Brazil Carnival 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Rio's World-Famous Celebration
Experience the magic of Brazilian Carnival with our guide to Rio de Janeiro's spectacular samba parades, street parties, and cultural festivities.
Carnival: Brazil's Greatest Party
Carnival (Carnaval) is Brazil's most famous festival, held annually before Lent. Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is the world's largest, attracting millions of visitors to experience its spectacular samba parades and street celebrations.
Carnival 2025 Dates
Carnival typically runs from Friday to Tuesday before Ash Wednesday:
The Samba Parade
The Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí hosts the famous samba school competition:
Street Parties (Blocos)
Hundreds of street parties (blocos) take over Rio's neighborhoods:
Carnival Culture
Samba Music
The heartbeat of Carnival, samba schools practice year-round for their moment in the Sambadrome.
Fantasia (Costumes)
From elaborate feathered headdresses to simple themed outfits, costumes are essential to the Carnival spirit.
Marchinhas
Traditional Carnival songs passed down through generations.
Planning Your Carnival Calendar
Safety Tips
Carnival is a celebration of life, music, and the vibrant spirit of Brazilian culture.
