About Rio Carnival
Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is the largest and most famous carnival on earth, a days-long explosion of colour, rhythm and abandon in the run-up to Lent. Its centrepiece is the Sambadrome, where the city's samba schools compete with breathtaking parades of costumes, floats and drumming perfected over an entire year. Away from the stadium, hundreds of free street parties, or blocos, turn every neighbourhood into a dancing crowd. Watch a parade for the spectacle, then lose yourself in a bloco until sunrise — and book everything far ahead.
“Overwhelming in the best way. Watch a parade, then lose yourself in a street bloco until dawn.”
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Plan your trip
Where to stay
Hotels & stays near Rio de Janeiro
Tours & experiences
Things to do around Rio de Janeiro
Tickets & official info
Rio Carnival official site
Getting there
Flights to Brazil