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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Carnaval

Feb 21–26, 2020

Carnaval in Rio? Claro. But if Carnaval in Salvador is not on your bucket list, too, you need a bigger bucket. Carnaval in Rio is mainly a stadium spectacle; in Salvador da Bahia, the action is still in the streets. It’s centered on the trios elétricos: musical juggernauts, akin to monstrous Mad Max rigs or siege engines from Mordor, but with musicians rather than warriors astride them. Join the pipoca (“popcorn”) in the streets as passing trios turn up the heat. —E.E.