Local version of Rio carnival is now in our city
February usually means the hard-core party goers and carnival lovers are busy booking their tickets to fly to Rio. For those of us stuck in the city with the temperatures beginning to rise, we usually follow celebrities like Rihanna and Brazilian supermodels for their carnival looks. Pooja Reddy has decided to bring together Chennai’s very own carnival inspired by Rio, which is happening on February 16 at Sheraton Grand.
“Chennai needs more fun events, as we are a well-travelled and discerning audience. The last year has been great, and I decided to do something different, yet suited for a family crowd. The response has been great so far, and I’m looking forward to the event,” she tells me. With the maiden carnival set to take place on Sunday, one can expect some of the most delicious food offerings at the stalls, curated by Suneethi Raj of LocalXO. At sunset, we can all look forward to a parade in ‘Rio meets Chennai’ style, choreographed by Kavya, or BlackSwan as she is professionally known. Kavya tells me, “I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to choreograph a parade. It’s a challenge I look forward to. We have stilt walkers, jugglers and carnival dancers. This will truly be a treat, and something that has never been done before in Chennai.”
So this Sunday, if ECR is packed with cars, bearing the look of a mass exodus, you know that everyone is headed to this carnival. I’m told some of the finest chefs have created menus for the fest, and besides the parade, there will also be other live music acts and kid-friendly zones. What better way to kick-start the onset of warm weather in the city? Dust out your bikinis and the finest of your resort wear, because you’re going to want to be at your fashionable best for this inaugural Rio Carnival in our city!