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By Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2026 is coming and promises to be one of the most unforgettable editions of all time. If you are planning to experience this spectacular party, it is important to organize yourself in advance to make the most of everything the event has to offer. In this post, we will detail the parade dates and times It is street blocks so you can plan your trip with peace of mind and ensure a complete experience at the best carnival in the world.
Rio Carnival 2026 Dates: Mark Your Calendar
The Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2026 will be held between the days February 22 (Saturday) and February 25 (Tuesday). These four days are the height of the festival, with an intense and varied program. During this period, both the parades at the Sambadrome and the lively street parties promise to liven up the city, and it is essential to know exactly when each attraction will take place so as not to miss anything.
In addition to the four main days, many street parades start earlier, on Carnival weekend, and continue until Ash Wednesday. So even if you don’t have tickets to the parades, you can still enjoy the party atmosphere on the streets of Rio during an entire week of celebration.
Sambadrome Parade Times: Get Ready for Grandeur
The samba school parades are, without a doubt, the highlight of Rio Carnival. Held at the famous Sambadrome of the Marquis of Sapucaí, the parades take place over several nights, starting on Saturday and continuing until Shrove Tuesday.
2026 Parade Dates and Times:
- Saturday, February 22, 2026: Parade of Samba Schools of Group A (starting at 9pm)
- Sunday, February 23, 2026: Special Group Samba Schools Parade (starting at 9pm)
- Monday, February 24, 2026: Parade of Samba Schools of Group A (starting at 9pm)
- Tuesday, February 25, 2026: Special Group Samba Schools Parade (starting at 4pm)
The parades are divided between the Special Group and the Group A, with the best samba schools competing for the title of Carnival champion. The Special Group parades are more elaborate and feature a gigantic structure of floats and costumes. To guarantee your place at the Sambadrome, it is important to buy tickets in advance, as tickets for these performances tend to sell out quickly.
In addition to the parades on Saturday and Sunday, on Tuesday, the schools of Special Group make their final presentations, which means you can watch the best samba performances and see the parades with more excitement.
Street Blocks: Fun for All Tastes
Rio Carnival is not just about parades at the Sambadrome – the entire city is transformed into a huge party stage, with more than 500 street blocks scattered throughout the neighborhoods, attracting millions of revelers. The blocks are a fundamental part of Rio's tradition and offer a unique carnival experience. They are free and open to the public, with performances ranging from samba to other Brazilian rhythms, as well as marchinhas, funk and even electronic music.
Most blocks start to take to the streets from Friday, February 21, and continues until Ash Wednesday, with emphasis on the more traditional blocks that gather during the weekend and on Carnival Monday. The street blocks do not have a fixed schedule, but they usually start in the middle of the morning and continue until the end of the afternoon or early evening. To follow the block schedules, it is essential to keep an eye on social media and specialized websites, which publish the schedules and itineraries of each one.
How to Plan Your Trip to Rio Carnival 2026?
In addition to knowing the dates and times of the parades and blocks, there are other important points to consider when planning your trip to Rio de Janeiro during Carnival 2026:
- Accommodations: During Carnival, hotels and guesthouses in Rio are quite full, so it is recommended to book your accommodation in advance. The most popular options are close to the Sambadrome or the areas where street parties usually take place. If you want to experience the best of Rio's Carnival, the ideal places to stay are in neighborhoods like Copacabana, Ipanema and Lapa.
- Tickets to the: As mentioned, tickets for the Sambadrome parades can sell out quickly, especially for the Special Group. Therefore, it is essential to secure your ticket in advance. There are several ticket options, from the cheapest to the most exclusive seats. Choose the option that best fits your budget and the type of experience you want to have.
- Transport: Rio de Janeiro usually sees a significant increase in the number of tourists during Carnival, which can impact public transportation and traffic. A good tip is to use the subway, which has lines that serve the Sambadrome and other areas of the event. The street blocks are also easy to reach on foot or by public transportation.
- Safety and Comfort: When participating in the street carnival, be aware of safety. Take care of your belongings and try to protect yourself from excessive exposure to the sun and crowds.
Choose the Ideal Ticket for the 2026 Carnival Parades!
Now that you know all the dates It is schedules of the parades and street blocks of Rio Carnival 2026, it's time to secure your ticket to live this unforgettable experience! Don't leave it until the last minute and choose the option that best suits you.
Click here and choose the ideal ticket for the 2026 Carnival parades. Take advantage of the opportunity to be part of the best carnival in the world!
