rio de janeiro is renown the world over for its most famous celebration, carnival - and rightfully so - considered by many the biggest party on earth, it must be seen to be believed.

the planet's biggest pre-lent bacchanal is the standard to which every other fête is compared - yet, every month of the year is marked by other events and celebrations that can greatly add to the rio experience.

the city's calendar is rich of festivals for every kind of cultural enthusiast - fashion, literature, contemporary art, music, cinema and sporting events are all represented, as well as traditional celebrations unique to brazil and to rio de janeiro.