The year 2025 has begun and the Brazilian people are already beating to a different rhythm. The Brazilian Carnival is coming to transform streets, squares and sambadromes into stages of celebration, joy and diversity. It is the time of year when costumes shine and crowds come together to celebrate life to the sound of marches, regional rhythms and sambas. Between March 1 and 4, the contagious energy of this party will attract millions of people from all over the world to experience one of the biggest shows on the planet.
From north to south, each city imprints its unique identity on Carnival. Whether in the grandiose parades of samba schools or in the street blocks that draw crowds, the carnival spirit is a true manifestation of the Brazilian soul. For those who wish to immerse themselves in this unforgettable experience, we have selected five destinations that offer a diversity of styles and traditions: Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, Olinda and Belo Horizonte. Get ready to discover what each of these cities has in store for them!
Rio de Janeiro: Carnival of Dreams
The Marvelous City is the epicenter of one of the most iconic carnivals. The Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome is the official stage for the annual parade of Rio's samba schools. With grandiose floats, lavish costumes, choreography and lots of music, the samba schools parade for two nights, attracting national and international attention.
And that's not all: Rio's street carnival is recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest in the world, attracting around two million people a day to accompany hundreds of troupes (called "blocos" in Portuguese) that take over the city in an explosion of music and colour. Among the most famous are the Cordão da Bola Preta, the Simpatia é Quase Amor, the Banda de Ipanema, the Bloco da Favorita and the Bloco da Preta.
Whether you prefer the glamour of Sapucaí or the informality of the streets, the Rio Carnival is an unmissable invitation to experience unforgettable moments in the Marvelous City.
Salvador: Six days of electric trios
Imagine dancing behind an electric trio, feeling the vibration of the drums and being infected by the joy of people from all corners of the world. Get ready, because the Salvador Carnival offers six days of fun, animation, musical diversity and happiness. To give you an idea of the magnitude of this party, it has been in the Guinness World Records as the largest street carnival in the world, bringing together 16.5 million people.
During the festival days, the city is transformed into a huge open-air stage, with blocks, electric trios (trucks adapted with a platform for the musicians' show and with powerful speakers) and boxes that celebrate to the sound of axé, samba, pagode and many other musical rhythms. The programme is divided into several circuits, the main ones being Barra-Ondina, Campo Grande and Pelourinho. These routes are used by the electric trios of Brazilian artists renowned by the carnival, such as Gilberto Gil, Ivete Sangalo, Bell Marques, Durval Lelys and Daniela Mercury, drawing crowds through the streets of Salvador.
Salvador is synonymous with axé, human warmth and an experience that connects people from all over the world to the rhythm of Bahia. The first piece of advice for tourists visiting the Bahian Carnival for the first time is to choose how they want to enjoy this celebration: either in the middle of the party, following the comparsas in the street, or in one of the boxes that offer comfort, gastronomy and a privileged view of the party. Fun is guaranteed!
Recife: frevo, tradition and the largest carnival block in the world
The Carnival of Recife, capital of the state of Pernambuco, is a party that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. With streets full of colors, music and smiles everywhere, the party begins in the early hours of Saturday with the famous Galo da Madrugada, considered the largest street carnival movement in the world. It is impossible not to get excited when witnessing the frevo (typical rhythm of Pernambuco) invading the streets, with its colorful umbrellas and the vibrant rhythm of the orchestras with percussion and winds that do not leave anyone still.
In the old city centre, known as Marco Zero, you can find great shows and an incredible vibe, while in the poles scattered around the city there are performances of maracatu and ciranda (traditional Brazilian music and dance styles) and even lyrical troupes full of poetry and tradition. It is a mix of sounds and cultures that only Recife can offer.
What a pleasure to enjoy Carnival in Recife! In the midst of all this festivities, you can feel the essence of the people of Pernambuco: warm, welcoming and full of joy. So why not take the opportunity and live this unique experience?
Olinda: street party with giant puppets
Very close to Recife, the city of Olinda captivates with its Carnival, considered Cultural Heritage of Brazil. It is a magical and lively experience, which takes place amidst ups and downs of the city's historic hills, colonial architecture and stunning views, and reaches all the way to the turquoise Atlantic. Accompanied by frevo orchestras that play non-stop or to the sound of other rhythms such as maracatu, the street troupes are full of tradition, creativity in the costumes of the public and a contagious energy that makes it impossible for anyone to stand still.
The iconic giant puppets are the great international calling card of the Olinda Carnival. It is impossible not to be enchanted by the sight of colorful, caricatured figures of celebrities from Brazil and abroad dancing among the crowds. Olinda is more than just a Carnival: it is an unforgettable cultural immersion. Going out into the streets of Olinda, mingling among the various “blocos” and being part of the great Brazilian party is a unique experience in a destination with a wide range of gastronomy and hotel services.
Belo Horizonte: The New Carnival Favorite
Belo Horizonte, the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, has been gaining ground as one of Brazil’s top carnival destinations. With street parades to suit all tastes, from the most traditional to the most creative, the city becomes a hub of joy and fun.
And the real charm of this carnival is in its diversity. You can enjoy the crowded street parades or look for something quieter, in neighbourhoods where the party is smaller and more relaxed. Among the most famous “blocos” are Então, Brilha!, Juventude Bronzeada, Funk You, Havayanas Usadas, Quando Come Se Lambuza and Os Baianeiros, which draw crowds with their colours, energy and animation. For those looking for quality music, stages spread across the city host incredible artists, ensuring that the music never stops.
A tip: If you are in Minas Gerais at this time of year, it is also worth exploring other carnival towns, such as the colonial architectural gems Diamantina and Ouro Preto. In Diamantina, Carnival is enlivened by bands playing in the historic squares, while the hills fill with costumed and happy people. In Ouro Preto, the party has a younger atmosphere, with lively comparsas that make the historic streets vibrate. Each of these destinations offers a unique experience, but with the same Minas Gerais essence of welcoming with warmth and celebrating with the heart.
Ready, now you just have to choose your destination, prepare your costume and embark on this unforgettable adventure!
Source: Visit Brasil.