Rolling Stones and Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro

Update: 02/19/2006:
Rolling Stones Rock for Free in Brazil (AP): " The spirit of carnival arrived a week early in Brazil with a free Rolling Stones concert before a crowd of over 1 million people at Copacabana Beach. The band opened the Saturday night gig with "Jumpin' Jack Flash," cheered on by fans who had staked out spots before the enormous stage. Fire department officials estimated the crowd was over 1 million at the show's start but that more people were coming. Officials estimated that as many as 2 million could see the concert."

Update: 02/16/2006:
Rio police to occupy slums for Rolling Stones show (Reuters): "Police will occupy slums next to Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach for this weekend's Rolling Stones concert to safeguard the trouble-prone area of the city, officials said Wednesday" after At least 6 killed in shootout in Rio slum (Reuters): "A gang turf war broke out when 40 armed men invaded Rio de Janeiro's largest slum, killing at least six people as the city prepares for a Rolling Stones concert and Carnival, police said Thursday."

Brazil Prepares for Rolling Stones Show (AP): "City officials said Monday they expect nearly 2 million people to turn out for the Stones' "A Bigger Bang" free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday.
Millions of people flock to the famous 2.5-mile beach each year for Rio's New Year's Eve celebration, which features a fireworks show and bands playing on several stages. The show marks the Stones' third visit to Brazil, but the first for free in a country where few can afford tickets to see top international acts. Fans across Brazil were chartering vans and buses to get to Rio, and Mayor Cesar Maia said tourists from as far away as Chile were coming for the concert."

With preparations for Carnaval, beginning February 26, the city is ramping up security. However, Police tell tourists not to rely on them (Reuters): "Angry Brazilian police officers demanding higher pay staged a protest in Rio de Janeiro's international airport on Friday, warning tourists they cannot rely on the crime-ridden city's poorly paid cops."

Millions of free condoms will be available for those indulging. Rio, always a fantastic place to visit, is jumping. Or should I say samba-ing?
The only place to get any peace and quiet during the next few weeks may be a sunrise walk on Copacabana beach, seen here in this photo, thanks to ClipArt.com.