(CNN) -- It's wild, wacky, frivolous, and most say, quite enjoyable. Carnaval is celebrated everywhere in Brazil, but in Rio de Janeiro, the celebration becomes a fantastic spectacle during the country's summer months.

Passionate, exuberant Rio comes alive when Carnaval begins. As the temperature heats up, so do days of seemingly endless parades, balls and parties in Cidade Maravilhosa, or the "Marvelous City," as Rio is sometimes called.

"It has to do with the people, the color, with the music, with the spirit of the Brazilian people," said travel agent Daniel Taramona. "The whole country stops for four days."

Carnaval changes dates every year, but it's usually held sometime in February and has an official duration of four days, from Saturday to Tuesday. To fully experience the celebration, travelers should arrive at least a few days in advance. The festive atmosphere, and the crowds, arrive early as well.

The 1997 party starts on Saturday, February 8th, and ends on Tuesday the 11th, the day before the Brazilian and religious holiday Ash Wednesday. Carnaval is essentially a time of feasting before the fasting of the Lenten season starts in this mostly Catholic country.