To enjoy Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, you don’t even have to wait for the official date. That’s because the revelers have already set up their blocos and there’s no shortage of good options for getting into the mood and enjoying it. So, if you love Carnival and want to make the most of it in the Marvelous City, check out these tips on what’s already happening!
Blocos and megablocos in Rio de Janeiro
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is famous not only for the samba school parades, but also for the street blocks and megablocks that liven up the city. The good news is that the parades have been in full swing since the beginning of the year and continue until after the official date. Even better: they’re free, just get there!
So keep an eye on the schedule of blocos and megablocos on the official website.
What’ s more, the more secret blocos are often announced in groups via messaging networks. For those who like to organize themselves and don’t want to miss anything, this is the tip! Keep an eye out!
Carnival feijoadas
Carnival is all about feijoada, isn’t it? So, how about getting in the mood for revelry by tasting the party’s most traditional dish?
Every Saturday in February, until the 24th, at lunchtime, VillageMall is promoting the feijoada season with lots of options at the participating restaurants. In addition to the traditional version, there are also vegan and seafood options, in individual portions or for two people.
📌Avenida das Américas, 3900 – Barra da Tijuca
The Windsor Hotels chain is holding its traditional carnival feijoada on Saturday, February 10. The event will take place in the Europas room, on the first floor of the Windsor Oceanico hotel, which is also in Barra da Tijuca.
In addition, this edition has some new features for the public, such as performances by the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school and the Orquestra Voadora block, as well as a samba circle, DJ, kids’ area and more!
📌Rua Martinho de Mesquita, 129 – Barra da Tijuca
Parade, costume workshop, educational station and more!
Some people are so passionate about Carnival in Rio de Janeiro that they don’t just want to enjoy the party. They also want to learn more about Carnival history and culture. So, if that’s the case for you, the tip is to take part in the workshops that are usually a hit at this time of year!
Futuro – Arte e Tecnologia has an unmissable program for the whole family! With a pre-carnival parade, a “shed” for making props and customizing costumes and an educational station on samba, the cultural center in Flamengo is the right destination for anyone who wants to get into the mood for the country’s biggest popular festival. Check out what’s going on there:
Barracão Futuros” workshop
📅 February 3rd | 11am to 1pm
Pre-carnival parade with bloco Afro Lúdico Kekere
📅 February 3rd | 1pm to 2pm
Radio and Carnival” educational station
📅 February 24th | 3pm
Rua Dois de Dezembro, 63 – Flamengo
Carnival parties in Rio de Janeiro
In addition to the free program in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Carnival parties are also a hit with locals and tourists. This is because they take place in different parts of the city and feature a super production of lights, colors and artists, who entertain the public with songs that go far beyond the marchinhas.
As is tradition, Monobloco performs the most eagerly awaited shows of the Rio Carnival. This Friday, February 2, Fundição Progresso hosts the first of two Monobloco parties in Lapa, accompanied by drums made up of students from the percussion workshops. The second party will take place the following Friday, February 9, starting at 21:30.
📌Fundição Progresso | Rua dos Arcos, 24 – Lapa
Samba school rehearsals
The “greatest show on Earth”, as União da Ilha’s famous samba-enredo put it, always has a day and time to happen. But, just like the street parades, the samba schools have an intense schedule throughout the year.
Even before the official parades, they hold rehearsals inside and outside their courts, open to the public, as a way of getting closer to the community. So you can take advantage of these moments to party, memorize the samba of your school of heart and hope that it does well on the Avenue!
