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Carnival · Latin America

Rio Carnival

The planet's largest and most iconic carnival; the soul of Brazilian culture.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · Feb 13-21 2026 (Sambadrome Feb 15-16; Champions Feb 21)

WHY IT MATTERS

The planet's largest and most iconic carnival; the soul of Brazilian culture.

THE NIGHT

What you’re here for

  • Sambadrome parades
  • 500+ street blocos
  • Scala balls
BASE CAMP

Where to stay

  • Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon (book early)
BETWEEN IT ALL

What to eat

  • Aprazivel
  • Confeitaria Colombo
  • churrascarias
BEFORE YOU BOOK

Know before you go

  • Sambadrome tickets sell out months ahead; blocos are free
QUICK ANSWERS

The practical bits

when is rio carnival 2027

Typically Feb 13-21 2026 (Sambadrome Feb 15-16; Champions Feb 21). Next edition: February 2027. Dates are set.

how far ahead to book rio carnival

The planet's largest and most iconic carnival; the soul of Brazilian culture. Typically Feb 13-21 2026 (Sambadrome Feb 15-16; Champions Feb 21).

sambadrome vs blocos

The planet's largest and most iconic carnival; the soul of Brazilian culture. Typically Feb 13-21 2026 (Sambadrome Feb 15-16; Champions Feb 21).

KEEP GOING

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Barranquilla is a living Caribbean carnival of cumbia, comparsas, comedy and neighbourhood participation - not a smaller Rio waiting to be upgraded.

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30 January 2027