Anyone on their way to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, or even who just happens to be in The Wonderful City at the same time as they are going on, will be able to enjoy the goings on at the Olympic Boulevard. There is a packed programme, including, as well as live transmission of sporting events, live music shows showcasing top Brazilian stars, and a variety of other activities, in what is set to be the biggest ever Live Site in Olympic history – covering a total of over three kilometres.
To start with, all sorts of live shows will be taking place across 3 separate stages, catering to all tastes. The Encontros Stage will be where to see the biggest and best Brazilian artists, as well as the place to watch live broadcasts of sporting events on the big screen. This stage will be between the Rio Art Museum and the Museu do Amanhã. The Amanhã Stage will be where to see new and upcoming Brazilian musicians, and is to be found near the stores. The Tendências Stage, which will be set up in Praça XV, will also host new and varied artists of a wide range of musical styles. Finally, The Parque Madureira Stage will broadcast live events from the Games, and welcome a diverse selection of performers.
For anyone who likes a party, there will be themed parties every Sunday (from 6pm until midnight), showcasing the best of Rio’s nightlife, such as the Viaduto de Madureira Ball, Selvagem and Noturna. Don’t worry, Carnival hasn’t been forgotten! The “Encontro de Carnavais” Project brings together a mix of carnivalistic traditions in one big event. All the big Carnival Schools are working together to create an extra special night to remember, including Mangueira and Monobloco, São Clemente and Suvaco de Cristo, Portela and Cordão do Bola Preta, Beija Flor and Simpatia é Quase Amor, among others. The party will take place close to Praça XV and The Tendências Stage. It is sure to be absolutely unmissable!
If you’re a fan of Optical Illusions and 3D, the ‘Noite’ Building is the place to go. Glance up to see a huge projection of the city of Rio, interspersed with images from the Olympics. Anyone going past the Praça Mauá from 8pm until midnight will be able to see the display.
The Boulevard will also have plenty of art on offer, for example, there will be a project called Inside Out, from French artist JR, a collaborative piece that will grow day by day, as visitors take instant photos, which will then be printed out as wheat paste posters and gradually form a large-scale mosaic on the ground. In addition, there is a piece which has been specially painted by Graffiti Artist Eduardo Kobra, and, at 2,500 metres, has applied to The Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest piece of Graffiti by an individual artist. To finish with, there will be daily performances from street artists, such as jugglers, actors, mimes, dancers and musicians, adding up to 238 separate shows.
As if all that weren’t enough, visitors will find shops, food trucks, the Se Prepara Brasil (Get Ready Brazil) traveling museum, the Coca-Cola parade, a Hot-Air Balloon, bungee jumping, a Lego recreation of the city of Rio, firework shows and much more!
For only the second time in history, the Olympic Pyre is to be situated outside the Stadium – it will be on the Boulevard, opposite the Candelária.
For full info about the Line-ups for all of the stages, as well as a detailed programme for what will be going on at the Olympic Boulevard, access: http://www.boulevard-olimpico.com/
