In the official calendar, Carnival 2025 isn’t until March. However, there are plenty of options on the agenda for cariocas to get into the mood for revelry! Want to know what’s going on in the city? Then find out where to enjoy pre-Carnival in Rio de Janeiro!
Bloco da Favorita
During the pre-Carnival period and on the days of revelry, the megablocos take to the streets of Rio de Janeiro, dragging crowds through the City Center.
From the most traditional to the most recent, with all kinds of rhythms, it’s a must for those who like to party a lot! On this last weekend before Carnival begins, Bloco da Favorita is taking over the streets of the Center !
📌Rua Primeiro de Março – Centro
📅22/02 | from 7am
💵Free
Orquestra Voadora rehearsals
Some of the city’s more traditional blocos hold their rehearsals (free and/or paid) indoors to warm up the tambourines until the official parade in the streets.
This is the case of Orquestra Voadora, which rehearses at Fundição Progresso every Sunday. It’s well worth getting a taste!
📌Fundição Progresso | Rua dos Arcos, 24 – Lapa
📅Sundays | from 4pm to 9pm
💵Free (from 4pm to 6pm) | From R$20 (after 6pm)
Vem Cá Minha Flor Carnival Rehearsal
The city’s most flowery bloco is also in full swing.
So don’t miss the rehearsals of Vem Cá Minha Flor, which take place every Wednesday at the Cordão do Bola Preta headquarters .
📌Sede do Cordão da Bola Preta | Rua da Relação, 3 – Centro
📅February Wednesdays | from 7pm
💵From R$15,
Monobloco rehearsals
Also rehearsing before the official parade is Monobloco, one of the biggest blocos in the Marvelous City.
On February 21 and 28, Fundição Progresso will host Monobloco for open rehearsals, with its drums, made up of more than 140 drummers, leading the pre-carnival party.
📌Fundição Progresso | Rua dos Arcos, 24 – Lapa
📅21 and 28/02 | from 8pm
💵R$ 150, (half-price)
Me Enterra na Quarta Pre-Carnival + Sinfônica Ambulante
There’s going to be an epic encounter this pre-Carnival at Circo Voador.
That’s because, on the one hand, there’s the gang from Me Enterra na Quarta, who are experts in not letting the revelry die! On the other, the Sinfônica Ambulante, who have already taken the Street Carnival to the World Stage of Rock in Rio! Can you imagine this party?
📌Circo Voador | Rua dos Arcos, s/n – Lapa
📅22/02 | from 8pm
💵R$ 50, (half-price)
Terreirão do Samba
The start of the 2025 concert season at Terreirão do Samba!
Starting on February 21, Cariocas will be able to enjoy a lot of samba, pagode and several incredible attractions that will liven up the pre, during and post-Carnival! The program includes Mumuzinho, Diogo Nogueira, Gustavo Lins, Arlindinho, Sorriso Maroto and more!
📌Rua Benedito Hipólito, 66 – Centro
📅From 02/21 to 03/08
💵From R$20 (half-price)
Pre-Carnival Feijoadas
The pre-Carnival feijoadas are already a tradition in Rio de Janeiro! After all, samba and beans have everything to do with it!
That’s why we’ve put together an itinerary of the feijoadas that are already taking place during this period in the Marvelous City!