rio de janeiro is generally a truly upbeat city, relaxed in mood, happy, open-minded, very social, and intensely alive. the city's overall culture revolves around outdoor life, music, soccer, and carnival - the festive celebration and competition that takes one year in the making and erupts before lent.

rio's culture is is both latin american and world based, derived mainly from portuguese, amerindian, and west african roots - all cultures and ethnicities mix naturally in rio, and there is a clear sense of integration across all people.

integration goes beyond heritage, and it is evident in how the city developed a unique culture keen in constantly growing and evolving on positive influences.