Belmond Copacabana Palace Opens Reservations for Legendary Rio Carnival Ball
Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro prepares to take centre stage on 2nd March 2019 during Rio Carnival to host the world-famous Carnival Ball. This year’s ball, ‘Dolce Carnevale,’ pays homage to the glamour and global influence of Italy.
The Rio Carnival, considered one of the greatest shows on earth and regularly attracting over two million revellers to its famous samba street party, has since 1924, starred the hotel’s legendary ball. An event that has become as synonymous with the carnival as samba itself.
Andrea Natal, General Manager, Belmond Copacabana Palace explains, “You come to our ball to party like a Brazilian – to enjoy a moment in time with people who love life. It is special this year to be celebrating Italy – a country we Cariocas love for its beauty, heritage, food and wine, strong women and of course designers that are adored worldwide. It promises to be an unforgettable theme and spectacular night.”
CELEBRATING LA DOLCE VITA
Guests are taken on a fantastical journey through Italy – where the history, art, fashion, design, music and gastronomy is brought to life in the hotel’s iconic and recently refurbished Golden Room. For one night only the famous ballroom will be transformed into Venice landmark St Mark’s Square; the very square that can be viewed from the hotel’s European counterpart Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice.
Music is at the heart of the party and live bands will perform throughout the different art deco ballrooms, continuing on until dawn and the last revellers leave the dance floor. One of the most iconic scenes from which to enjoy the party is from the hotel’s spectacular veranda, which is alive with the sound of samba and overlooks Copacabana Beach. Italian food and delicacies will be served in keeping with the theme and bars will over flow with Aperol Spritz, Prosecco and Bellini’s as famously served at Belmond Hotel Cipriani.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Whilst samba costumes light up the streets of Rio, the Carnival Ball upholds a sophisticated black tie dress code and has created a ‘catwalk culture’ and sensational stage for guests to showcase their couture fashion and custom-made gowns. This year is no exception and female guests are encouraged to wear designer Italian gowns and embrace the theme.
A STYLISH HISTORY
From modern day style icons such as Christian Louboutin to Hollywood royalty such as Gerard Butler and Sir Ian McKellen; each year well known celebrities, politicians, socialites and the city’s elite flock to the party.
The hotel, which opened in August 1923, held the first Carnival ball in February 1924. In 1959, Jayne Mansfield caused a sensation when her dress strap came loose, and Brigitte Bardot was one of the attractions in 1964, when the ball celebrated Rio’s 400th anniversary with décor by Júlio Senna in seven rooms representing the streets of old Rio. Other memorable figures to grace the ball over the years include Orson Welles, GingerRogers, Mary Pickford, Joan Fontaine, Rhonda Fleming, Walter Pidgeon, Lana Turner, Ann Miller, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Kim Novak, Romy Schneider, Kirk Douglas and Rita Hayworth, who even strutted through the room dressed in a “Baiana” costume. In 1973 the hotel took a break from hosting the ball, but the allure of the party was too strong and it was officially restarted 20 years later.
HOW TO BOOK THE BALL
Dolce Carnevale ticket prices per person vary; BRL2,100 or approximately USD560 for standing, BRL3,040 or approximately USD820 for Nobre Salon, BRL3,990 or approximately USD1,075 for the Golden Room, and BRL5,786 or approximately USD1,560 for a VIP seated box, for a minimum of ten persons. Guests can choose to wear a costume complementing the theme, or black tie. Link to buy tickets via Eventim
Room packages for a 4 night stay at Belmond Copacabana Palace start from BRL18.728 or approximately USD5,050 + taxes, based on two people sharing. For more information, please see Belmond Copacabana Palace
