Carnival in Brazil 2025: Everything You Need to Know!

Carnival is one of the most anticipated times of the year for Brazilians. It’s more than just a holiday – it’s a full-on festival that spans the entire country! The celebrations are so big that they pretty much take over the whole month of February, and you’ll find parties happening everywhere. From the famous street blocks to the grand parades, Carnival in Brazil is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you absolutely can’t miss as a tourist. So get ready – in this article, we’re going to give you all the tips you need to make your Carnival 2025 unforgettable.

When is Carnival in Brazil in 2025?

Carnival in Brazil in 2025 will take place from February 28th to March 5th. But here’s a little secret: since the celebrations go on for the entire month, it’s a great idea to arrive a week before the official festivities begin. This way, you can dive into the pre-Carnival street parties – also known as “bloco de rua” or “bloquinhos” – that are already taking over the cities in the lead-up to the main event.

Where Does Carnival Happen in Brazil?

Carnival happens all over Brazil, but there are three cities that stand out for their legendary celebrations: Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo. Each city has its own unique vibe, but all of them are bursting with energy, music, and unforgettable moments.

How is Carnival in Brazil?

For Brazilians, Carnival is the highlight of the year. It’s a time of pure joy, music, and dancing. The festival has two main types: Street Carnival (Carnaval de Rua) and Sambadrome Carnival (Carnaval da Avenida).

Street Carnival (Carnaval de Rua)

Street Carnival is where the real magic happens – it’s super laid-back and fun. The cities are filled with “blocos de rua” – street parties that are like giant, open-air concerts. The most famous ones are marked by a trio elétrico, which is a massive truck with a sound system and a band on top. The trio drives through the streets while thousands of people follow along, singing and dancing to the rhythm of classic Carnival songs.

People love to get creative with their costumes at the street parties, so expect to see tons of glitter, colorful outfits, and funky accessories. You’ll see everything from funky wigs to sparkly skirts, feathered boas, and face paint – it’s all about having fun and being part of the celebration.

Sambadrome Carnival (Carnaval da Avenida)

If you’ve ever seen the iconic photos of Carnival, you’re probably thinking of the Sambadrome Carnival. This is the Carnival with huge floats and stunning samba dancers strutting their stuff down the avenue. The Sambadrome is a huge stadium in Rio de Janeiro, and the event is a spectacular competition between samba schools that have spent months perfecting their parades. The floats are massive and intricate, and the costumes are out of this world. It’s a must-see!

The event takes place over several nights, with the parade often lasting all night long. It’s a celebration of culture, music, and art, with millions of people watching from the stands and VIP boxes.

You can either watch the parades from the stands (tickets typically cost around $40-$50 USD), or go for the Camarote (VIP boxes), which offer a more exclusive experience with food, drinks, and great views. These VIP tickets for 2025 are expected to range from $150 to $200 USD, depending on the location and access.

After the main parade, there’s also the Champions Parade, where the top samba schools compete one more time, and it’s a must-see that takes place a weekend after the competition.

Pro Tip:

Whether you’re heading to the street parties or the Sambadrome, be sure to keep an eye on your belongings. With big crowds, it’s easy for pickpockets to slip through, so bring only what you need and keep it in a secure, zippered bag. For the street parties, wear a cross-body bag with the flap in front of you for extra safety. In the Sambadrome, though, you can relax – it’s a controlled environment, and you can focus on enjoying the show.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

In Rio de Janeiro, you get the best of both worlds: the wild street parties and the dazzling Sambadrome parades. There are some seriously fun bloco de rua events throughout the city, but if you want to catch the top ones, head to neighborhoods like Santa Teresa, click here to check Best Blocos de Rua in Rio de Janeiro 2025: Schedule & Info. This area has some of the coolest, most iconic street parties, with amazing vibes and lots of dancing.

When it comes to the Sambadrome, you can’t miss it! The parades in Sapucaí are legendary, and it’s the place to see the most spectacular Carnival floats and samba performances. If you want to get the best experience, consider booking a VIP box at the Sambadrome – it’s the perfect way to enjoy the festivities in style. Some top options include Camarote Brahma, Nosso Camarote and Camarote Allegria.

For accommodations, we recommend staying in the Zona Sul (South Zone) neighborhoods, like Leblon, Ipanema, Lagoa or Gavea. These areas are close to the beach, have great nightlife, and offer easy access to all the main Carnival action.

Carnival in Salvador

Now, if you want to experience Carnival with a truly unique vibe, head to Salvador. This city is famous for its incredible street Carnival, where the massive trios elétricos take over the streets, and thousands of people dance through the city in a giant, electrifying parade. Salvador’s Carnival is all about Afro-Brazilian culture, and the energy here is unmatched.

For accommodations, consider staying in neighborhoods like Pelourinho or Barra, where you can enjoy the best of Salvador’s vibrant culture. If you’re looking for a VIP experience, check out the famous Camarote Salvador, which offers an exclusive view of the street parades, as well as food and drinks. Tickets for Camarote Salvador in 2025 are expected to be around $150-$200 USD, and you can get more details and buy tickets here.

Carnival in São Paulo

São Paulo’s Carnival is pretty similar to Rio’s, but with one key difference: no beach! But don’t worry, the city still knows how to throw a huge party. The street parties are awesome here too, and neighborhoods like Vila Madalena and Bixiga are great places to join the fun. Click here to check the Best Blocos de Rua in São Paulo 2025: Schedule & Info.

The Sambadrome in São Paulo is just as thrilling as Rio’s, and you’ll see some amazing samba school performances. Like in Rio, you can book VIP boxes at the Anhembi Sambadrome, where you’ll have access to food, drinks, and an exclusive view of the parades.

For accommodations, neighborhoods like Pinheiros, Vila Madalena, and Jardins are great spots, with easy access to both the street parties and the Sambadrome.

Best Blocos de Rua in Rio de Janeiro 2025: Schedule & Info

1. Cordão do Bola Preta

• Date: February 25th, 2025 (Start of Carnival Week)
• Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Centro (downtown Rio)

2. Bloco da Preta

• Date: February 26th, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location: Avenida Presidente Vargas

3. Simpatia é Quase Amor

• Date: February 27th, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Ipanema, near Posto 9

4. Bloco do Sargento Pimenta

• Date: February 28th, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Lapa

5. BaianaSystem

• Date: February 29th, 2025
• Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: Flamengo

6. Bloco do Fuá

• Date: March 1st, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Botafogo

7. Bloco das Carmelitas

• Date: March 2nd, 2025
• Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Location: Santa Teresa

8. Bloco do Barata

• Date: March 3rd, 2025
• Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location: Lapa

Best Blocos de Rua in São Paulo 2025: Schedule & Info

1. Bloco da Adele

• Date: February 25th, 2025 (Start of Carnival Week)
• Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Vila Madalena

2. Bloco do Sargento Pimenta

• Date: February 26th, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Avenida Faria Lima

3. Vai Vai

• Date: February 27th, 2025
• Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: Bexiga

4. Bloco do Choro

• Date: February 28th, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location: Avenida Paulista

5. Bloco da Preta

• Date: February 29th, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Praça Roosevelt

6. Bloco do Union

• Date: March 1st, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Pinheiros

7. Bloco da Lira

• Date: March 2nd, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Vila Madalena

8. Bloco Bicho Carpinteiro

• Date: March 3rd, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Consolação

Final Thoughts

No matter where you go in Brazil, Carnival will undoubtedly be a memorable experience. From the street parties to the iconic parades, it’s one of the most beautiful and joyful celebrations in the world. So, don’t miss out! Get your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to experience Carnival 2025 in Brazil. Trust us, it’ll be a trip you’ll never forget!

Here’s a Carnival playlist with classic songs to help you warm up and get ready to enjoy the event like a true local!

See you at Carnival!