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Here are some of the most often asked questions regarding Carnaval Brasileiro:

What's it like?
Destined to become Portland's wildest party, CARNAVAL BRASILEIRO is the city's annual Brazilian style Mardi Gras celebration. With roots in Austin TX  in the early 1970s, Carnaval started as a way to soothe homesick Brazilian students. Since then, CARNAVAL in Austin has grown into a local institution attracting over 6000 partygoers from all over the United States. The flamboyant sometimes risque, costumes, the driving Brazilian samba, and the uninhibited, spirited atmosphere have earned CARNAVAL its reputation as one of the best and biggest such festivities outside Brazil.


What do I get for my 25 bucks?
You get admission to the best, wildest, craziest party you could ever want to attend. Two live Brazilian bands provide non-stop dance music...come in comfortable shoes, and be ready to dance for 5 hours straight! And be ready to see some outlandish costumes, and probably lots of skin!


Where is it held?
Carnaval will be hosted by the Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W. Burnside at NW 14th Ave.  This is a non-smoking facility and a 21+ event.


What about parking?
There are two pay lots nearby and street parking is available.


What are the hours?
Doors open at 8pm, music starts at 9pm and ends about 1:30am.


Are cameras allowed?
Cameras and camcorders are more than welcome.


What kind of music will there be?
Hard driving SAMBA! with lots of drums...
Beleza Brazil, formerly Grupo Saveiro, from NYC is the annual winner of the Brazilian Press Association's "Best Brazilian Band in the USA" award. They are vets of Rio's carnaval and singer Kenia has a delightful, commanding voice. Also playing: Portland's Lions of Batucada.

For more information and sound samples click here.


Do I have to wear a costume?
No, you do not have to wear a costume, but a costume does help you get into thespirit of the event. Nonetheless, probably 30-40 percent of the party-goers come without a costume. Once there, you may decide you want to do something more festive with your appearance, we will have face painters on hand to help decorate the parts of your body you choose to expose!


What kind of costume do I wear?
You can wear any kind of costume you want... use your imagination. It is like Halloween without the emphasis on witches and hobgoblins...clowns, Carmen Mirandas, glamour, pseudo-celebs and cross dressing are traditional! But the main thing is: have fun! One way Brazilians increase their enjoyment is by gathering a group together, either from a neighborhood or any other affiliation, and costume identically, or at least thematically-this is called a bloco, and we highly encourage this kind of communal spirit.


Will face and body painters be available?
There will be several painters at the event doing various forms of painting. These are independent contractors and charge a modest fee for the service.


Will there be drinks?
Cash bars will be scattered throughout the ballroom, as well as in other parts of the building where one can have a drink and decompress a bit. The bars will offer about any drink you want. By the way, bringing in your own alcoholic beverages is strictly taboo.


Smoking?
The Crystal Ballroom is a non-smoking venue.


Is there an age minimum?
This is a 21+ only event.


How do we get tickets?
Check back around New Years. We will have tickets available then online and in several locations around town.


Will tickets be available at the door?
Maybe. 


Contact us: click here