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RIO CARNIVAL 2024 PROGRAMMING
Rio de Janeiro, Capital of the World
Schedule
Everything about Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2024 – schedule, event details, dates, times, location, recommendations and ticket details. In this section you will also find information about tickets, costumes It is transport for the parades. Visit us regularly, as your online Carnival 2024 Guide will be dynamically updated by our team, in order to keep you up to date with all the details of this great party, of which you are the main guest!
Rio Carnival 2024 officially begins on Friday, February 9th and ends on Shrove Tuesday, February 13th. If you arrive in the city before the official start of Carnival, don't miss the chance to participate in some of the countless events that take place in Rio de Janeiro in the pre-Carnival period. It is worth it!
Sambadrome parades
Rio de Janeiro Carnival became world famous for the Samba Schools Parade. A unique spectacle, an impressive display of beauty and joy. This way we could describe in a very simplified way the championship dispute between the Rio samba schools. Due to the number of schools involved in the dispute for the title, the Special Group is divided into two blocks, that is, half of the schools parade on Carnival Sunday and the other half on Monday, making these two days the biggest event of the Rio Carnival, and therefore the parades whose tickets are eagerly sought after by all who wish to witness this spectacle up close. If you really cannot participate in these days, which are the most popular and have higher ticket prices, other good options available to you are the parade of the Access Group samba schools (whose champion acquires the right to parade among the main ones in the following year), which takes place on Friday and Saturday (February 2nd and March 1st), or the champions' parade, which takes place on the Saturday following the end of the parades (March 8th).
There are 4 different parades at the Sambadrome
- Special Group Samba Schools
Sunday and Monday, February 15th and 16th – Check timetables
This is The Parade, the highlight of the Rio carnival. You can't miss the show that makes Rio de Janeiro the carnival capital of the world. Everything revolves around Carnival these two nights.
The schools belonging to this group provide the best spectacle, they are magnificent, surpassing themselves every year in increasingly elaborate presentations with great visual impact. Simply unmissable.
The two nights are similar, in which the top 12 Samba schoolsare divided between Sunday and Monday. Choose the day that best fits your schedule. Gates open at 5pm, opening ceremony at 8pm, and parades start at 9pm.
Technical rehearsals at Samba Schools
Sambas Enredos from the 2015 Special Group.
- Parade of Champions
Saturday, February 21st – Check timetables
Starts at 9pm. The top 6 in the Special Group parade in all their splendor once again, with fireworks and great happiness at being among the Champions.
A beautiful spectacle, but without the proportions of the competition, being more affordable than the main days, Sunday and Monday. Without a doubt, this is the second best parade. - Series A Group Samba Schools (Former Access Group A and B)
Friday, February 13th and Saturday, February 14th – Check timetables
Starts at 9pm. There are 12 large samba schools in this group, where the Champion will parade among the 12 schools in the Special Groupthe following year, causing a very interesting dispute. Due to the greater number of schools parading in a single night, the parade time for each of them is a little shorter than that given to each of the schools in the Special Group.
Special Group: 80min
Group A: 60 min
- Junior Samba Schools
Tuesday, February 17th – Check timetables
Starts at 7pm. Here you can see the next generations of each samba school from a young age already imbued with the spirit of Carnival, including the same disputes and rivalries. Children from all participating communities learn from an early age to defend their school colors. It is important to note that in order to participate in the parades, all children must prove that they are enrolled in school, as in most communities very interesting social work is carried out throughout the year, and the fight against school dropouts is the main line of action. in all of them. As a reward for their year of studies, the little samba dancers can parade through their respective junior schools.
Its parade follows the procedure of large schools.
Balls
Rio de Janeiro, the capital of Carnival, offers a huge variety of carnival balls that take place in the pre-carnival period and during carnival. One of them will certainly suit your profile. Most of the dances have tickets at very affordable prices and take place in places where partygoers can arrive without any major difficulties. Tickets for most balls range from around R$ 200 to R$ 300. The big exception is the ball at the Copacabana Palace hotel, the most luxurious in the city, aimed at an audience that wants to enjoy Carnival without giving up sophistication. At this ball, the mandatory attire is black-tie or a luxury costume. Other big dances take place in Scala, located in the city center, very close to the Cinelândia metro station. The Caiçaras club and the Hard Rock Café da Folia also organize lively costume balls for adults and children.
In the vast majority of dances, there is no obligation to wear costumes, just wear comfortable clothing suitable for the heat in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival. Either way, feel free to wear a costume or even improvise one. This will help you relax a lot and make your night even more special. Keep in mind that Rio is the capital of carnival and that the entire city is celebrating during this period. Go, participate, wear your favorite costume and join in the fun!
The best carnival balls usually feature bands that play throughout the night, varying the repertoire between old carnival marches and plot sambas that remain in the reveler's memory.
The Magic Ball at the Copacabana Palace Hotel
Saturday, February 10
This legendary ball is not only the highlight of Carnival, but also the most famous carnival ball in Rio de Janeiro, making it the natural choice for glamor and sophistication. Luxury costumes, black tie evening dress are mandatory. In this environment it is possible to find a series of local and international personalities among the guests. All tickets for this ball include buffet, dinner and drinks freely, as well as guaranteeing access to all ballrooms. The lowest priced tickets are individual track tickets, without the right to a table. Although there is no assigned seating, there are chairs available on the balcony and in other areas near the buffet.
Scala Rio dances
Now 50 years old, Scala Rio offers themed dances every night during Carnival, forming part of Rio's grand Carnival. The place is large and very well known.
Location: Scala Rio – Avenida Treze de Maio 23, Center
You can purchase your ticket for a table with 4 seats, a box or a dance floor, and in the first two cases, other revelers will share the same space with you, which is still a good opportunity to meet new friends and create a good group. relaxed!
Boxes are per person and include free consumption of alcoholic beverages (except whiskey), an all-you-can-eat buffet with sushi, fruit and a snack bar.
Entry to minors under 18 is prohibited.
Bola Preta Cordão Ball
Mangueira Carnival Ball
Saturday, February 10
It's a good opportunity to experience samba and the atmosphere of one of the most traditional and well-known samba schools in Rio de Janeiro, without having to visit its court. The school is almost complete – its group of drummers, its main dancers, as well as, of course, its master room and flag bearer couple. On this day, samba reigns with all the vigor of the host school. Feel free to samba throughout the night or if you can resist the pungent drumming and animation of the other revelers, just watch the event, which is one of the most anticipated of the Rio carnival.
Gay Dance
Tuesday, February 13th
This is probably the most famous night in the series. The exotic collection of characters, drag queens and transformers fill two floors of the club. The Ball is broadcast throughout Brazil. It always attracts an exuberant crowd and its admirers.
Despite being a ball basically aimed at the gay public, the party is open to anyone who wants to have fun at one of the most relaxed and peaceful events in the city.
Samba Terreirão
Location: Praça Onze, Centro
Tickets: available at the entrance gate
This is an open-air space that resurrects the atmosphere of Praça Onze, a large square near the Sambadrome, Terreirão do Samba, according to some historians, is the birthplace of samba in Rio de Janeiro. Started by Tia Ciata (a notable figure in the city's history, extremely linked to Afro-religious culture) and her followers, friends and saint's children.
Terreirão do Samba has been operating since before the official opening of the Rio de Janeiro carnival, with a huge and varied program of attractions every night. The relaxed atmosphere of the place also has a food court made up of approximately 50 stalls, where you can have small meals and buy soft drinks and drinks.
Wonderful City Ball
Sunday, February 11th
Night dedicated to the City of Rio de Janeiro, with carnival marches and old and traditional sambas from the city.
"Beer" Ball
Street Parties
Lapa - Rio Folia
Every carnival night (Friday to Tuesday) from 8pm until the last reveler
Location: Arcos da Lapa
It takes place around Arcos da Lapa, the city's cultural center, where young people usually gather on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year. Lapa, as it is perhaps the most eclectic neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, experiences a true experimental music festival during Carnival, where new rhythms and styles are presented to the public. But don't worry, as samba makes its presence felt every day. The best thing about all this is that the event, in addition to being very fun and relaxed, is free!
There is a popular eating area, with drinks and stalls serving sandwiches and small meals. All at very affordable prices. Therefore, if you come to Rio and want to have fun without spending a lot of money, Lapa becomes a mandatory stop.
Cinelândia
From Friday to Carnival Tuesday, 18:00-03:00
Location: Praça Floriano, Cinelândia, Center
The party lasts five days to the sound of well-known orchestras and singers. These are nostalgic presentations by artists who built the history of Carnival, reliving the atmosphere of the grand Carnival balls of the past.
The audience for this event is mostly made up of older people and workers, many of them seeking to remember the golden times of radio, with some idols from this period performing for their loyal audience. The atmosphere becomes very pleasant and familiar for this reason.
Surroundings of the Sambadrome
During the days of parades at the Sambódromo, its surroundings acquire an intense nightlife, with thousands of regulars. Mixed in this crowd, we can see some members of samba schools already dressed up, who are still going to parade and are spending time with friends, or have already paraded and celebrate their schools' performance. The traffic of people is unbelievable, and some nearby streets are overcrowded. Expect to find all kinds of people here, including those who couldn't bear to drink so much, lively groups of people for whom samba seems to have no end, religious preachers trying to herd some sheep, etc. Anyway, it's Carnival and freedom is the watchword in the samba temple.
Technical Tests in the Community
These are the rehearsals with the presence of the paraders and the drums more or less in the positions that they will parade in the Sambadrome. However, they take place on the courts of the Samba Schools, which are sometimes distant and in areas lacking access that are more complicated. You can go to a school's rehearsals, but you can only participate in your own school's parade.
Technical Rehearsals at the Sambadrome
There are big rehearsals that take place at the Sambadrome. They are almost like a Parade, but without costumes and floats (sometimes they are replaced by buses) and the school is not always complete. Technical Rehearsals usually start in December, always on weekends, almost all of them, until the day of the parade.
The last rehearsal at the Sambadrome takes place on the last Sunday before Rio Carnival.
MAIN EVENTS
Every day of Carnival
Copacabana and Ipanema beaches –
Every afternoon
Cinelândia – Every night
Lapa – Rio Folia from 8pm
Terreirão do Samba – from 8pm
Scala dance from 23:00.
Friday, February 9th
13:00 Opening Ceremony – The King of Carnival (Momo) is crowned by the city mayor and receives keys to the city
21:00 Access Group Parades.
Saturday, February 10
09:30 Street band Bola Preta Cordon (City center)
16:00 Ipanema Band, concentration at Praça General Osório, Ipanema
20:00 Street Band Competition on Av. Rio Branco, Centro
21:00 Access Group Samba Schools Parade
23:00 Magic Ball at the Copacabana Palace Hotel.
Sunday, February 11th
22:00 Parade of the Special Group Samba Schools.
Monday, February 12th
22:00 Parade of the Special Group Samba Schools.
Tuesday, February 13th
16:00 Banda de Ipanema (last carnival parade)
21:00 Parade of the Junior Samba Schools
23:00 Gay Ball at Scala Rio.
Street Blocks
Street carnival groups are the hallmark of the informality and relaxation of Rio's carnival. The revelers gradually join in, having a beer is a good excuse to spend a little longer with friends, to which others are added as they arrive. Ready! This is the formula for bringing together a huge group in a big party which, in the case of the blocks, can take place along some streets in the neighborhood where they are located or stay in the same place all night, always with the guarantee that the fun will be guaranteed. Some blocks sell shirts or abadás to anyone who wants to participate as a member, but the vast majority only have the purpose of gathering more revelers wherever they go. Don't miss the chance to go after these true joy marches, as it's free!
You will find below a list of the best street carnival groups in Rio, their Carnival route and their respective schedules.
More than three hundred blocks are expected to take to the streets during Rio's carnival, so there will certainly be one or more of them in the vicinity of where you are staying in Rio de Janeiro. Stay tuned and be sure to enjoy the party.
The largest street demonstration takes place on Av. Rio Branco, Centro. From Saturday to Tuesday you can see the greatest variety of street groups, and this is where relaxation reaches its peak, with traditional groups such as Cordão do Bola Preta, Cacique de Ramos and Bafo da Onça, to name just a few. A late afternoon visit is always fun.
SOUTH ZONE
Ipanema Band
Neighborhood: IPANEMA
Parade day: Saturday before Carnival and Carnival Saturday 5:00 pm
Route: Praça General Osório, Ipanema and Leblon.
Sympathy is Almost Love
Neighborhood: IPANEMA
Parade day: Saturday before Carnival and Sunday after Carnival 5:00 pm
Route: Teixeira de Mello and Vieira Souto – Post 10 (Country Club).
Press Que Eu Gamo
Neighborhood: LARANJEIRAS
Parade day: two Saturdays before Carnival 4:00 pm
Route: Mercadinho São José das Artes, Rua Gago Coutinho.
Monoblock
Neighborhood: COPACABANA
Parade day: Sunday after Carnival 9:00 am
Route: Av. Atlântica.
Rancho Flor do Sereno
Neighborhood: COPACABANA
Parade day: Carnival Monday 6:00 pm
Location: Bar Bip-Bip, Rua Almirante Gonçalves 50
Route: Av. Atlântica, along the beach.
Armpit of Christ
Neighborhood: GARDEN BOTANICAL
Parade day: on the Sunday before Carnival 1:00 pm
Meeting: from noon with no end time, at Bar Jóia (on the corner of Rua Jardim Botânico and Rua Faro)
Route: Rua Jardim Botânico, Praça Santos Dummont, in front of the Jockey Club.
Block What the fuck is this?!
Neighborhood: IPANEMA
Parade: Carnival Sunday at 2:00 pm
Concentration: corner Rua Garcia d'Ávila and Nascimento Silva
Route: Garcia d'Ávila, Vieira Souto to Arpoador.
Beep-Beep
Neighborhood: COPACABANA
Parade: Carnival Saturday 00:01am and Carnival Tuesday 11:59pm
Location: Bar Bip-Bip, Rua Almirante Gonçalves 50.
This is the Good, but no one knows
Neighborhood: COSME VELHO
Parade: Wednesday before Carnival 6:30 pm
Concentration: Quadra dos Guararapes, Ladeira dos Guararapes.
SANTA TERESA / CENTER
Sky on Earth
Neighborhood: SANTA TERESA
Parade: Carnival Monday 4:00 pm
Concentration: Rua Dias de Barros, in front of Bar do Serginho.
Carmelites Block
Neighborhood: SANTA TERESA
Parade: Carnival Friday 18:00 and Carnival Tuesday 17:00
Concentration: On the corner of Dias de Barros and Ladeira de Santa Teresa
Route: Dias de Barros, Almte. Alexandrino and Largo do Guimarães.
Slaves of Mauá
Neighborhood: CENTRO – Praça Mauá
Parade: Thursday before carnival 7:00 pm
Concentration: Largo de S. Francisco da Prainha, close to Rua Sacadura Cabral
Route: Rua Sacadura Cabral, Praça Mauá, Av. Rio Branco, Rua Mayrink Veiga to Largo de Santa Rita, Rua do Acre, and back to Praça Mauá.
Bola Preta Cordon
Neighborhood: CENTRO – (Cinelândia)
Parade: Carnival Saturday 4:00 pm
Location: Rua Sacadura Crabral, 373
Route: Rua Araújo Porto Alegre, Rua México, Praça Melvin Jones, Av. Nilo Peçanha and Largo da Carioca.