Fun Facts About Rio de Janeiro
One of the most beautiful places in the world, Rio de Janeiro is known for its carnivals, samba dances and not to forget, serene beaches. It is also abundantly blessed with natural attractions. But, these are not just the only things Rio has to offer, and we have written down quite a few facts that will definitely make sure you book your flight to Rio at the earliest!
- Brazil’s most famous dance form is samba, and Rio has more than 200 samba schools teaching this dance form. Get practising!
- Rio Carnival is the biggest carnival in the world. It attracts more than 3 million tourists every year.
- The city once the capital of the Portuguese Empire, then became the capital of Brazil until 1960 when it got replaced by Brasilia.
- Christ the Redeemer, the world-famous statue in Rio ranks as the fifth largest Jesus statue and the largest Art Deco statue in the world.
- Rio de Janeiro was named after a river which actually doesn't exist. It was named by the captaincy of the Portuguese Empire in January 1565, it means 'River of January.' The Portuguese explorers mistook the bay for the mouth of a river and called the area Rio de Janeiro (River of January).
- In Rio, street art is legal. Painters are free to express themselves on the streets and you are sure to find some interesting graphics on most walls.
- Natives of Rio are called Cariocas (care-ree-o-cas).
- Rio is nicknamed as the 'Cidade Maravilhosa' which means the marvellous city.
- Rio is Brazil's second-largest metropolitan city after Sau Paulo, and there are roughly 6.3 million inhabitants.
- Rio has the oldest running electric tramway in the world known as the Santa Teresa Tram or Bondinho.
- The city also has a bird named after it, which is called Rio de Janeiro Antwren. This species of bird is endemic to Brazil and is critically endangered due to habitat loss.
- Brazil’s oldest and famous Brazilian beer, Bramha, is brewed in Rio. Definitely try out Bramha to quench your thirst as you wander through the city.
- Have you noticed the stars on Brazil’s flag? Well, it depicts the night sky as seen from Rio on November 15, 1889, which was the date Brazil declared itself a republic.
- Rio is also the LGBTQ+ capital of Brazil as over 14% of the population has declared themselves as non-heterosexual. Plenty of diversity and culture for you to experience!
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