Joaçaba, a city known as the 'Carnival Capital of Santa Catarina,' is preparing for its grand carnival celebration with four samba schools participating this year.
Joaçaba, a small city with a population of around 30,000 located in southern Brazil, is officially recognized as the 'Carnival Capital of Santa Catarina.' This title reflects the city’s long-standing tradition of celebrating carnival, which dates back to the 1930s. Situated nearly 400 kilometers from the coast and the capital city of Florianópolis, Joaçaba's carnival is one of the largest in southern Brazil, drawing attention from within and beyond the region.
This year, the carnival festivities began on Monday, February 9, and will include parades featuring four samba schools that will perform on Avenida XV de Novembro. Along with the samba parades, the celebrations encompass various events such as rehearsals, street blocks, and other attractions, highlighting the vibrant community spirit and cultural expression associated with this annual event. The samba schools are evaluated by specialized judges who consider numerous criteria, from costumes and float designs to the music and overall performance.
Judging takes place the day after the parades—on February 17—where scores are compiled and results are announced on the same avenue, enhancing the competitive atmosphere of the celebrations. Joaçaba's carnival not only showcases artistic talent but also cements its identity and pride as a key cultural hub in Brazil, demonstrating how a small town can rise to prominence through its rich traditions and festive practices.
