A History Of The Maracan Stadium

The Maracanã Stadium is a source of pride in Rio de Janeiro. With a capacity of 78,838, it is the largest stadium in Brazil and the second largest in South America, the largest being Estadio Monumental in Peru with a capacity of 80,093. The stadium has witnessed many historical events from World Cups to unforgettable concerts, and it will be the host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympics.

A Shaky Start

When Brazil won the rights to host the FIFA World Cup in 1950, it decided that a new stadium for the tournaments was in order. Despite controversy over cost, construction began in 1948, leaving just two short years to complete the stadium. This proved too big a challenge and despite the stadium being used in 1950 for the World Cup, construction was only fully completed 15 years later in 1965.

What’s In A Name?

Whilst it is commonly known as Maracanã, its official name Mário Filho is engraved on the outside of the stadium

World Cup 1950

The first match of the 1950 World Cup was Brazil against Mexico with Brazil winning on home turf 4-0, bringing with it a wave of national pride. However, the shocking defeat in the final against Uruguay left Brazil stunned and silenced, marking a significant black smear in Brazilian history, known as ‘Maracanazo’. Brazil only needed to draw this match to win; yet the overall score was 2-1 to Uruguay.

Hosting a match between teams from Rio de Janeiro

Modern Day Use

Nowadays Maracanã is mostly used by Rio’s football teams, Botafogo, Flumienense, Flamengo, and Vasco da Gama. It has also hosted some of the greatest music shows in the last few decades. In 1980, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the stadium, Frank Sinatra sang to a crowd of 180,000 with other music legends performing in the following years, such as Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, and Madonna. In more recent years, crowds have been wowed by the Backstreet Boys, Rolling Stones, and Pearl Jam. It also saw Germany take the cup against Argentina in the 2014 World Cup.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.