Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is the biggest party on the planet: glittering samba school parades, hundreds of free street parties, and the whole city dancing for days. A little preparation goes a long way, so here is everything you need to know about Rio Carnival, from dates and tickets to costumes, blocos, safety, and what to pack.
When Is Rio Carnival?
Carnival takes place in the days before Lent, so the dates change every year, usually falling in February or early March. The official celebrations run from the Friday to Ash Wednesday, with the main samba school parades on the Sunday and Monday nights. Street parties often start weeks earlier and continue the weekend after. Check the official dates as soon as they are announced, and book accommodation months in advance.
What to Expect at Rio Carnival
Samba School Parades
The highlight of Carnival is the competition between Rio's top samba schools at the Sambadrome (Sambódromo Marquês de Sapucaí), designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Each school parades with thousands of dancers, drummers, and giant floats, telling a story through a theme song and spectacular costumes. Each parade lasts more than an hour, and the shows continue through the night until dawn.
Street Parties (Blocos)
Hundreds of free street parties, called blocos, take place across the city, each with its own music, style, and crowd. Some popular ones include:
- Cordão da Bola Preta: One of the oldest and largest blocos, drawing huge crowds in the city center.
- Carmelitas: A bloco in Santa Teresa where revelers dress as nuns, inspired by the legend of a nun who escaped her convent to join Carnival.
- Banda de Ipanema: A long-running bloco known for its inclusive, diverse crowd.
- Suvaco do Cristo: Named for its location in Jardim Botânico, under Christ the Redeemer's "armpit."
- Monobloco: A huge percussion band that started as a drumming workshop.
The official bloco schedule is published before Carnival, and many blocos start early in the morning.
Costumes
- Samba school costumes: Professional, elaborate outfits with feathers, sequins, and headdresses designed around each school's theme. Visitors can even buy a costume and parade with some schools.
- Bloco costumes: Anything goes, from glitter and wigs to superheroes and costumes inspired by the year's memes and pop culture. Keep it light and comfortable for the heat.
How to Get Sambadrome Tickets
Tickets for the samba parades are sold online through the official ticketing channels and authorized resellers. Prices range from relatively affordable grandstand seats to boxes and luxury suites with food and drinks included, and they rise as Carnival approaches. Grandstand sectors are unnumbered, so arrive early for a good spot. Street parties are free and need no tickets.
Getting Around During Carnival
The metro is the most reliable way to get around, as many roads close for blocos and traffic is heavy. Stay near a metro station if possible, and expect long waits and surge prices for taxis and ride-hailing apps. The metro runs extended hours on parade nights, with a station close to the Sambadrome.
Safety Tips
- Bring only what you need: a little cash, one card, and a copy of your ID.
- Keep your phone in a front pocket or a secure pouch, and enable tracking and remote locking in case it is stolen.
- Stay with friends and agree on a meeting point.
- Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen. It is hot and crowded.
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps at night.
What to Pack for Rio Carnival
- Light, comfortable clothes and shoes you don't mind getting dirty.
- A costume or fun accessories, and glitter.
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Swimwear and a beach towel.
- A light rain jacket or poncho for summer showers.
- A phone charger and power bank.
- A small crossbody bag or money belt.
- Earplugs, so you can sleep between parties.
Beyond Carnival: Things to Do in Rio
- Visit Christ the Redeemer and ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain.
- Relax on Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.
- Hike in Tijuca National Park, one of the world's largest urban forests.
- Explore the steps of the Selarón Staircase and the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood.
Plan the rest of your trip with our Brazil travel guide.
Stay Connected During Carnival
Reliable data helps you find your friends, check bloco schedules, and book rides. An egoViet Brazil eSIM connects as soon as you land, and our Brazil eSIM guide helps you choose a plan.
FAQs: Rio Carnival
When is Rio Carnival?
It takes place in the days before Lent, usually in February or early March. The dates change every year.
Do you need tickets for Rio Carnival?
Only for the samba school parades at the Sambadrome. Street parties (blocos) are free.
What is a bloco?
A bloco is a free street party with its own band and theme. Hundreds take place across Rio during Carnival.
Is Rio Carnival safe?
Carnival is generally safe if you take precautions: carry little, watch your phone, stay with friends, and use official transportation at night.