With the official Carnival parades and celebrations suspended in Rio de Janeiro and several other Brazilian cities, for the first time in over a century, travelers from around the world will miss the opportunity to enjoy the traditional carnival performances in the Sambódromo (official venue of the parades in Rio) and the colorful and vibrant street blocos (blocks).

However, through Airbnb’s Carnival Online Experiences, hosts will be sharing their stories, teaching others how to dance samba, play musical instruments, create the perfect “Carnival Look” with makeup and costume tutorials, and more. Also, guests will have the chance to check out the behind the scene of Academicos do Grande Rio (the runner-up school of Rio´s parade in 2020), take a percussion class, and learn how to dance samba with the professional passista, Carla Campos.

“At a time when festivities all around the world continue to be cancelled, Airbnb is excited to help people travel virtually to Brazilian Carnival through Online Experiences. A global audience will get a direct window into Brazil, and connect with some of the most relevant Carnival experts to learn to dance, sing and celebrate this joyous event, all while staying safe at home,” said Catherine Powell, Airbnb’s Global Head of Hosting.

Here is a selection of Airbnb Online Experiences that will open up your world to Rio´s carnival, the biggest celebration in the globe:

• Immerse yourself in the behind the scene of Grande Rio and learn the entire process of the production of a parade. From the costume-making to the assembly of the carros alegóricos.

  

• Try a percussion class improvising instruments with home kitchen utensils.

  

• Learn how to dance Samba with the professional passista, Carla Campos. It doesn’t matter if you are an expert in this typical Brazilian rhythm or you are taking your first steps.

• Learn more about the Origins of Carnival and Afro-Brazilian Culture with this cultural Airbnb Online Experience. You will get to know more about the difference between popular street carnival and samba schools competitions.

Airbnb Carnival Online Experiences will be available at a range of $10 to $60 bookings opening on February 2 at 9:00 am EST on a first come, first served basis at www.airbnb.com/livecarnival and will be available for the entire month.

Guests can also explore the history and culture of Brazil through Airbnb Online Experiences such us Brazilian recipes, Secrets of Bossa Nova, Brazilian Candombé history, among others.

Launched in 2016, Airbnb Experiences are unique, memorable activities designed and hosted by locals that go beyond typical tours or workshops, providing deep insights and immersion into the hosts’ passions and interests, and a different way to experience a destination. Since launching in April 2020, Online Experiences offers a platform in which hosts can earn extra income during a global pandemic, Airbnb’s Online Carnival Experiences will provide direct earning opportunities to the communities that depend on Carnival for their livelihood, while they share their passions with guests in the context of big financial losses.