All About Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is one of the most famous celebrations in the world — and for good reason. Thousands of people in lavish costumes fill the streets, samba plays on every corner, and the whole city transforms into one giant party. Whether you want to dance at the blocos, watch the Samba School Parades at Sambodromo, or join the parade yourself, this guide tells you everything you need to know before you arrive.
When is the Carnival in Rio 2027?
Carnival in Rio begins the Friday before Ash Wednesday — exactly 51 days before Easter. The dates change every year, so always check before you book your flights.
Official Dates for Carnival 2027
The official Carnival in Rio 2027 runs from Friday, February 5th to Wednesday, February 10th, with the main Samba School Parades at Sambodromo on Sunday and Monday. Street parties and blocos start a few weeks before — so arriving early means more fun.
What Happens During Carnival Week
The whole city prepares to dance. You will find Samba School Parades at Sambodromo, hundreds of blocos in every neighborhood, and live samba music on every corner. You do not need much to have a great time — just bring your dancing shoes and an open mind.
Rio Samba Dancer can take you to dance in the Carnival parade itself — a truly unique experience for tourists.
Rio Samba Dancer takes you to dance on the Carnival in Rio.
How is the weather in Rio during carnival?
Carnival in Rio happens in February or March, which is summer in Brazil — warm, humid, and sunny. However, February is also one of the wettest months in Rio. Rain can happen any day, sometimes heavily.
Our tip: always bring a light raincoat or a small umbrella. It will not ruin the fun — Brazilians dance in the rain — but you will be much more comfortable if you are prepared.
Staying Near Lapa for Nightlife
If your priority is live samba and nightlife, staying around Lapa puts you right in the heart of it. Lapa is where the best samba bars and street parties happen after dark. Just remember to use Uber to get around and stay in the main lit areas.
The Samba School Parades at Sambodromo
Rio's Carnival revolves around 12 samba schools, each with 3,000 to 5,000 members. They compete at the Sambodromo with dancing, percussion, and elaborate costumes — all telling a story. It is one of the most spectacular shows on the planet.
To be honest, if you go to watch a carnival parade on Sambodromo, and you are not going to one of the (camarotes) parties, two hours watching the parade if enough to you have fun and see that experience.
Dance Samba at the street Parties
Where do locals go to enjoy Carnival in Rio? The answer is the blocos — free street parties that happen all over the city. This website shows you the time and location of all blocos during Carnival week.
Usually, this website gives you time, and location of all blocos.Â
How are the blocos?
Blocos are free, open street parties with live bands, drums, and classic Brazilian samba music. The atmosphere is warm, fun, and welcoming — locals dance with strangers, families come together, and everyone is there to celebrate.
In general, blocos are very safe. Just keep your eyes open for pickpockets and bring only the cash you plan to spend. No need to show your wallet.
Can Tourists Dance in the Parade?
Yes! Samba schools sell a limited number of spots in their section for tourists. It is hard to get and can be pricey — but Rio Samba Dancer offers a package that makes this accessible and safe for visitors.
Rio Samba Dancer offers a great package for you.
Where should I stay during Carnival?
Best neighborhoods for tourists: Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon:
During Carnival in Rio, street parties happen in every neighborhood of the city. As you wander the streets, you find bands and blocos of marching parades, drums, vocalists, and classic Brazilian samba music.
For tourists, we always recommend staying close to the beach. Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Leme are the safest and most convenient areas. You will be close to the action, close to good restaurants, and close to public transport.
Tickets and Seats for Sambodromo
The Sambodromo was inaugurated in 1984 and designed by the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Samba schools have 700 meters of avenue to perform and impress the judges. After 40 years, it remains the symbol of Rio's Carnival — with space for around 60,000 people per night.
Gates open at 7pm and the party starts at 9:30pm. Once you have a ticket, you can arrive any time you want.
Frisas — The Closest to the Action
Frisas are small ground-level areas right next to the parade. You can see everything up close — including the dancers sweating through every samba step. You get a reserved seat, and Frisa 7D is covered, which is great for rainy nights.
Arquibancadas — The Budget Option
Arquibancadas are concrete steps with no reserved seats — you sit wherever you find space in your sector. Sector 13 is the cheapest because it sits at the end of the parade route. Sector 9 has numbered seats if you want more comfort.
Tip: bring a beach sarong or a small cushion to make the concrete steps more comfortable.
Camarotes — The VIP Experience
Camarotes are private party boxes around the Sambodromo. They usually include a DJ, open bar, and buffet — fitting up to 1,000 people. You will not have the best view of the parade, but you will be surrounded by buzzy, beautiful Cariocas having the time of their lives. This is the option for party people.