The Rio Carnival 2026 will take place from February 13th to February 21st. We anticipate drawing in over 1 million visitors and locals.

Imagine a city transforming into a giant party. The vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro comes alive every year with its world-famous festival. This is the time when Rio turns into a grand stage filled with music, dance, and vibrant colors. Thousands of performers in dazzling costumes take to the Sambadrome, showcasing their passion and energy in a parade that captivates millions around the world. Moreover, with hundreds of street parties and balls, there is plenty to do for everyone.

Experience the magic of Carnival in Rio. Discover the history, parades, and samba schools that make this Brazilian festivity a global phenomenon.

Is It the Same Time Every Year?

Not exactly. The lunar calendar ties the dates, causing them to shift a bit each year. Carnival sometimes falls in the month of March.

How many Days of Fun? You might wonder.

Guess what? If you start counting when the street bands play, it's almost a month of fun! That's a lot of time to dance, listen to music, and have an awesome time! See below the dates.

🎉 Rio Carnival 2026 Schedule 🎉

The History and Evolution of Carnival

Carnival is not just a modern-day festivity; its roots go back to 1641. Initially, the celebrations were modest, mirroring the elegant balls and masquerades of Paris.
Portuguese immigrants who came to Rio brought their love of playful pranks to Carnival. They would throw food, water, and mud at friends and family during the celebrations.

With the rise in popularity of the polka and waltz, balls and dances returned to the Carnival in Rio. The late 19th century saw a transformation with organized parades, military bands, and grand floats. Over time, the event has evolved into a jaw-dropping spectacle, featuring glamorous parades and splendid costumes. 

The Essence of Samba

Samba is the soul of Carnival in Rio. This dance comes from African slaves and has mixed with local influences to become a passionate part of Brazilian culture. The intricate beats, combined with Portuguese-language lyrics, tell tales of life, love, and the vibrant spirit of the Brazilian people. Whether it's the backdrop to the lively street parades during Carnival or the soulful tunes played in local bars, Samba is more than just music; it's an expression of Brazil's rich history and diverse heritage.

The Main Event: Samba Parades

The highlight of Carnival celebrations is undoubtedly the Samba Parades. Organized by various Samba Schools, these parades truly embody the essence of community and enjoyment.
The most famous schools, known as the Special Group, compete on the main days, promising an extravaganza of non-stop revelry.

2026 Samba Parade Dates in Rio

The Access Group has scheduled the parades for February 13th and February 14th. After this, the Special Group will parade on February 15th, 16th and 17th.

The festivities end with the Champions' parade on Saturday, February 21st. The 6 winners from the Special Group return to the Sambadrome. They put on another great show at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival.

Ready to be part of this vibrant spectacle? Secure your spot in the heart of the action with Rio Carnival 2026 tickets. Don't miss out on the rhythm, colors, and magic of the world's most iconic carnival!

The Children's Parade takes place at Sambadrome on Friday, February 20th. Just like their parents, these youngsters develop a theme, write a song, and choreograph their own dances.

Curious about the differences in Carnival Parade days? Watch the video below.

Street Parties and Blocos

The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro has more than just Samba schools and parades; it also has many street parties called "Blocos". 

The city's streets are filled with the rhythm of samba as numerous street parades take place. Locals and tourists alike join in the festivities, dancing and singing along to the infectious beats.

These gatherings attract up to a million excited partygoers and are a crucial part of the celebrations. 

The Carnival atmosphere starts heating in January with smaller "blocos" on weekends. The major "blocos" typically make their appearance two Saturdays before the main event.

From the pre-Carnival Saturday onwards, you can expect daily "blocos" throughout the Carnival period.

Secure Your Place at Rio Carnival 2026

Planning is key to enjoying the Carnival in Rio to the fullest.

Act quickly to secure your hotel rooms and Sambadrome tickets, as availability vanishes in the blink of an eye. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure as we unveil the spectacular Rio Carnival 2026 – a celebration revered worldwide.

Closing Remarks: Your Rio Carnival 2026 Journey

Embrace the joyful chaos of Rio Carnival 2026 and be part of an experience you'll cherish forever. Create memories and make your dreams come true at this extraordinary extravaganza.