Rio Carnival: how to see the parade and stay safe

Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is a city-wide event with two faces. The first is the parade of the samba schools in the Sambadrome, a purpose-built avenue where each school presents a themed procession of floats, costumes and drumming before judges. The second is the street carnival, with neighbourhood groups called blocos parading and playing in public spaces across the city.

In 2026, the core dates are generally reported as 13 to 17 February, with some sources extending to 18 February and other post-carnival events. Sources are inconsistent on exact parade dates, so check the Rio city tourism office and the schools' league for the official schedule before booking. The top-division parades run across a few nights, and the highest demand is for Sunday and Monday.

Buy Sambadrome tickets only through official or clearly verified sellers. Counterfeit tickets are a known problem, and prices vary widely by sector. Know which sector you are buying, because seating and views differ, and plan to get to the venue early. Public transport and organised transfers are usually easier than taxis around the Sambadrome.

Street carnival is free but crowded. Go with a friend, keep valuables to a minimum, use a front pocket or a secure waist pouch for your phone, and agree a meeting point in case you are separated. Drink water and stay out of the sun in the middle of the day. Rio is a large city with real safety concerns, so follow local advice about areas and times.

Accommodation fills early and prices rise sharply. Stay near a metro line if possible, and book well ahead. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check Brazil's official consular guidance.