What’s on in Rio de Janeiro

Rio Carnival photo

Rio Carnival

9 — 17 February 2024

Samba Parade: Sambadrome. Street carnival takes place in different neighbourhoods

Brazil's tradition of ringing in the new year with a wild carnival began with the colonial Portuguese, who instituted Carnival as a period of merriment and street pranks. It has lo…

Rio Carnival

9 — 17 February 2024

Samba Parade: Sambadrome. Street carnival takes place in different neighbourhoods

Brazil's tradition of ringing in the new year with a wild carnival began with the colonial Portuguese, who instituted Carnival as a period of merriment and street pranks. It has lost none of its pageantry and spectacle, remaining unchallenged as the Brazilian event of the year. The colourful parade of samba dancers, extravagant floats, brilliant costumes and magical music takes place along the Sambodromo, a half-mile long path built specifically for the event, while street parties and costume balls are held throughout Rio. Samba schools also vie for a championship title every year, meaning the competition is stiff and the showmanship of the highest quality.

Website www.riocarnaval.org

New Year's Eve photo

New Year's Eve

31 December annually

Various

Brazilians know how to party and Rio's New Year (Reveillon) celebrations are ranked among the world's biggest extravaganzas. The city hosts musical shows in several districts to ri…

New Year's Eve

31 December annually

Various

Brazilians know how to party and Rio's New Year (Reveillon) celebrations are ranked among the world's biggest extravaganzas. The city hosts musical shows in several districts to ring in the New Year, with Copacabana Beach hosting a crowd of more than two million people annually. Partygoers dress in white to bid farewell to the previous year and celebrate the arrival of the next. A fabulous display of fireworks illuminates the sky at midnight, amid much festivity and dancing. Hotels, clubs and restaurants also offer a variety of party options with formal balls, diverse menus and tropical buffets.