During Carnival costumes are serious business. At the very least some kind of colorful adornment is necessary. But without doubt, those that go all out have the most fun. Dressing up as a character, interacting with other people and getting a bit silly (I mean come on, why not?) is all part of it. From the popular markets to the more top-end retailers, there are prices for every wallet. But it is at Saara in Rio’s centro, among hundreds of specialized shops, where you will find the most frenetic activity. The best addresses can be found on Rua Senhor dos Passos and Rua da Alfândega, so make sure you’re ready to work up a sweat, after all it is summer. Stuck for costume ideas? You’re bound to find lots around there. Just make sure you really dive in to find those perfect accessories and remain patient while trying to navigate the crowds and the odd deceitful vendor. But the potential treasures and unmissable prices will make your adventure worth it. So get ready to spread your wings as you enter your first foray into carnival costume shopping!
Founded in 1915, Turuna is both the oldest and largest of all. Aside from the typical sambista outfits, they sell ready-made costumes for men women and kids. Customers here pay for practicality; the prices are a little higher than the average popular retailers. The shop also sells various types of fabrics, adornments, accessories, feathers and trims for those who are adept at DIY costume-making.
Address
: Rua da Alfândega, 173, Centro
Phone
: +55 (21) 2509-3908 ou (21) 2224-2166
Schedule:
Mon 09:00 às 18:30, Tue 09:00 às 18:30, Wed 09:00 às 18:30, Thu 09:00 às 18:30, Fri 09:00 às 18:30, Sat 09:00 às 14:30
You’ll also find ready-made costumes at this address, but be original because who wants to be yet another pirate amongst thousands during carnival? The store offers an infinite amount of accessories and trinkets so you can transform into any character you want. After Ash Wednesday the store sells articles for other holidays including Christmas and Halloween.
If you know of an excellent seamstress or you yourself are gifted in this area then this fabric paradise is for you. Sequins, sparkles, different textures and an infinite supply of prints are all there to help you put together the perfect costume. The store also specializes in different trims and is a supplier for various samba schools during carnival.
Bows, hats, wigs, beards, horns, necklaces, feather boas, masks, gloves among other accessories are all at your disposal to give your costume that extra edge. Aside from the carnival items, the store sells cups and mugs all so you can complete your look and drink in style. There is also a good selection of ready-made costumes.
This store has a section called festa maluca (crazy party), with all those pointless items your costume can’t do without: glasses, hats, boas, wigs and the like. There are three branches; in Centro, Copacabana and Tijuca, and serve as an alternative if you can’t stand to bear a few testing hours in Saara. The store also sells in wholesale as well as retail, great for bagging a discount.
