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The Ball
The hotel opened its doors to the first Carnival Ball in February 1924. In 1959, Jayne Mansfield caused a sensation when her bustier slipped before everyone´s eyes. Brigitte Bardot was one of the highlights in 1964 at the Ball that commemorated the Fourth Centenary of Rio. In 1967, the president of the jury was Gina Lollobrigida. And in 2004, the theme is the Afrika Magic Ball, designed and decorated by Zeka Marquez. The Copacabana Palace ball had other memorable participants, including: Orson Welles, Ginger Rogers, Mary Pickford, Joan Fontaine, Lana Turner, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Kim Novak, Janet Leigh, Romy Schneider, Veruskha, Glenn Ford, Errol Flynn, Kirk Douglas and Rita Hayworth.
It’s not just the parades through the Sambadrome (pictured above) that make Rio fizz at carnival time. The Carnival Ball at the Copacabana Palace is another highlight of the city’s festive February calendar.
Every year there’s a special theme and for 2013 it was the tale of beautiful Scheherezade, who in the *Arabian Nights* escaped execution by telling the Persian king 1001 stories.
World-famous artist and designer Zeka Marquez masterminded the décor, a profusion of exotic black, gold and pink with silver details and polka dots.
Much-loved jazz singer Eliana Pittman opened the party, which also boasted lively performances from drummers, dancers and carioca percussionists. On the balcony, overlooking the Copacabana promenade, the samba group Manga de Colete kept revellers dancing until the early hours. Guests dressed in black tie or “luxury fantasy" for the occasion.
Intrigued? Then why don’t you, too, come to the carnival? Get your feathers on and fly in for next year’s event!
Oncinhas Magic Ball
Date: Saturday, 5 March 2011 @ 11 pm
The traditional carnival ball at the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro this year, the Oncinhas Magic Ball, will be held on 5 March, in a concept from renowned Brazilian party mastermind and producer, Zeka Marquez.
Fun, lively and imaginative, the ball is getting its share of wilderness this year with a rainforest theme: jaguars and wild cats, allowing guests to unleash their creativity in the choice of the outfits.
The rooms will be decorated with gold and purple ornaments, incorporating a lot of jaguar pattern used in different shapes and materials. The idea is to unite sophistication, richness and elegance to wild and rustic elements. To embody this blend carnival, the hotel has chosen the top model Luiza Brunet as the queen, as an ambassador for Brazil’s beauty.
The soul of the party will be the dance floor, inspired by the eclectic sounds of Maestro Formiga’s orchestra. From time to time the ball room will be cheered up by the performance of drummers and dancers from the Samba Schools of Rio de Janeiro.
The executive chef at the hotel, Francesco Carli, signed the event’s gourmet menu for the third time with a generous buffet of starters, main dishes and desserts; with drinks such as whiskey and sparkling wine also included in the invitation.
Built in 1923, the Copacabana Palace was designed by French architect Joseph Gire, who was inspired by the Negresco in Nice and the Carlton in Cannes. Since its opening, the Copacabana Palace has had only two owners: the Guinle family of Rio de Janeiro and, since 1989, Belmond Hotels. A US$40 million renovation spanning several years has restored the hotel to its former grandeur.
Tickets cost from USD800.
Check with our consultants for availability and costing.
