

The beach as a social institution, with numbered postos marking distinct crowds and codes.

4. Futebol at the Maracanã

The stadium of the 1950 and 2014 finals, with organised supporter sections and drumming.

5. Capoeira

The Afro-Brazilian martial art disguised as dance, practised in rodas on the beach and in academies.