Culture vultures and party animals – this is your weekend!

For a city known above all else for its beaches and its parties, Rio has an impressive amount of spaces and events dedicated to what could be crudely dubbed `cultural stuff’. This weekend is a case in point, with 42 hours of non-stop cultural happenings taking place across the city.

From live music performances and DJs at Centro’s Praca 15 de Novembro, to theatre and circus performances in the residential neighbourhood of Flamengo, the weekend offers something of interest to all ages and walks of life.

The biggest cultural event held in the city, Viradao Carioca is funded and curated by the city council but, this being Rio, is much livelier than that might sound. Expect lots of drinking, dancing and general merrymaking, and expect to have your work cut out if you want to keep up with those famously energetic cariocas.

Refreshingly, the programme of events is not limited to the affluent Zona Sul (South Zone – the area most frequented by tourists) but also features happenings in the more deprived Zona Norte (North Zone).

The events pickup pace today (Saturday) and draw to a close tomorrow (Sunday). For a full programme of events, visit www.viradaocarioca.com