Everything You Need to Know About Rio's Carnival

Carnival, rooted in Christian tradition, is celebrated globally, but Rio de Janeiro stands out as the ultimate host. Known for being the largest Carnival in the world, Rio attracts millions to its streets for an exuberant pre-Lenten celebration filled with parades, vibrant costumes, and, of course, samba.

The Origins of Carnival in Rio

Similar to other Carnival festivities worldwide, such as those in Grenada and Italy, the roots of this festival are deeply influenced by Christianity. The term Carnival is believed to derive from the phrase “Carnevale,” which signifies a farewell to meat, reflecting the tradition of abstaining from meat during Lent.

When Portuguese colonizers arrived in Brazil in the 1500s, they introduced their version of the celebration. Today's Carnival, however, is heavily infused with West African and Bantu influences. The Portuguese brought enslaved individuals from these regions, integrating their rich traditions of song and dance, which ultimately transformed into samba.

When is Carnival celebrated in Rio?

The annual celebration occurs from the Friday to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, offering five days of revelry before Lent begins. In 2023, Rio's Carnival will take place from Friday, February 17, to Tuesday, February 21. Additionally, a concluding parade known as the Winners’ Parade, celebrating the champions of the Sambadrome's annual parade competition, will occur on the Saturday following Carnival, specifically on February 25.

What unfolds during Carnival in Rio?

Carnival kicks off on the first Friday with the crowning of King Momo, a symbolic figure representing the spirit of Carnival. Following the mayor's handover of the city keys to this character, a wave of confetti and cheers marks the official start of the week-long festivities. Street bands, known as blocos, take to the streets, with hundreds participating. Notable bands include Cordão da Bola Preta, Banda de Ipanema, and Monobloco. While Carnival highlights these groups, many have been celebrating since January. Each blocos attracts a different crowd, so join Rio’s locals (known as cariocas) in exploring neighborhoods to find the music that suits your vibe.

Experiencing the Spectacle at the Sambadrome

The centerpiece of Rio’s breathtaking events is the Sambadrome, situated in downtown Rio. This venue, designed specifically for Carnival, boasts a 700-meter-long stadium with seating on both sides, accommodating over 70,000 spectators. Each night during Carnival, samba schools take to the stage in a parade, judged on their costumes, choreography, and creativity.

The excitement at the Sambadrome kicks off on Friday and Saturday. During these opening days of Carnival, the samba schools from the Access Group showcase their performances. Although these productions operate on a smaller budget, they are a fantastic way to launch the Carnival weekend. The highlight schools, known as the Special Group, perform on Sunday and Monday, bringing thousands of dancers, flag bearers, drummers, and more to create a stunning visual experience. They often feature grand floats that narrate the story behind their school’s theme.

Tips for Watching Carnival at the Sambadrome

The parades are thrilling all-night events, beginning around 9 p.m. and continuing until at least 4 a.m. Tickets can be purchased from the main Carnival organizing group, LIESA, although their release dates can be somewhat unpredictable. Alternatively, many travel agencies offer Sambadrome tickets as part of their travel packages.

Where to Stay in Rio During Carnival

Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro

Ipanema transforms into a vibrant party scene during Carnival, with blocos like Banda de Ipanema attracting thousands, particularly from the LGBTQ community. While the street festivities are relentless, Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro provides a serene escape from the chaos. Its design features geometric elements, such as ear-shaped mirrors and rectangular lamps, reminiscent of the bossa nova era in the 1950s and ’60s. Spend your days relaxing by the hotel’s exclusive rooftop infinity pool and bar before diving back into the lively nightlife.

Belmond Copacabana Palace

If you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of Ipanema and downtown, the art deco Belmond Copacabana Palace transports you to a Carnival experience reminiscent of Venice. On Carnival Saturday, the hotel hosts the enchanting Magic Ball, where guests don their finest attire and stroll through beautifully decorated halls themed for that year’s event. The 2023 theme? “Journey through the time tunnel,” celebrating the Copacabana Palace’s 100th anniversary.

Carnival’s most glamorous event is perfectly suited for this hotel, which has a storied history of hosting celebrities like Marilyn Monroe. Indulge in luxury at the Copa’s Michelin-star restaurant, relax by the half-Olympic-size pool, or enjoy rejuvenating treatments at the hotel spa that features Amazonian ingredients.