Lonely Planet World Cup Coverage!

Hello! Does anyone know if the dates of Bumba Meu Boi festival or the Festa Juninha in São Luís this year ? I will be there 20th-25th of June, and I'd love to catch any of them. I heard rumors that they are postponed this year, so I wanted to know if you know the trurh.
Thank you!

If I were you, I would get a ticketing account on FIFA.com today! An additional 180,000 tickets go on sale tonight at midnight (night of June 3). They haven't released specific details about which matches but there is certainly chance England in Manaus will be there. Otherwise, there is a Facebook page called World Cup 2014 or Bust where foreigners in Brazil are offering their spare tickets - often at face-value. At the venue, etc, would would be dealing with touts (illegal in Brazil) and prices will be extraordinary. I wouldn't recommend it.

I don't have any experience doing Manaus to Rio overland! That's quite an adventure. I know once you get to Sao Luis, you can go all the way to Fortlaleza along the beaches in a buggy or 4X4 and I think you can always continue on, if you piece together the trip, all the way to Natal this way. That's what I would try to do. The beaches along the coast of the Brazilian Northeast and on down to Bahia are stunning. Don't miss Fernando de Noronha if you can squeeze in the extra flight - it's Eden.

Have fun!

Kevin

They haven't released specific details about which matches

Yes, FIFA announced there would be tickets for all 64 matches.

Yes! Tinomartinez is right. I stand corrected. They did say that! Good luck!

Meanwhile, the LP microsite for World Cup coverage is now live: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/world-cup

Kevin

10 SAFETY TIPS FOR WORLDCUP TOURISTS IN RECIFE-PE, BRAZIL - FROM A BRAZILIAN COP

(10 DICAS DE SEGURANÇA PARA TURISTAS NA COPA DO MUNDO EM RECIFE-PE)

1) Stay in a group. Always walk with other tourists or brazilian friends when going to events and touristic spots. You will feel safer and BE safer.

2) Be aware of pickpockets! Do not carry your belongings or wallet in an open or easily accessible pocket or purse. If possible, use a device similiar to the one in image 1.

3) Do not carry large amounts of money in your pocket or wallet, opting for credit cards or travellers check.

4) Do not carry your original documents to big crowds or events. Remember you can have a difficult time getting back home without your passport.

5) If possible, avoid places with big crowds and, if caught inside a tumult, run to an open space and look for the nearest police officer (images 2 and 3).

6) Using your camera or expensive eletronic devices in places without police officers may attract thefts. Using a slim camera can be a smart choice. Same tip for jewellery.

7) If you are being victim of a crime, immediately call 190 and ask for help. You can also search for the nearest police officer. If you lose your documents or need to register a crime that already occurred, go to the nearest police station.

8) If you rent a car, it is smart to keep your windows closed - when in traffic, and not to leave expensive belongings visible inside a parked vehicle. Always look for the safest place to park.

9) If you party and drink, it is good to have a sober friend look after you and your belongings. Never pick a fight and remember you are visiting a country and people that deserve respect. Remember driving after drinking alcohol is ilegal in Brazil and you can go to jail.

10) We live in a city with very hot weather. If you are not use to it, water and sunblock lotions are your best friends.

Brazilian are very friendly people and we are delighted to have you here during the Worldcup. Police officers all around the country are working hard so you can have the safest and greatest time ever. But I warn you... We are going to be the worldcup champions! :)

IGOR LEITE
(Sheriff at Polícia Civil de Pernambuco)

I only managed to get the Belgium vs Russia match at Rio and that is the only reason we are making this trip. It will be our first time in South America and we are excited.

Thanks, IgorLeiteDelegado!
One - possibly odd - question regarding safety. In case I am mugged in Brazil, will a robber usually vanish once he has received some Money or valuables easily acccessible (if any)? I am asking because my gf and I will wear some Money belts that can be worn underneath the Pants, for example. They can't be seen if convered. In those we are going to carry really important items like passport and back up credit Cards if travelling from/to the Airport, for example (i.e. in situations when we cannot leave valuables in the hotel room). Losing some cash would not be a Problem, but will a robber make us "prove" that there aren't any valuables left?

Hey Eduardo!

I have never heard of Entrusters but I can promise you that if you get caught with 10 iPhones at Brazil Customs, it's going to be a problem. They randomly x-ray people - sometimes everyone - and multiple electronic items is exactly what they are looking for. You would be charged 60% tax plus a fine on nine of the phones. I wouldn't take that deal if I were you!

Kevin