Brasilian Carnival, or “carnaval” in Portuguese, is a time of high-spirited celebrations. About forty days before Easter, offices and shops close down for days of festivities that spring across major coastal cities of the country. As summer reaches its peak in Brasil, parties often spread out to the beach and last all day and night.

Though also widely celebrated in the cities of Olinda and Salvador, Rio de Janeiro has long been considered the Carnival capital of the world, specifically in the southern part of the city, Zona Sul. Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon are prime beaches perfect for experiencing the ...