Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
experience the world’s most vibrant festival.
The spectacle that transforms the city.
Few events in the world bring together as much joy, color, and emotion as Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival.
Between February and March, the “Marvelous City” turns into an open-air stage, where samba sets the rhythm and every smile seems to dance along with its infectious beat.
More than just a party, Carnival is a celebration of life, culture, and Brazilian diversity — a mix of art, music, and emotion that captivates visitors from around the globe.
When does Rio’s Carnival take place?
Carnival is celebrated 40 days before Easter, which means the dates change every year.
It always begins on Carnival Friday and ends on Ash Wednesday.
In 2026, for example, the main celebration is expected to take place from February 13th to 18th.
But the Carnival spirit starts much earlier!
Months in advance, Rio already pulses with samba school rehearsals, themed parties, and street “blocos.”
And even after Ash Wednesday, samba continues to echo through the beaches and neighborhoods — because in Rio, Carnival is more than a date: it’s a state of mind.
Samba school parades: the heart of Carnival.
The highlight of the celebration is the samba school parades, held at the legendary Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome.
It’s there that the magic of Rio’s Carnival bursts into color, sparkle, and emotion — a dazzling display that blends popular tradition, art, and performance.
Each school presents a theme — a story told through the parade — with thousands of participants, both amateurs and professionals, including designers, dancers, drummers, and members of the local communities.
These themes, known as enredos, are carefully chosen and can cover a wide range of subjects: from culture to science, Brazilian history to literature, indigenous legends to contemporary social issues.
Just like literature, the samba-enredo has the power to teach, inspire, and provoke reflection.
Each verse carries poetry, criticism, dreams, and popular wisdom.
Watching a parade is like reading a living book — a lesson in history and humanity wrapped in the contagious rhythm of samba.
Special Group and Gold Group: two divisions of the Carnival competition.
Not only does the Special Group (first division) shine at Sapucaí.
The second division, known as the Gold Group (formerly Access Group), also delivers spectacular parades, filled with the same passion and dedication.
While the Special Group performs on Sunday and Tuesday nights, the Gold Group takes over Friday and Saturday.
Schools in this group compete for promotion to the Special Group — and often deliver equally moving and creative performances.
Traditional names like Unidos de Padre Miguel, Unidos de Bangu, Império Serrano, and Inocentes de Belford Roxo have already stood out in this division, proving that samba’s heartbeat resonates strongly at every level of the festival.
Watching the Gold Group parades is a fantastic opportunity to experience Carnival at more affordable prices without losing the magic of Sapucaí.
An unforgettable experience.
Whether in the Special or Gold Group, the audience can watch from the stands, boxes, or VIP cabins — or even take part by parading with a samba school, wearing a costume, and stepping onto the avenue as part of the story.
It’s a unique experience that combines emotion, sensation of belonging, and learning.
How to participate?
At Good Guide, we organize full packages for those who wish to watch or parade with a samba school.
We handle every detail — tickets, costumes, transportation, and accommodation — so you can enjoy Carnival with comfort, safety, and excitement.
Contact us at [email protected] and discover how easy it is to take part in the greatest show on Earth — Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival!
Long live samba, long live Rio!
More than just a celebration, Rio’s Carnival is an expression of the Brazilian soul.
From the luxury of the floats to the poetry of the lyrics and the rhythm of the drums, everything is crafted with passion, creativity, and devotion.
Each parade is a sung story a living tale that teaches us, through rhythm and emotion, about the world and about ourselves.
Come and feel this energy up close.
Rio and Good Guide await you with open arms and a heart beating to the rhythm of samba!
And long live the carnival!
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