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Carnival in Brazil is an unparalleled celebration, filled with vibrant music, dance, costumes, and energy. Each region has its own distinct way of celebrating this festive season, making it a must-experience event for anyone visiting the country. Here are the top 10 destinations to immerse yourself in Brazil’s Carnival spirit.

When is Carnival in Brazil?

Carnival in Brazil is a dynamic event that takes place every year, typically in February or early March. The dates vary depending on when Easter falls, as Carnival always occurs 47 days before Easter Sunday. In 2025, Carnival will be celebrated from March 1st to March 5th, with festivities reaching their peak during the weekend leading up to Ash Wednesday.

1. Rio de Janeiro – The Most Iconic Carnival

Rio de Janeiro is undoubtedly the heart of Brazil’s Carnival, known for its world-famous Samba Parade, which takes place at the Sambadrome. The city’s Carnival is a massive celebration that attracts millions of visitors from around the globe. Rio is famous for its vibrant street parties, known as “blocos,” that take over the city, as well as for its rich cultural history and the energy that fills the air. Whether you’re enjoying the iconic samba performances or partying in the streets, Rio offers the ultimate Carnival experience, with something for everyone.

The Spectacular Samba Parade

The Samba Parade is the pinnacle of Rio’s Carnival, a breathtaking event where samba schools compete for the title of Carnival champion. Each samba school creates a unique theme, complete with elaborate costumes, incredible floats, and dazzling performances. The Sambadrome fills with spectators who cheer on the parade, making it a truly unforgettable spectacle. The excitement and energy are palpable, and the choreography of the dancers, accompanied by the thunderous beats of drums, create an electrifying atmosphere that must be seen to be believed.

Blocos de Rua: The Street Party Fever

While the Sambadrome is the main event, Rio’s streets come alive with “blocos de rua” or street parties. These lively gatherings are where locals and visitors alike gather to dance, sing, and celebrate. Blocos are free, and there’s a bloco for every taste, from samba to funk to electronic music. Some of the most famous blocos, like “Simpatia É Quase Amor” and “Cordão do Bola Preta,” attract hundreds of thousands of people, while others offer a more intimate experience. These street parties are the essence of Rio’s Carnival spirit.

Check out our complete guide to exploring Rio de Janeiro!

2. Salvador – The Energy of Axé Music

Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a city that offers a Carnival like no other. Known for its Afro-Brazilian cultural influence, Salvador is the birthplace of Axé music, and the city’s Carnival celebrates this genre with immense passion and energy. The streets of Salvador become a giant party, with vibrant parades and the famous “trio elétrico” trucks that bring music and dancing to the heart of the festivities. Salvador’s Carnival is all about inclusivity and community, making it a unique destination for anyone seeking to experience the true spirit of Brazilian Carnival.

Trio Elétrico: The Heart of the Party

The “trio elétrico” is the centerpiece of Salvador’s Carnival. These massive sound trucks, with live bands performing on top, lead the parades through the city’s streets, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The music is a blend of traditional samba, Axé, and other Afro-Brazilian rhythms. People follow the trucks, dancing and singing along, creating a sea of energy and joy that is unique to Salvador’s Carnival.

Where to Experience the Best Blocos

In Salvador, the bloco parties are spread across different neighborhoods, with the Pelourinho historic district and Barra beach being two of the most famous spots. The Barra-Ondina circuit, where many of the trio elétrico trucks pass, is especially popular. You’ll also find vibrant bloco parties in the neighborhoods of Rio Vermelho and Liberdade, which offer a more local and authentic experience.

Find out where to stay, what to do, and much more about Salvador, the capital of Bahia!

3. Recife and Olinda – Frevo, Maracatu & Colorful Streets

In the northeastern states of Pernambuco, Recife and Olinda offer a Carnival celebration steeped in tradition. Recife is known for its “Galo da Madrugada” parade, which holds the title of the world’s largest street party, while Olinda is famous for its charming historic streets and colorful celebrations. The music here is a fusion of frevo, maracatu, and the rhythms of the African diaspora, and the streets are filled with “bonecos gigantes” (giant puppets) that dance with the crowd. The Carnival of Recife and Olinda is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and unrelenting energy.

Galo da Madrugada: The Largest Street Party

Galo da Madrugada is the highlight of Recife’s Carnival, and it’s also the largest street party in the world. On Carnival Saturday, the event starts early in the morning and attracts over a million revelers. The streets are filled with music, dancing, and the unmistakable sound of frevo, as the parade weaves its way through the city. The atmosphere is electric, and the energy of the crowd is contagious, making Galo da Madrugada a Carnival event you’ll never forget.

Olinda’s Hills and Traditional Bonecos Gigantes

Olinda’s Carnival offers a more traditional experience, with its cobblestone streets winding through hills filled with the rhythm of frevo and maracatu. Olinda is known for its “bonecos gigantes” (giant puppets), which tower over the crowds and are a symbol of the city’s Carnival. These puppets, along with the colorful costumes and street parties, create a lively atmosphere that’s a feast for the eyes and the soul. The historic center of Olinda, with its colonial architecture, provides a stunning backdrop for this vibrant celebration.

4. São Paulo – The Growing Samba Scene

São Paulo is quickly becoming a Carnival hotspot in Brazil, with a growing samba scene that rivals Rio’s. Although São Paulo’s Carnival has traditionally been overshadowed by Rio, the city’s Sambadrome at Anhembi has become a major attraction for Carnival-goers. São Paulo also boasts a thriving street party scene, with blocos popping up across the city. While the vibe here is a little more laid-back compared to Rio, the energy is no less infectious. São Paulo’s Carnival is a blend of tradition and modernity, offering a fresh take on the classic samba celebration.

São Paulo’s Samba Parade at Anhembi

São Paulo’s Sambadrome is home to one of the most exciting samba parades in Brazil. Every year, samba schools compete to showcase their vibrant floats, costumes, and intricate choreography. While the parade may be smaller than Rio’s, it’s no less impressive, with a focus on creativity and innovation. The Anhembi Sambadrome fills with excitement as samba schools go head-to-head for the coveted Carnival trophy.

The Rise of Blocos and Street Parties

In addition to the samba parade, São Paulo has embraced the bloco culture, with a growing number of street parties taking place across the city. These free celebrations are a fantastic way to experience Carnival like a local. From samba and pagode to more contemporary sounds, São Paulo’s blocos offer a variety of music styles, and each one has its own vibe. Some popular blocos, like “Bloco da Favorita” and “Bloco do Sargento Pimenta,” attract huge crowds, creating an unforgettable Carnival atmosphere.

Explore Avenida Paulista and Liberdade in São Paulo!

5. Florianópolis – The Best LGBTQ+ Carnival

Florianópolis, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, hosts one of the best LGBTQ+ friendly Carnavals in Brazil. The city’s Carnival celebrations are marked by inclusivity, creativity, and a sense of freedom. People from all walks of life come to Florianópolis to enjoy the lively street parties, parades, and colorful bloco events that take place in the city’s downtown area and along the coastline. The LGBTQ+ community plays a significant role in shaping the Carnival vibe here, making it a welcoming and diverse celebration for everyone.

Magic Island’s Vibrant and Inclusive Atmosphere

Florianópolis is often referred to as the “Magic Island,” and its Carnival is as magical as the island itself. The city’s inclusive atmosphere makes it one of the top destinations for the LGBTQ+ community during Carnival. The parties in the city’s neighborhoods, particularly in the Lagoa da Conceição and Santo Antônio de Lisboa areas, offer a diverse and welcoming environment. Visitors can expect fabulous costumes, exciting music, and lots of dancing in a carefree atmosphere that encourages everyone to be themselves.

Where to Party in Floripa

In Florianópolis, the main Carnival celebrations take place at various venues, including the Avenida Beira-Mar Norte, where the city’s largest bloco parades occur. The downtown area is also home to many street parties, featuring local DJs, live music, and endless dancing. For a more laid-back experience, the beaches such as Joaquina and Barra da Lagoa host several smaller, intimate parties. Whether you’re looking for large street parades or a quieter celebration by the beach, Floripa has something for everyone.

6. Ouro Preto – The Ultimate Student Carnival

Ouro Preto, a historic town in Minas Gerais, is known for hosting one of the most unique Carnival experiences in Brazil. This town, famous for its colonial architecture and picturesque hills, attracts thousands of university students every year for an unforgettable Carnival. The celebrations here are intense, combining history, youthful energy, and wild parties. Ouro Preto’s Carnival is a blend of old-world charm and modern-day revelry, with streets filled with music, dancing, and plenty of students ready to have fun.

Republicas: The Party Houses

One of the highlights of Ouro Preto’s Carnival is the “repúblicas” or student party houses. These houses are run by university students who invite Carnival-goers to join them for themed parties, music, and endless fun. Each republica has its own unique vibe, with decorations, costumes, and music that reflect the spirit of Carnival. The party houses are a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the wild and youthful energy of Ouro Preto’s Carnival.

Historic Charm Meets Wild Celebrations

Ouro Preto’s Carnival is distinct because it blends the town’s historic charm with high-energy celebrations. As you walk through the cobblestone streets, you’ll pass beautiful colonial buildings, churches, and old mining houses that provide a stunning backdrop to the wild street parties. The combination of historic architecture and spontaneous celebrations creates a special atmosphere, making it one of Brazil’s most unforgettable Carnival destinations.

7. Belo Horizonte – The Unexpected Street Party Boom

Belo Horizonte, or BH, has recently emerged as one of the fastest-growing Carnival destinations in Brazil. What was once a low-key Carnival celebration has exploded into one of the country’s most exciting street party scenes. The city now hosts hundreds of blocos that take over the streets with energetic performances, from samba and rock to funk and electronic music. BH’s Carnival is a fantastic choice for those looking for a unique experience, where the focus is on community, music, and inclusivity.

Why BH’s Carnival Is One of the Fastest-Growing

Belo Horizonte’s Carnival has gained international attention for its rapid growth. This transformation is due to the city’s welcoming vibe, the spread of blocos throughout the city, and the diverse music genres offered at these street parties. The popularity of BH’s Carnival has skyrocketed in recent years, with more and more people from across Brazil and abroad flocking to the city to join in the fun. The affordability and variety of events make it an attractive option for both locals and tourists.

Must-Join Blocos in Belo Horizonte

Some of the best blocos in Belo Horizonte include “Bloco do Suvaco do Mundo,” known for its eclectic mix of music and laid-back vibe, and “Bloco Baianas Ozadas,” which offers a mix of samba and Afro-Brazilian rhythms. There are also larger blocos such as “Bloco da Preta,” which draws massive crowds. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly bloco or an all-night dance party, Belo Horizonte’s Carnival has it all.

8. Manaus – A Unique Amazonian Carnival

Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state in northern Brazil, offers a completely different Carnival experience. Surrounded by the lush Amazon rainforest, Manaus’ Carnival blends indigenous, African, and colonial influences to create a unique celebration. While samba and frevo can be heard in the streets, it’s the regional rhythms like Boi-Bumbá that take center stage. Manaus’ Carnival is an unforgettable mix of music, culture, and natural beauty, offering a one-of-a-kind way to experience Brazil’s famous festival.

Samba and Boi-Bumbá Fusion

Manaus’ Carnival features a fascinating fusion of traditional samba and regional rhythms, with Boi-Bumbá being a major influence. Boi-Bumbá is a folkloric performance that tells the story of the death and resurrection of a sacred bull, combining elements of drama, music, and dance. The performances during Carnival are colorful and vibrant, with dancers wearing elaborate costumes and musicians playing traditional instruments that fill the streets with rhythm.

A Carnival Surrounded by Nature

Unlike other Carnival destinations, Manaus offers a Carnival experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the Amazon rainforest. The celebrations are set against the backdrop of lush greenery, rivers, and tropical landscapes. If you’re looking to combine your Carnival experience with a unique adventure, Manaus offers opportunities for eco-tourism, wildlife exploration, and cultural immersion.

9. Paraty – A Mix of Tradition and Relaxation

Paraty, a charming colonial town in Rio de Janeiro state, offers a unique Carnival experience that combines vibrant street parties with beautiful natural landscapes. Set between lush mountains and the ocean, Paraty’s Carnival is a mix of historic charm, traditional samba, and festive spirit. The cobblestone streets of this picturesque town come alive with music, dancing, and revelry during Carnival. Paraty’s laid-back atmosphere and stunning surroundings make it a perfect destination for those looking to experience an authentic Carnival by the sea.

Bloco da Lama: The Mud Parade

One of Paraty’s most famous and unusual Carnival traditions is the Bloco da Lama (Mud Parade). Inspired by indigenous rituals and stories of Portuguese settlers using mud to scare off invaders, this bloco started as a spontaneous event in the 1980s and quickly became a highlight of Paraty’s Carnival. Participants cover themselves in thick mud from the nearby mangroves and march through the streets in a playful and chaotic parade. The event attracts adventurous visitors looking for a different kind of Carnival experience—one that’s messy, fun, and deeply connected to Paraty’s natural surroundings.

Enjoying a Quieter, Cultural Carnival

For those who prefer a more relaxed and culturally rich Carnival, Paraty offers plenty of options. The town hosts traditional music performances, including samba, choro, and maracatu, in its picturesque squares and colonial streets. There are also artistic and literary events that celebrate Brazilian culture, providing a more introspective way to experience Carnival. Paraty’s Carnival is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the festive spirit without the overwhelming crowds, while also exploring the town’s stunning beaches, waterfalls, and historical charm.

10. São Luís – A Carnival with Northeastern Roots

São Luís, the capital of Maranhão, is home to one of Brazil’s most authentic and culturally rich Carnavals. Known for its strong African and indigenous roots, São Luís offers a Carnival celebration that blends traditional Maranhão rhythms like Tambor de Crioula with reggae and other Northeastern music. The city’s Carnival is full of history, with parades featuring vibrant costumes, giant puppets, and a lively atmosphere that takes over the streets of São Luís.

Tambor de Crioula and Reggae Influence

Tambor de Crioula is a traditional Maranhão rhythm that plays a central role in São Luís’ Carnival. This Afro-Brazilian music is accompanied by lively drumming and dance, creating an infectious atmosphere that draws people into the streets. Additionally, reggae music has a strong influence in the region, and many blocos incorporate reggae beats into their celebrations, blending the rhythms of Maranhão with the laid-back vibes of the Caribbean.

Where to Experience São Luís’ Unique Carnival

São Luís’ Carnival is unique because it embraces both traditional and contemporary Carnival practices. The city’s historic center, with its colonial architecture, provides a stunning backdrop for the celebrations. The “Boi de Axixá” parade and the giant puppet shows are a must-see, as they showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. São Luís’ Carnival offers a chance to experience a Carnival deeply rooted in Northeastern traditions, with a warmth and authenticity that make it stand out.

Where to Go in Brazil to Escape Carnival Crowds

While Carnival in Brazil is an unforgettable experience filled with music, dance, and vibrant street parties, some travelers prefer a quieter getaway during this festive season. Fortunately, Brazil offers incredible destinations for those seeking relaxation, nature, and cultural exploration away from the energetic crowds. 

Whether you’re looking for secluded beaches, breathtaking natural landscapes, or charming small towns, there are plenty of places where you can escape the Carnival madness and enjoy a different side of Brazil. Here are some of the best destinations for a peaceful retreat during Carnival.

Chapada Diamantina – Nature and Adventure

If you’re seeking a more peaceful escape, Chapada Diamantina in Bahia offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and waterfalls. This destination is perfect for nature lovers looking to avoid the crowded Carnival scenes while still enjoying the beauty of Brazil.

Explore Vila do Capão in Chapada Diamantina!

Ilha Grande – Tranquil Beaches and Hiking Trails

For a relaxing getaway, Ilha Grande near Rio de Janeiro offers secluded beaches and tranquil hiking trails, ideal for those who want to recharge during Carnival away from the hustle and bustle.

Pantanal – Wildlife and Peaceful Exploration

The Pantanal is one of the world’s largest wetlands, home to diverse wildlife and serene landscapes. It’s a perfect destination for travelers who want to immerse themselves in nature while avoiding the Carnival crowds.

Serra Gaúcha – A Taste of Europe in Brazil

In the southern region of Brazil, Serra Gaúcha offers charming European-style villages, wine tourism, and cooler weather. It’s a peaceful and picturesque alternative to the traditional Carnival celebrations.

Final tips for enjoying Brazil’s Carnival

Carnival in Brazil is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but proper preparation can make all the difference in ensuring you have an amazing time. From packing the right essentials to staying safe in crowded celebrations, a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re dancing in a bloco de rua, attending a glamorous samba parade, or enjoying the festive atmosphere from a cozy spot, these final tips will help you make the most of your Carnival adventure in Brazil.

What to pack for a Brazilian Carnival Experience

Pack light and colorful clothing, comfortable shoes for dancing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Don’t forget your camera or phone to capture the unforgettable moments, and bring cash as many street parties don’t accept cards.

Safety tips and how to make the most of it

While Carnival is an incredibly fun and safe event, it’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables close, drink plenty of water, and take time to rest between parties to avoid exhaustion. Most importantly, have fun and embrace the vibrant energy of Brazil’s Carnival!

Brazil’s Carnival is more than just a party—it’s a cultural phenomenon that showcases the country’s rich traditions, music, and infectious energy. Whether you choose to experience the grandeur of Rio de Janeiro’s samba parade, the electrifying street parties of Salvador and Recife, or the unique celebrations in smaller towns like Paraty and Ouro Preto, each destination offers a distinct and unforgettable way to celebrate.

For those who prefer to escape the crowds, Brazil also has incredible alternatives, from serene beaches to breathtaking natural reserves, where you can enjoy the beauty of the country at a slower pace.

No matter where you go, Carnival in Brazil is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the joy, rhythm, and warmth of Brazilian culture. So, pack your most colorful outfits, bring your best energy, and get ready to dance, sing, and celebrate like never before!