birthdays, weddings, concerts, sportive, and cultural gatherings are important occasions for cariocas to socialize.

many residents look forward to parading during carnival with their neighborhood's team, and most cariocas with join street parties and celebrate in group with music, drinks, and dances.

yet, despite the wild reputation spread by carnival images and tiny bathing suits, cariocas are in fact quite conservative and proper.   

proof of this are the few attempts to introduce topless beach sunbathing, which always failed and were even met with ridicule by some.

carnival is seen as a temporary extravaganza, not as a way of life - and the revealing bathing suits are just an expression of health and freedom, rather than aiming to be suggestive.