In the mysterious after-dark, artists often find their talent enriched. Indeed, quintessential and celebrated Carioca music was largely born and developed in the shadows of the night, including jazz, Bossa Nova, Tropicalia, Samba and Funk Carioca.

Throughout the history of the city, the nightlife evolved according to local culture and world trends, mixing and developing in an uniquely Carioca way.

The arrival of the Royal Family in 1822 formalized Rio's nighttime recreations in line with Portuguese and European ballroom fashions. The tone and nature of festivities was set by the court and determined by the parties and balls that they threw. In 1889, an illustrious Royal ball was held on Ilha Fiscal, entertaining over 4,000 guests with a heady cocktail of feast, dance and fantasy. Unbeknownst to hosts and guests, the lavish party would mark the end of royal rule and usher in a new phase in the population's recreations.