Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2027

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Rio de Janeiro Carnival

The Rio de Janeiro Carnival in Brazil is widely called the biggest party on Earth. Its roots go back to the Portuguese entrudo of colonial times and the city’s first masquerade balls in 1840. In the early 20th century, Afro-Brazilian communities in Rio turned it into a celebration of samba. Today millions of people pack the streets, and blocos (street parties) alone draw several million revelers across the city.

Held each year in February or early March in the days before Lent, the carnival has two sides. One is the ticketed spectacle of the samba schools in the Sambadrome. The other is a free, city-wide street party that runs from downtown’s historic squares to the beachfronts of Copacabana and Ipanema.

Rio Carnival Highlights:

• Samba School Parades at the Sambadrome: Oscar Niemeyer designed the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome, which opened in 1984. On its avenue the elite schools of the Grupo Especial compete with thousands of dancers, towering floats, drum sections (baterias) and an original samba-enredo, each school parading for more than an hour into the early morning.
• Street Blocos: Hundreds of free blocos parade through neighborhoods like Centro, Santa Teresa, Lapa and Ipanema. They range from brass-band parties to giant crowds, such as the historic Cordão da Bola Preta, founded in 1918, which draws huge numbers to downtown Rio.
• Série Ouro: On the nights before the main event, the second-tier samba schools parade on the same avenue, competing for promotion to the Grupo Especial. Tickets are cheaper and the atmosphere is just as passionate.
• Champions Parade: The Saturday after Carnival, the top-scoring samba schools return to the Sambadrome for a victory parade. It’s a relaxed second chance to see the best of the year’s show.

Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:

• Sambadrome Tickets: Seats range from affordable concrete grandstands (arquibancadas) to ringside frisas boxes and luxury camarotes with open bars. Buy only through official or reputable sellers, and buy early for the Grupo Especial nights.
• Blocos Strategy: Street parties are free but get very crowded. Check the official bloco schedule, arrive early, and carry only a little cash and a phone in a front pocket or money belt. Many of the best blocos start in the morning.
• Getting There: International flights land at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GIG), with domestic connections at Santos Dumont downtown. The metro is the easiest way to reach the Sambadrome in Cidade Nova, via Praça Onze or Central stations, and it runs extended hours during Carnival.
• What to Wear: It’s peak Brazilian summer, hot and humid, with sudden rain showers. Wear light, breathable clothes, sturdy closed shoes for crowds, sunscreen and a hat. A glittery costume or fantasia is welcome at any bloco.
• Accommodation: Carnival is Rio’s busiest week of the year, and hotels in Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon often require multi-night minimum stays at peak prices, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
• Explore Rio de Janeiro: Between parades, ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, visit Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado, or climb the tiled Selarón Steps in Lapa. Browse top Rio de Janeiro tours and activities here.

The Sambadrome parade order and the official bloco schedule are published by LIESA and Rio City Hall in the weeks leading up to Carnival. See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.