Tips for Carnival

Nov 27
08:47

2012

Matthew Barker

Matthew Barker

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Travel to Latin America for Carnival and experience a once in a lifetime celebration. Carnival occurs every February and the plays an important role for cultures here in Latin America.

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This month we have focused on celebrating Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and Cajamarca,Tips for Carnival Articles both wonderful destinations to celebrate the festivities. We at LAFL have put together some essential tips for every traveler to keep in mind while they plan their Carnival vacation.

1. Leave the Gucci at home
Carnival will get messy. Wherever you find yourself in Latin America, Carnival is emphatically celebrated with singing, dancing and on most occasions waterfights. There certainly are luxurious ways of celebrating the holiday but in most cases you will be in a crowded space and let’s be honest- do you really want to ruin your nicest pair of shoes?

The dress code is very casual and with the exception of those participating in the parades, who will be wearing traditional costumes, there is really no need to make yourself stand out from the rest of the crowd.

2. Don’t wear white
Especially if you’re in Cajamarca!  As we explained in our previous article, Carnival in Cajamarca can sometimes be mistaken for a battlefield. Travelers need to be wary of oncoming water balloons and the even more potent, paint-filled balloons. By wearing white, you automatically become an easier target. It will be hot in February but wearing black or camouflage clothing may just be worth it for this weekend.

3. Watch over your belongings
Carnival in Latin America will be a lot of fun, but because of all the excitement travelers often let their guard down. Unfortunately, it has become a prime opportunity for petty crime to occur and travelers are advised to be extra careful with their belongings. Always carry a copy of your passport and only have the necessary amount of money that you will be need, as pickpocketing occurs frequently.

Keep your camera with you and keep it out of sight as much as possible. A common tip is to keep it in a plastic grocery bag to make it look ordinary and not expensive. Wear your backpack on your front and keep an arm over it.

4. Eat
Wherever you decide to go for Carnival, one thing's for sure: you will find a plethora of delicious food. Latin America offers some of the best culinary destinations in the world and Carnival is the perfect occasion to try all these tasty dishes. In Brazil, whether it is feijoada, the national dish which consists of a hearty meat stew made from pork and black beans, or some authentic seafood, travelers are spoilt for choices.

In Peru, food is arguably even more important to national identity. Known as the Gastronomic Capital of South America, Peru’s unique cuisine has continued to captivate the world. National dishes include ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina and anticuchos. You can’t go wrong with any of these dishes,especially if you top it all off with a refreshing pisco sour.

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