There is usually a break from all football competitions in December and January. The State Championships begin in January, and so there are some big matches on around Carnaval time when many foreigners come to visit Brazil. You will have a good chance of being able to see some matches between local rivals. For example the Flamengo v Vasco is one of Rio de Janeiro’s biggest rivalries. Plenty of fireworks both on and off the field in these games.

Below are links to some of the teams websites:

Botafogo