Carnival - Samba Floripa! Brazil

Rio carnival is famous world over but every single town and city all over Brazil goes carnival mad in March. We were lucky enough to find out about Floripa's samba band warm-up gig for Rio carnival and join the party by the lake. There were so many people there to support the band, the dancers shook their bodies like nothing you've seen before - from pros, to kids to grannies - and the atmosphere was truely carnival.

There must have been about 80 people in the band; it was the real deal! Everyone was so proud of their band and the crowd was clapping, dancing and singing. Our dancing shoes got a good work out and by the end of the night we knew the chorus to the bands anthem about the 'magic island'. We were given a handout with the words!

We might not be around for carnival proper but it's really cool to be here for the build up. Check out this clip of the band kicking off the night...