Rio Carnival 2025 is fast approaching and is estimated to bring one million revellers from all over the world to enjoy the pulsating sounds of the Samba. It will take place from Friday 28th Feb to Saturday 8th March across the Brazilian city of Rio de Janero.
The first Carnival was organized during the 1640s. During that time, elaborate feasts were organized to give honor to the Greek wine gods. Drinking sprees were common and the Romans organized parties to give honor to Saturnalia and Bacchus. Soldiers exchanged their outfits with others to indulge in nocturnal festivities of wildness and revelry.
Ancient Carnival traditions in Italy consisted of several masquerade balls with revelers dressed up in costumes, but Brazilian traditions were influenced by the Portuguese and African presence in South America. The event’s unique style is mainly attributed to the influence of African people, famous for their spectacular musical abilities, brought to Brazil by the Portuguese during the slave trade. They gave life to the first samba rhythms. Carnival costumes were made of various elements, such as feathers, grass and bones – this year’s event promises to give you a glimpse of this!
Sometime during the 19th century Rio’s neighborhoods began to take part in the carnival parades, with cordoes, or samba-led groups of people, accompanied by percussionists, drummers and other musicians. Dancing, singing, excitement and party spirit- you could find all that and more on the streets of Rio, until the Carnival turned into a competitive arena for various blocos, or street parades. Today, participants are extravagantly dressed in their bright costumes as they strive to become the champions of the carnival.
Samba music at street parades influenced the emergence of samba schools in Rio. Today, these schools are positioned at the very heart of the carnival celebrations. As competition among street bands increased, samba schools created a specific identity so they could stand out from the crowd. Click here for a guide to which schools to follow this year.
The Sambadrome, located at Marquês de Sapucaí Avenue is the focus of attention during the Rio Carnival. The sophisticated Samba Parade is the focal point of all competing samba schools, trying to win the coveted championship title. Schools present spectacular shows on a daily basis, and Rio Carnival will be surely be even more exciting than before. The Access or Gold Group samba schools each compete to win a spot among the next year’s best 12 schools. The main events will culminate on Carnival Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, when the top 12 samba schools compete. Four schools will present a spectacular show each day, with the hope of grabbing the judges’ attention!
For more information and to book your tickets, visit www.riocarnaval.org