Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, (Carnaval de Rio de Janeiro in Portuguese) is one of the world’s most exhilarating cultural events. The annual festival is a spectacular celebration of life, music, and Brazilian culture that attracts millions of visitors from across the globe.
The 2025 edition promises to deliver unforgettable performances, vibrant street parties, and a non-stop carnival spirit. However, if you’re just planning your trip now, you’re in for a challenge: most official tickets are sold out, and third-party sellers are running low as well.
But don’t worry—there are still ways to get tickets if you act fast. In this post, we'll cover your options and provide some background on the festival to help you understand what makes Rio de Janeiro's Carnival so special.
When is Rio Carnaval in 2025?
The official dates for Carnaval de Rio 2025 are from February 28 to March 8, 2025, with the Sambadrome parades being the centerpiece of the festivities. Pre-carnival events will begin weeks earlier.
Here are some other key dates for the 2025 Rio de Janeiro Carnival and Sambadrome:
Pre-Carnival: Starts after New Year's, intensifies 1-2 weeks before the official start
Sambadrome Access Group Parades: February 28 and March 1, 2025
Special Group Parades (Top Samba Schools): March 2, 3, and 4, 2025
Children's Parade: March 4, 2025
Champions' Parade: March 8, 2025
What Will Happen at Rio Carnival in 2025?
Carnaval de Rio de Janeiro is a multi-day extravaganza that brings the entire city to life with music, dancing, and colorful costumes. While the Sambadrome is the focal point of the celebrations, Carnival takes place throughout the city, with blocos (street parties) and parades happening in every neighborhood.
Here are the key events at Rio Carnival that you should know about:
Sambadrome Parades: The crown jewel of Carnaval de Rio is the world-famous parade held at the Sambadrome. Built specifically for this event, the Sambadrome is an iconic venue where Rio’s samba schools compete for top honors. Samba schools spend months preparing elaborate floats, dazzling costumes, and choreographed dance routines to showcase their skills. The competition is fierce, and the parades are judged based on a range of criteria including music, performance, and costume design.
The parades take place over several nights, with the most popular ones occurring during the main Carnival weekend and the Champions Parade, to be held on 8 March, which features the top samba schools. Each school has a set amount of time to perform, and the spectacle is breathtaking, featuring enormous floats, live drumming, and hundreds of dancers.
Check here to see if tickets are still available for 2025.
Street Parties (Blocos): Beyond the Sambadrome, Rio’s streets are packed with lively blocos—free street parties that bring Carnival to the people. These spontaneous celebrations are open to everyone and take place in different parts of the city, ranging from small local gatherings to huge events with tens of thousands of participants. Blocos are a great way to immerse yourself in the Carnival atmosphere, even if you don’t have Sambadrome tickets.
See the Rio Carnival Bloco schedule for 2025 here.
Rio Carnival Balls and Events: In addition to the parades and blocos, Rio Carnival is known for its glamorous balls and private parties. Some of these are exclusive, while others are open to the public with tickets. The most famous ball is the "Magic Ball" at the Copacabana Palace Hotel, known for its lavish costumes and celebrity guests.
What Is the Sambadrome?
The Sambadrome, or Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí, is an open-air stadium designed specifically for the Rio Carnival parades. It was created by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and has been the main stage for Rio’s samba school competitions since 1984.
The Sambadrome consists of a long parade avenue, flanked by grandstands where spectators can watch the parades from various vantage points. With a capacity of nearly 90,000 people, it offers a range of seating options, from affordable grandstand seats to VIP boxes for those seeking a more luxurious experience. The parade avenue, known as the passarela do samba, is where the samba schools display their year-long preparations in the form of dazzling processions.
The Sambadrome experience is truly unique. As the samba schools march down the parade avenue, the crowd is swept up in the rhythm of the bateria (drumming section), cheering on their favorite performances. Each school tells a story through its music, costumes, and floats, and the atmosphere in the stadium is electric, filled with joy and excitement. Whether you're sitting in the grandstands or enjoying a luxury box, the Sambadrome is the place to witness the heart and soul of Rio Carnival.
Why is Carnaval de Rio so Special?
What sets Rio Carnival apart from other festivals is its ability to blend deep cultural traditions with a vibrant, modern-day celebration of life. Samba, the lifeblood of the festival, has its roots in African and Brazilian traditions and has evolved into a symbol of national pride. Each samba school participating in the parade represents a different community within Rio, and their performances are often rich with meaning, celebrating Brazilian history, culture, and social issues.
Carnaval de Rio is also renowned for its inclusivity. It brings together people from all walks of life—rich and poor, locals and tourists, young and old—all united by the desire to enjoy life and share in the Carnival spirit. The festival embodies the essence of alegria (joy), and for many, it’s a bucket-list experience that leaves lasting memories.
Secure Your Tickets Now!
If you’re still hoping to experience the magic of Rio Carnival 2025, don’t wait any longer to secure your tickets. Even though official channels have sold out, you can still find tickets through reputable third-party sellers. These tickets are selling fast, and waiting too long could mean missing out entirely.
You can click here to check ticket availability and get your hands on one of the final tickets. There are also a few tickets remaining for those who prefer tickets that come with a transport or shuttle service.
Even if you’re unable to secure Sambadrome tickets, remember that Rio Carnival is about so much more than just the parades. With free street parties, vibrant music, and the spirit of celebration everywhere, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time!
Ready to plan your trip to Rio de Janeiro? Check out these guides:
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a ticket through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to keep providing helpful content. Thank you for your support!
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