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 – and what ‘s going to happen – out there!
Blocos and megablocos in Rio de Janeiro
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is famous not only for the samba school parades parades, but also for the blocos and megablocos 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?
Here we’ve put together a itinerary of feijoadas that are already taking place in the city in case you want to get a head start!
But if you want to eat a feijoada during the festivities, the Windsor Hotels chain is promoting its traditional carnival feijoada on Saturday, March 1st. 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.
The big news for this year’s edition is the concert by renowned Rio singer Diogo Nogueira, who promises to open Carnival in style and get all the guests into the samba rhythm with his greatest hits!
📌Rua Martinho de Mesquita, 129 – Barra da Tijuca
📅01/03 | from 1pm to 7pm
Auê Festival
In addition to the free program, 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 music that goes far beyond the marchinhas.
One of them is the Auê Festival Festival, which is back at Armazém da Utopia, in Rio de Janeiro’s port region, and will feature full concerts by artists such as Ludmilla, Gloria Groove, Marina Sena, Belo, Os Garotin, Silva and Duda Brack. There’s more: for each day’s show, one (or more) different bloco!
📌Avenida Rodrigues Alves, s/n – Cais do Porto
📅02 to 08/03 | from 6pm
Latin Carnival with La Santa Clave
Another very different party is the Latin Carnival with La Santa Clave, which takes place this Thursday at Al Farabi.
In an unprecedented performance, the quartet La Santa Clave takes a tour of Latin American carnivals, exploring the riches and similarities of the continent ‘s musical repertoire .
Thus, the band, formed in Rio de Janeiro by four Latin American migrants, carries in its sound the essence of cultural mestizaje and a unique gingado, with 7-string guitar, varied percussions and a powerful voice!
📌Rua do Mercado, 34 – Entrance from the Olympic Boulevard
📅27/02 | from 6pm
Samba school parade
The “greatest show on Earth”, as União da Ilha’s famous samba-enredo put it, always has a date and time. However, unlike in previous years, this year the parades will take place over three days, with four schools performing on each day.
On Sunday, March 2, Unidos de Padre Miguel, Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Viradouro and Mangueira willperform in the Special Group.
On Monday, 03/03, it’s the turn of Unidos da Tijuca, Beija-Flor, Salgueiro and Vila Isabel. Finally, on Tuesday, closing the show, Mocidade, Paraíso do Tuiuti, Grande Rio and Portela parade.
So, are you excited to enjoy Carnival in Rio de Janeiro?