FOR its second year, Heineken Rio had another successful staging on Waterloo Road in St Andrew, on Sunday.

“The point of Rio was to bring the Brazilian flavour to Jamaica and be the centre of partying on carnival Sunday,” Imru James, Heineken brand manager, told the Jamaica Observer.

The event’s concept — a party within a party and continues for 12 hours — is clearly a hit with carnival fans. The venue, across from Devon House, was turned into a musical showcase starting at midday. Not even light mid-afternoon rain could keep fans away. Those that opted to stay were kept entertained by Dei Musicale, who put down a solid three-hour set to hand over to an even more energised Nuphoric.

By late evening, Rio had been joined by many revellers still fresh in their road march costumes. Chi Ching Ching and Skinny Fabulous then treated the packed venue to surprise performances.

“Rio will be back next year and the year after that,” James said.

— Rory Daley