The secret to a truly laid-back trip lies in the prep work. While the 2026 Carnival Season in Rio promises dynamic, colorful festivities, successfully navigating them takes more than wishful thinking. We've put together essential information (including the top street parties), so you can spend less time planning and more time dancing.
In this article:
- When Is the 2026 Rio Carnival?
- What Can You Expect at Rio's Carnival?
- Costumes and Floats
- How to Secure Tickets for Rio's Carnival in 2026
- Getting Around During Carnival Season
- Safety Considerations
- What to Pack for Brazil Carnival 2026
- Beyond Carnival: Things to See and Do
- How to Stay Connected
When Is the 2026 Rio Carnival?
In 2026, Rio de Janeiro's Carnival will be held from Friday, February 13, to Tuesday, February 17, to party before Lent begins. However, the "Parade of Champions," an after-event in Rio featuring the top 3 winners of the Samba School Parades competition, will be held on February 21.
If you head there this year, we've got a gift for you: Redeem the promo code CARNIVAL15 on your first Airalo eSIM. Terms & Conditions apply.
What Can You Expect at Rio's Carnival?
Rio's Carnival is known for two major types of events, samba school parades and blocos. Let's dive into what to expect for each.
Samba School Parades
Prepare to be amazed by samba schools in the parade, Photo by Fernando Quevedo from iStock
The main attraction of Brazil's Carnival is the vibrant Samba dancers. Various samba schools parade in the street. The audience can watch from the Sambadrome, an iconic stadium explicitly built to watch the parade. Samba is rooted in Afro-Brazilian heritage and has continued developing over the years. It was once criminalized for its origins but is now considered a big part of Brazilian culture. Samba schools prepare all year to compete against each other in the parade and create elaborate floats, choreographies, and costumes.
Street Parties
Join the fun by attending a street party, Photo by luoman from iStock
The fun doesn't stop at the Sambadrome. You can also enjoy Rio's street parties (or blocos). Plan ahead and decide which you'd like to attend. Around 500 parties are organized by 250 accredited groups. Some popular parties include:
- The Carmelitas Blocos: All performers dress as nuns. Their parade tells the story of a nun who escaped the convent to celebrate the Carnival.
- Cordão da Bola Preta: This popular party attracts over a million of participants because it is one of the oldest and most traditional blocos.
- Banda de Ipanema: This bloco is known for its inclusivity and diversity.
- Suvaco do Cristo: This party is named after its location, "Christ's armpit," referring to the Christ the Redeemer statue.
- Monobloco: Monobloco started as a percussion workshop and is now one of the most popular Carnival parties due to its unique modern sound.
Costumes and Floats
Rio's Carnival costumes are a big part of the festivities, ranging from elaborate outfits in the official parades to fun costumes at street parties:
- Samba school costumes: These professional parades feature extravagant outfits with feathered wings that honor African roots and symbolize rebirth. These costumes work in tandem with dramatic floats to tell a specific story or comment on societal issues.
- Blocos costumes: This celebration focuses on humor and pop culture, and people wear "Halloween-style" costumes inspired by current memes.
How to Secure Tickets for Rio's Carnival in 2026
Get your Sambadrome tickets and enjoy the show, Photo by Fernando Quevedo from iStock
You can purchase tickets to the Samba Parades online from various websites, including the Rio Carnival website. To avoid counterfeit tickets, double-check reviews before buying from other resellers.
Ticket prices range from around $30 to over $1000. The Sambadrome offers various seating options, from Grandstands (large concrete steps where you can sit or stand) to a VIP Lounge (with open bar and buffet).
Note: While you'll need tickets to the Samba Parades, street parties won't require tickets.
Getting Around During Carnival Season
The metro lines have stations close to the main sights and are a reliable way to get around during the Carnival season. We recommend staying near a station, as Uber, taxis, and buses can get chaotic and expensive at that time of the year due to street closures. Make sure to account for peak hours and be prepared for busy transit.
Safety Considerations
Here are a few safety considerations to keep in mind when getting around during carnival season:
- Keep an eye on your belongings: Crowded spaces can attract pickpockets, so bring only essentials. Some cash, rather than all your cards, is a good safety measure.
- Have a reliable data connection: Downloading a Brazil eSIM during Carnival in Rio de Janeiro ensures seamless connectivity for navigating crowded streets, accessing maps, and staying in touch with friends amidst the festivities.
- Protect your device: Delete any sensitive data and enable biometrics to protect your phone if it's stolen. You'll also want to make sure tracking services are enabled (Find My for iPhone or Find Hub for Android).
What to Pack for the Rio Carnival 2026
We made you a packing list. This list is not exhaustive but should give you a solid base. It's essential to prioritize comfort and safety in what you bring while adding a few pieces that let you have fun and your personality shine through.
- Comfortable clothes & shoes
- Fun accessories/ a costume
- Sunscreen
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Bathing suit
- Beach Towel
- A light raincoat
- Camera or phone
- Camera/phone chargers
- Toiletries
- Cash/cards
- Travel documents
- Earplugs
- Fanny pack (to keep your belongings close)
Note: The Brazilian weather this time of year is hot and sunny, but with some summer rains in between. Making sure you pack a rain jacket or poncho will help you make the most of your time there.
Beyond Carnival: Things to See and Do
Make the most of your time in Brazil, Photo by microgen from iStock
Rio has so much to offer. Here are a few ways to enjoy the city outside of Carnival:
- Discover iconic landmarks: Check out the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, with beautiful views accessible by cable car.
- Lounge at the beach: Enjoy gorgeous beaches and coastlines like the Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.
- Disconnect in nature: Recharge your batteries after the festivities. Tijuca National Park offers a variety of peaceful hikes for travelers.
Want to travel to other areas in Brazil? Read our Brazil Travel Guide and feel more prepared.
How to Stay Connected
If you're all set, there's only one thing to do: Ensure you have data to stay in touch with your loved ones and navigate Rio's lively streets. We help you stay connected with an Airalo eSIM wherever you travel. Airalo gives you access to affordable eSIMs for 200+ destinations, including Brazil.
Instead of paying expensive daily roaming fees with your current provider, buy an eSIM on the app (iOS | Android) and save money and time at your destination. Don't forget, you can redeem the promo code CARNIVAL15 on your first Airalo eSIM. Terms & Conditions apply.
