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Carnival in Brazil is one of the most famous celebrations in the world – a spectacular mix of music, dance, tradition and community spirit. Held every year in the days leading up to Lent, Carnival is a moment when streets fill with vibrant parades, dazzling costumes and the infectious energy of samba.<\/p>
Whether in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, São Paulo or Recife, each region of Brazil brings its unique style to the festival, making it a deeply rooted cultural tradition. For those living abroad, staying connected to family and friends during Carnival is essential. With Paysend, you can support your loved ones back home, helping them make the most of this unforgettable celebration.<\/p>
The history behind Brazil’s Carnival<\/h2>
Carnival’s origins trace back to European festivals brought to Brazil by Portuguese settlers in the 17th century. These celebrations were inspired by Catholic traditions, marking the last days of indulgence before Lent’s fasting period.<\/p>
Over time, African, Indigenous and Portuguese influences merged to create the unique Brazilian Carnival we know today. The introduction of samba – a music and dance style with deep African roots – became a defining feature, turning Carnival into the spectacular, rhythmic event it is today.<\/p>
Key Carnival celebrations across Brazil<\/h2>
Rio de Janeiro:<\/strong> Home to the world-famous Sambadrome parades, where top samba schools compete in elaborate floats and performances.<\/li>
Salvador:<\/strong> Known for its electric street parties, with massive crowds following live music trucks.<\/li>
Recife & Olinda: <\/strong>Famous for frevo dancing and massive street parades, featuring the iconic giant puppets.<\/li>
São Paulo: <\/strong>Hosts Sambadrome parades similar to Rio but with its own distinct flair and local traditions.<\/li><\/ul>
Carnival is more than just a party – it’s a cultural showcase that brings communities together, honoring Brazil’s history, music and artistic flair.<\/p>
Why sending money home matters during Carnival<\/h2>
For many, Carnival is a time of family, unity and celebration, but it can also bring extra costs. If you have loved ones in Brazil, a little financial support can help them enjoy the festivities to the fullest.<\/p>
How your transfer can make a difference:<\/strong><\/p>
Costumes and accessories<\/strong> – Help family members join in parades with dazzling outfits and decorations.<\/li>
Food and celebrations<\/strong> – Support loved ones in preparing traditional Carnival feasts for family and friends.<\/li>
Travel and experiences <\/strong>– Some travel to major Carnival cities like Rio, Salvador or Recife — your support can help cover transport and accommodation. <\/li><\/ul>
Whether it’s helping with a small expense or a bigger celebration, your support means they can enjoy Carnival without worry.<\/p>
How to send money to Brazil with Paysend<\/h2>
Paysend makes it easy to stay connected to your loved ones during Carnival. Here’s how you can send money to Brazil in just a few taps<\/p>
Santander is a Spanish bank with over 125 million customers worldwide. Many Santander account holders use the bank for international transfers.
But is it worth sending money abroad with Santander rather than with a dedicated online money transfer company that could be faster, cheaper and more convenient?
This blog will help you discover the pros and cons of sending money abroad with Santander, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.
How to send money abroad with Santander
With Santander, you can choose to either go in-branch to make a transfer with the help of a cashier, or you can use their online banking service to send money abroad. You should remember that you’ll need to have a bank account with Santander if you want to send money internationally with them.
What are the pros and cons of Santander Money Transfer?
There are plenty of money transfer options to choose from, so how do you know if Santander is right for you?
Here are some of the pros and cons of using Santander for your money transfers, based on cost, speed and simplicity:
Pros:
It’s a useful service if you already bank with Santander, as you won’t need to set up a new account
You can send money to either a person or company overseas
Santander supports 147 different currencies
Cons:
Santander charges an average of 5% above the mid-market rate for transfers involving a currency conversion - much higher than many money transfer providers
Standard overseas transfers cost a flat fee of £25 (or equivalent) for non-SEPA transfers
With transfers of less than £5,000, fees are calculated as a percentage - so you may end up paying a lot
Transfers can take up to four working days to arrive
You need to have a bank account with Santander to use the service
Is there another option to Santander?
Overall, costs for Santander transfers can often be much higher than using a specialist money transfer provider - although you can split the payment between yourself and the recipient.
Santander money transfers might not be the best option if you’re looking to reduce fees for you and your recipient. It’s a good idea to take a look at all of the options available before making your decision about which platform you use.
Paysendis a fast, affordable and hassle-free money transfer app and web browser platform that lets you send money abroad to over 100 countries.
Paysend transfers cost just £1, €1.5 or $2 (or equivalent amount), no matter how much you want to send. Paysend uses excellent, competitive exchange rates, so if you send money with Paysend you might save yourself some money!
On the Paysend homepage you can find a useful tool to help you find out if your money transfers with Paysend are cheaper than with Santander. Click here to visit the homepage and get started.