and finally, the concerts and open air dances at arcos da lapa and praça onze, which last until dawn each night of carnival week.
though ostensibly less competitive, the carnaval balls are an equally flamboyant and joyous tradition in the festive oeuvre of rio de janeiro.
their history traces back to the masquerade tradition of venice, italy and their first appearance on brazilian shores was at the behest of clara delmastro, wife of the italian ambassador who in 1840 hosted the first of what would become a beloved tradition at the teatro lírico do rio de janeiro, the teatro de săo januário.
carioca society, and soon the rest of the city, cottoned to the idea and today masquerade balls are de rigueur for all the city's revelers.
carnival
