Thousands of tourists flock to Brasil each year to witness a festival unlike any other in the world: the Rio Carnival. This event is considered the largest parade on the planet. Over five days of celebration, more than two million people join in festivities that take place throughout the streets of the country's former capital.

On the agenda: music, dance, and parades of extraordinary scale where participants unleash their creativity each year. The electrifying atmosphere of the Sambadrome and the spectacular parade that unfolds there captivates spectators from every corner of the globe.

History

To understand the carnival as it exists today, we must look to the past—to a land far from Brasil: ancient Greece.

The Greeks invented the carnival. Back then, it consisted of mass celebrations honoring Dionysus, the god of wine. The Romans later inherited the practice. During their festivities, soldiers and masters would exchange their tunics.

Then came the Roman Catholic Church. Many of its faithful would celebrate for several days before Lent, particularly on the Tuesday preceding this period of devotion. This essential gathering became known as Mardi Gras. The Portuguese adopted this practice, calling it "Entrudo." They later colonized Brasil and brought this tradition with them.

In 1723, they organized their first carnival in Rio de Janeiro. It wasn't until 1840 that the first ball of this event took place, where polka and waltz were danced.

Meanwhile, freed slaves from West Africa and Angola participated in the festivities, dancing what we now call samba. These were dance steps inherited from their home countries, helping them escape their suffering.

During the celebration days, they wore extraordinary costumes: adorned with feathers, bones, various grasses, and stones while wearing tribal masks. Later, samba became the official dance of the Rio Carnival. Its participants dressed in costumes blending traditional African style with the exotic colors of Brasil.

Over the years, samba's popularity grew steadily. Its devotees regularly gathered to showcase their performances. Dance schools formed, and competitions emerged. In 1932, the first samba parade took place, with the participation of three schools.

The festival's renown prompted Governor Leonel Brizola to commission the construction of infrastructures befitting the event's scale. He enlisted architect Oscar Niemeyer, who began construction of the Sambadrome at Praça Onze, within the very cradle of Brazilian samba.

Visiting the Attraction / How the Event Unfolds

During the Rio festival, the entire city celebrates. Sensational parades are organized throughout. Professionals, artists, and the public all revel together.

The highlight of these five days of festivities is the parade that takes place in the Sambadrome. There, dance performances, extravagant costumes, and animated floats delight an electrified audience. More than 200 schools participate in the event, competing with originality and spectacular performances.

The carnival program varies each year. Around noon on Friday, February 21, 2020, the Momo King, an allegory of the satyr, will open the festivities. The city mayor will present him with the keys to the city and help him find a queen. The regent will be chosen for her beauty and samba talent.

The parade in the Sambadrome begins around 10 p.m. with the schools of Series A, establishments competing for entry into the special group. They launch the festivities with extraordinary performances.

On Saturday, February 22, 2020, parades of all kinds will continue throughout the city streets, particularly around the Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí. Around 10 p.m., other Series A dancers will parade through the Sambadrome.

On Sunday, February 23, 2020 around 10 p.m. and Monday evening, February 24, 2020, the carnival's elite—the twelve schools of the special group—parade through the Sambadrome. They compete for the award of best samba school. The six schools with the highest scores will compete again on Saturday, February 29, 2020.

On Tuesday, February 25, 2020, the children's parade, featuring junior samba schools, takes place in the same venue.

To attend this grand spectacle, tickets must be reserved nearly a year in advance. However, festivities unfolding throughout the city are typically free. The best of these are those organized by blocos and bandas—street groups.

Among them is the celebration at Cinelandia Square, at Praça Floriano Peixoto, and the one in front of the Sambadrome. Processions are organized by bandas and blocos in nearly every neighborhood. Those at General Osorio Square, along Avenida Vieira Souto, and on Visconde de Pirajá Street electrify the crowds.

All this, not to mention the festivities on Florianopolis Beach or those at Copacabana.

What to Do During Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Attend the Sambadrome Parade

An extraordinary parade that earns the Rio Carnival the title of the world's largest masked parade. The schools that participate showcase the result of a year's training and planning. Each has 65 to 85 minutes to captivate the public and judges. During their parade, they must follow a precise sequence, which they can adapt according to their themes.

First, the Commissão de frente, the opening commission, leads the way. This is a group of ten to fifteen people dressed in extravagant costumes. They perform a single choreography that tells a story, the Samba-Enredo, and presents a theme, the Enredo. Their role is to introduce their school.

Then comes a group of dancers swaying to the rhythm of the legendary song "Ó Abre Alas," followed by dazzling floats.

Next comes the Porta-Bandeira, the Flag Bearer, which forms the very heart of the parade. Around her, the Mestre-sala, the Master of Ceremonies, enhances her presence through dance steps set to a frenzied rhythm.

Finally come the veteranos, the veterans, followed by the ala das baianas, women in extravagant costumes. All this unfolds to the rhythm of 300 percussionists who follow closely, along with other parade elements. Nearly 40 judges are stationed throughout the stadium to evaluate every element of the parade and the crowd's enthusiasm.

The extraordinary floats, the breathtaking costumes, the Flag Bearer's attire—every element of this procession is a masterpiece of creativity. And each cannot be repeated in subsequent parades. This is what makes every festival utterly unique.

Attend Rehearsals at the Sambadrome

Parade participants regularly rehearse within the Sambadrome itself several weeks before festivities begin. These rehearsals are open to the public and admission is free.

Participate in the Sambadrome Parade

It's entirely possible to take part in the Sambadrome parade. To do so, prior registration with the schools or an official organization in contact with these establishments is necessary.

These schools have costumes available for rent that respect the theme they've chosen. Once registered, you must follow the organizers' instructions to the letter. This includes knowing samba or its basics, finding out about schedules and the precise daily program, attending certain rehearsals, and learning the choreography provided by school directors.

Some of these conditions can be demanding, but the adrenaline rush felt on parade day and the memory of having participated in this extraordinary event are well worth the effort.

Attend Festivities Across the City

In front of the Sambadrome, Brazilians and foreigners mingle and parade in extravagant costumes, competing with creativity against the samba elite's attire.

The atmosphere is electric in neighboring districts and on the beach. Processions form spontaneously, and major artists organize street performances. Participating in these events requires no constraints. The atmosphere they create enchants all who join.

From one of Rio's hotels, the best way to get around the city during carnival is the metro. Street traffic will be heavily disrupted by the various parades forming spontaneously.

During carnival, the metro operates 24 hours a day, allowing you to return to your hotel from 6 a.m.—the time when a Sambadrome parade typically ends.

Two metro stations are near this famous avenue. The choice between them depends on which Sambadrome sector you've selected.

For those who chose even-numbered sectors—that is, numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12—get off at Praça Onze Station. Upon exiting, turn directly right. Upon reaching the road, turn right once more. Then walk straight toward the Sambadrome.

For those who purchased tickets for sectors 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13, it's recommended to stop at "Central" Station. From there, the best way to reach your destination is to follow the crowd, particularly people wearing extravagant costumes. There are also several signposts pointing toward the Sambadrome.

To get to Copacabana, get off at the Estação Cantagalo, Estaçao Siqueira Campos, or Estaçao Cardeal Arcoverde stations. To get to Ipanema, head to Estacao General Osorio Station.

Other tourist neighborhoods are accessible by metro, such as Centro, Catete, Flamengo, Botafogo, and Leblon.

Hours and Rates

Attending the various parades in Rio's streets is generally free. Many of them take place at entirely random times.

As for the Sambadrome parade, it typically begins around 9 p.m. and ends at dawn, approximately 6 a.m. Admission is paid, and rates depend on the Sambadrome sector you've chosen—some offer better views than others—as well as the ticket type and the period when you purchase them.

Ticket sales are coordinated by LIESA, the samba schools association.

The next Rio de Janeiro carnivals will take place from February 21–26, 2020, February 12–17, 2121, and February 15–20, 2022.