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Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
Sample Schedule of Events, Parades and Balls

NOTE:
This is a partial list of events for activities, parades and balls for Carnival in Rio 2016.
The number and day of activities, parades and balls may change with each Carnival season.
There are also many private parties at hotels and clubs and many spontaneous street parties as well.
Without a doubt, Rio during Carnival is a city in party-time!

During Carnival, Rio de Janeiro once again plunges into the greatest theme-party on earth, with many pre-carnival events, and an unforgettable wrap-up on the Champion Saturday at the Sambodromo. A city-wide explosion of typically Carioca merry-making, Carnival is the greatest street celebration in Brazil. Carnival is a party for the entire town, interlinking thrills, creativeness, plasticity, colors, sounds, costumes and plenty of dreams. Carnival involves art, music, literature, magic and above all, life itself.

Pre-Carnival

SAMBA LAND – An open air courtyard with performances during the weekends before carnival and continuing at full steam ahead during the four days of merry-making, until the Champion’s Saturday. Stalls offer typical food and drink, while a huge stage draws all attention, with Brazilian top music shows. A visit to Samba Land during Carnival takes visitors to a dreamland of fantasies. The percussion music players with their exotic instruments, beautiful women dressed in costumes representing a wide variety of themes, performers here come from popular samba schools and bands that are sure to please the crowd. Color, rhythm, music, all blended into a fantastic setting that sweeps visitors away.

Place: Praça Onze, Centro (Downtown)  Best Time: From 10pm to 5am

Carnival Parade

Sambodromo Map

Carnival in the streets – Street Bands

By far the oldest, most widely enjoyed and, of course, cheapest form of Carnival revelry (free).

The coming together of people, energized by the fun-loving carioca soul - some in elaborate costumes, some not - to dance, parade and party through the streets.

Each neighborhood in Rio has its favorite Bandas or Blocos. They consist of an orchestra marching along a pre-determined route, followed by hordes of enthusiastic samba dancers dressed in costumes, bathing suits, plain clothes, and even in drag.

The operation of a Banda is really quite simple. First people gather at some well known spot, such as a square or neighborhood bar. After a couple or more hours, the band starts marching its way down the streets. The show performed by drag queens is a ‘must see’! Some Bandas take to the streets for a “warm up” way before Carnival period, on Saturdays or Sundays of January and February. Keep an eye out if you are in Rio during these months. The schedule is subject to change.

Famous Bands list (Schedules may change without previews notice)

Cordão do Bola Preta

Feb 06th - 07:00am

Concentration point: Cinelandia – Downtown

 

Banda de Ipanema

Feb 06th – 03:00pm

Concentration point: General Osório Square - Ipanema

Feb 08th – 03:00pm

Concentration point: General Osório Square - Ipanema

 

Carmelitas

Feb 05th - 06:00pm

Concentration point: Largo das Neves – Santa Teresa

Feb 08th - 05:00pm

Concentration point: Largo das Neves – Santa Teresa

 

Simpatia é quase Amor

Feb 06th - 03:00pm

Concentration point: Praça General Osório - Ipanema

 

Cordão do Boi Tatá

Feb 07th - 9:00am

Concentration point: Praça XV – Downtown

 

Carnival Balls

Rio offers a selection of Carnival balls. A true Carnival Ball features live music. It's usually two bands taking turns, and sometimes there is a guest vocalist. Samba percussion is supposed to be very loud. Balls usually don't start until 11pm and go strong until sunrise. There are a big variety of balls for all tastes: Gala Balls, Balls for singles, Gay balls etc. Most of the balls are quite informal affairs, open to the middle and upper-middle classes of Rio (popular balls, cheaper and wilder are also readily available). Please make sure to select well the ball you want to attend, by asking your tour guide. Recommended only for Adults.

Costumes are not mandatory, with the exception of a few balls. Putting on something special will help people get in the right mood, though.

Copacabana Palace Ball

Date: Feb 06th - 11:00pm

The most glamorous party in Rio.

The hotel’s magnificent salons are decorated in a special theme. This is where the cream of Rio

society and the city’s celebrities can be seen. A live band plays in the Golden Room. A traditional

carnival buffet is served and the party lasts until the wee hours.

Dress requirements: Men - black tie or luxury costume; Women - Gala dress or luxury costume

Carnival balls at Jockey Club
- THE OFFICIAL BALL OF RIO DE JANEIRO
- DEVASSA BALL
- THE AMARAL´S FEIJOADA
- THE GAY BALL
Times to be advised