Austin's Carnaval celebration began in the mid-70s as a relatively small event held at a Unitarian church. The party-goers that year must have had a good time, because Carnaval quickly became an annual ocurance; it's now in its 37th year and is the second-oldest ongoing annual event in Austin.
The party has moved to different and larger venues several times, and is now taking place at the Palmer Events Center. It's the largest indoor Brazilian Carnaval in the world, and this year will feature music, dancing, food, a parade float, and, as always, elaborate and often revealing costumes.
Austin Samba School will perform at Carnaval, as they have many times in the past. Their show this year will have a theme inspired by the classic 1959 Brazilian film "Black Orpheus."
Carnaval Austin Saturday, February 1 Palmer Events Center
