carnival in rio de janeiro is a world famous event, made popular by the incredible parades and the hundreds of street parties that overtake the city one week of the year. however, rio is, and has been, home to several other important events, some reoccurring every year.

listed below are a few important events that have contributed to the city's history and culture, and continue to do so. knowing a bit about each of these events is important to understand the spirit or rio de janeiro and the cariocas.