The Carnival and how to purchase tickets:

The carnival in Salvador is a "Carnaval da Rua" - street carnival, and its participants are the local population. There are more than 19km of streets blocked, during the 6 days carnival, to allow the passage of the Blocos and the millions of people that follow them. In 2003, 161 entities will march in the carnival consisting of Indian groups, Blocos Africanos, Afoxé, percussion, travesties, kids and more.  

There are 2 circuits where the carnival passes:

Circuit Osmar ( Avenida), also called Traditional, is about 6km long and runs along on a circular route along Avenida Sete.  This is where the most of the locals go and it's the atmosphere is pretty rough, especially when the more popular blocos, like Olodum & Banana,  pass by

Circuit Dodô (Barra), also called Alternativo, is 4km long and runs along the beach from the Farol da Barra (the light house) until  the neighborhood of Ondina. This Circuit is considered to be more relaxed and less violent, than the circuit Avenida.

Although participating in the Carnival is absolutely free, it is possible to join the specific Blocos by purchasing Tickets, or Abadás. It is recommended to buy the Abadás as soon as possible because they sell out very quickly, especially for the more popular Blocos. 

Terminology: 

Bloco - Each bloco consists of 1 Trio Electrico and 1 Carro de Apoio.  The whole area around the Bloco is closed with a very long rope. Holding the rope are security guards who prevent people without Abadás (not belonging to the bloco) from entering it. Behind the Trio Electrico, and inside the area bordered with the rope, dance and party the people who bought the Abadá. Each Bloco has up to 3,000 members inside the ropes. 

Most blocks don't parade every day and alternate circuits.

The most popular Blocos are Chiclete com Banana, Timbalada, Araketu, Filhos de Ghandy, Cameleão, ilê Aiyê, Olodum, Banda Eva, Cerveja & Cia (hosting Ivete Sangalo in 2003) and more. 

Trio Electrico - A huge truck equipped with a monster sound system. On the roof of the truck is a stage where the artist band play. The average speed is 2km/hour and that's not including the many stops it makes. 

Carro de apoio - A service truck. Each Bloco, besides the Trio electrico, has also a service truck. This truck is equiped with a bar, toilet and a medical post. On the top of the truck there is a platform where people with Abadá VIP can dance and watch the less lucky people dance.

Abadá - A costume that identifies the people belonging to the Bloco and is actually the ticket for entering the Bloco. Usually consists of a shirt, pants and other stuff depending on the Bloco. There is a different Abadá, usually just a change of color,  for each day of the carnival. You can by a single Abadá for a specific day or a package for 3 days. A one day Abadá costs from R$90-R$300 (about US$ 25-85) and packages, for 3 days,  are R$300-R$700 (US$ 85 - 200).  

Abadá VIP - Allow access to the top of the service car and usually free 5 water bottles, 5 cans of soft drink and 5 cans of beer. Some Abadá VIP, depends on the bloco, have a free bar that serves, beside water and soft drinks, also Whiskey and beer. Prices start at R$600 (US$170) for 1 day.

Camarote - A closed area along the street where the carnival takes place where people gather to watch the passing trio electricos and the crowd. Usually this area is higher than the street level. There are all kinds and levels of camarotes, some give you full meals and free drinks and others just the space. Some of the famous bands have camarotes of their own where usually their trio electrico stops in front of that camarote and they play a song or 2 for their crowd. Advantage of a camarote is that you can see everything from a higher view and totally safe. Disadvantage is that you are isolated from the street crowd.

Pipocas - Literally meaning Popcorn, it is the term used to describe the people who stay outside of the ropes. They are called this way because they jump up and down, dancing to the music, and look like popping popcorn.

Future Carnival dates:

Carnival 2008: Jan. 31st - Feb. 6th

Carnival 2009: Feb. 19th - Feb. 26th

Carnival 2010: Feb. 11th - Feb. 18th

Carnival 2011: March 3rd - March 10th

Carnival 2012: Feb. 16th - Feb. 23rd.

NEGA MALUCA GUESTHOUSE
Rua Dos Marchantes 15, Santo Antonio/Pelourinho, Salvador - Bahia, CEP 40030-030
Tel/Fax: 55-71-3242-9249/99363200, E-mail: contact@negamaluca.com