Don’t Miss It: Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Just under a month remains until the world’s biggest carnival. From 21 to 26 February, it will take place in Rio de Janeiro. This dazzling, colourful event draws people from around the globe. There is still time to plan an unforgettable trip.

Traditionally, the festival lasts five days. The official festivities begin on Friday and conclude on Ash Wednesday. However, celebrations often last longer than planned. What is most remarkable is that nothing can stop the festival from taking place. Economic and political circumstances do not diminish this week-long celebration, which brings joy and excitement to the entire country.

Traditionally, Carnival begins with an opening ceremony. The Carnival King is crowned and presented with the keys to the city. From that moment on, Rio belongs to the carnival participants. A few hours later, the celebrations begin, along with the first day of the samba school parade.

Throughout Carnival, evening discos take place on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Every day brings samba school parades, including children’s parades and champion school performances, as well as a costumed gay ball, competitions between street groups and formal balls. Rio de Janeiro has more than 70 samba schools in total. During the festivities, five to eight floats featuring thousands of performers take part. A jury selects the very best, who earn the honour of performing on the final day in the Champions’ Parade.

To see the full programme of festivities, you need to buy an admission ticket. If you did not manage to get one, or only bought tickets for some of the days, do not worry. You can always become not only a spectator but also part of the celebration. Mass festivities and street processions take place in cities and towns throughout the country, and anyone can join in. Bring your own carnival costume or buy one in Brazil, so there is plenty of room for spontaneity. Participants in the main event, however, begin preparing for the next celebration as soon as the current one ends.

Visa requirements for Brazil depend on your nationality, so check the rules for your passport before you travel. If your trip has not been planned well in advance, finding accommodation may be difficult. It is recommended to book around six months before the festivities begin. Experienced travellers also suggest staying in smaller towns around Rio, such as Niterói. Ideally, choose accommodation near a metro station, as the metro operates around the clock during the celebrations. Taxi drivers often raise their prices for tourists, especially during Carnival.

From 21 to 26 February 2020, Carnival and celebration should be your only focus in Rio de Janeiro. Pack lightly, as sightseeing will be difficult on these dates and visitor numbers will be extremely high. If you want to explore the city’s cultural attractions and iconic places, it is best to do so at another time.

Before travelling, we also recommend checking all the information on the event’s official website. There you can find out how to get to the Sambadrome and buy a ticket for your preferred day. Large crowds are expected, so you can use the services of an “Angel”. These are specially trained people who help newcomers and other visitors find their way around the Sambadrome if they have tickets for an even-numbered sector. An Angel can also accompany you on the metro, help you buy a ticket and travel with you to Copacabana Beach.

The city will not sleep at night!

Music, dancing and a festive feeling fill every street, home and person. So if someone spills a little something on you or accidentally steps on your foot, do not let it spoil your mood. Such things happen in large crowds. Try not to dwell on these small inconveniences, while still treating others with respect and sharing the celebration with everyone around you—they will respond in kind.

Of course, the choice is always yours. In our view, everyone should experience this planet’s most spectacular celebration at least once, even if only for a day! Photos and videos are nothing compared with the emotions you can feel in person. If planning a trip independently seems difficult, you can choose a full tour package.

Have you ever dreamed of taking such a vibrant journey? What is holding you back? If you have already been to Carnival, share your experience and knowledge in the comments.