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Rio Carnival 2025 – The Greatest Show on Earth
Feb 28 – Mar 8, 2025

Rio Carnival 2025 – The Greatest Show on Earth

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Witness the world's biggest party in Rio de Janeiro. Samba, glitter, spectacular floats, and non-stop dancing in the marvelous city.

About the Festival

Rio Carnival is officially the largest carnival in the world, with two million people per day on the streets. It is the ultimate expression of Brazilian culture—a week-long celebration of life, music, and dance before the start of Lent.

While the famous Sambadrome parades are the televised highlight, the real party happens in the "Blocos" (street parties) where locals and tourists mix freely, dancing behind sound trucks that blast samba music.

The energy is electric, the costumes are outrageous, and the city of Rio de Janeiro—with its mountains, beaches, and rainforests—provides the most stunning backdrop imaginable.

Festival Highlights

🎭

The Sambadrome

Watch the top Samba Schools compete. It's not just a parade; it's a fierce competition with massive, moving theater sets.

🥁

Street Blocos

Join one of the 500+ free street parties. 'Cordão da Bola Preta' is the biggest, attracting over a million revelers.

🏖️

Copacabana Magic

Relax on the world's most famous beach by day, and party at the Copacabana Palace Ball by night.

💃

Samba Lessons

Don't just watch—learn! Take a quick samba class so you can keep up with the locals' footwork.

👗

Costumes

Buy a ticket to actually parade with a Samba School! It includes a costume and the chance to walk the Sambadrome avenue.

🍹

Caipirinhas

Drink Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar. They are sold everywhere and are very potent.

Essential Festival Tips

1

Safety First

Rio can be dangerous. Leave jewelry and expensive phones at the hotel. Carry only cash and a copy of your ID in a money belt.

2

Book Sambadrome Early

Tickets for the main parade days (Sun/Mon) sell out fast. Sector 9 is the 'tourist sector' with assigned seats.

3

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You will be walking and dancing for hours. High heels or new shoes are a carnival rookie mistake.

4

Use the Metro

Traffic stands still during Carnival. The subway is the only reliable way to get between Copacabana and the Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the main parades?

The Special Group parades (the big ones) take place on the Sunday and Monday of Carnival week. The Champions' Parade is the following Saturday.

Is it safe for tourists?

Millions of tourists visit safely, but petty crime is common. Stay in crowds, don't flash valuables, and stick to the South Zone (Copacabana/Ipanema) for accommodation.

Do I need a visa?

Check your country's requirements. Brazil has recently reintroduced visa requirements for citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia.

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