Rio Carnival: everything you need to know about the 2026 edition of the world´s greatest show

The 2026 Rio de Janeiro Carnival is once again shaping up to be the most iconic celebration on the world cultural calendar. Renowned for its unparalleled scale, it spans several days, transforming the city into a grand festival of music, creativity, and Brazilian tradition. Rio's Carnival is considered the world's greatest cultural spectacle, an event that transforms the city into a vibrant stage of color and popular celebration. The Visit Rio Foundation shares official details of this highly anticipated event below.

Main Parade Program – Special Group
The 2026 Carnival schedule will include the traditional Special Group parades at the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome, with official dates scheduled for:

Sunday, February 15th: Niterói, Imperatriz, Portela, Mangueira

Monday, February 16th: Mocidade, Beija-Flor, Viradouro, Tijuca

Tuesday, February 17th: Tuiuti, Vila Isabel, Grande Rio, Salgueiro

The parades bring together great samba schools in a competition of rhythms, colors and spectacularity.

Sapucaí Experience
The Sambadrome of the Marquês de Sapucaí is structured with different spaces so that the public can experience Carnival in different ways:

Arched benches for those seeking energy and a popular atmosphere

Friezes with privileged views of the parade

Chairs with numbered seats

Cabins and other special areas for Premium experiences

In addition, access to and movement around the Sambadrome is facilitated by public transport options and additional services such as transfers from the main areas of the city.

Street parties

Beyond the Sambadrome, Carnival 2026 extends throughout the city with traditional street parties and blocos, filling neighborhoods and avenues with music, color, and celebration. These popular events bring together locals and visitors in an open and festive atmosphere, with spontaneous parades, live samba, and a unique energy that transforms Rio de Janeiro into one giant open-air stage.

Private parties

From the ballrooms of the Municipal Ballroom and the legendary nights of Scala Rio to the parties that now spread throughout the city, Rio's Carnival demonstrates that its tradition transcends generations, adapting to new formats. A diverse program is beginning to occupy indoor spaces, expanding the options for those seeking to experience it beyond the street parties and the Sapucaí parades. For Luiz Strauss, CEO of Visit Rio, at a time when Rio de Janeiro stands out as one of the most sought-after destinations for Carnival 2026, both for Brazilians and foreigners, the diversification of the celebration emerges as a natural progression.

“These celebrations have always existed, of course, but they are increasingly gaining ground in the Carnival calendar. Parties inspired by the tradition of classical dances are becoming more popular and attracting a new audience. This strategy aims to diversify the Carnival experiences,” says Strauss.

Hotel parties

Alongside the official parades, Carnival is also celebrated through private parties at iconic hotels. The city's leading hotels and venues offer exclusive celebrations with themed dances, open bars, high-end culinary offerings, and samba shows—ideal for those seeking a sophisticated experience to complement the energy of the Sambadrome. 

Source: Visit Rio.