The street carnival in Rio officially begins with the traditional Carmelitas block parade in Santa Teresa, marking the start of a festive season with numerous other parades scheduled.
The street carnival in Rio de Janeiro kicked off officially on Friday, February 13, with the traditional parade of the Carmelitas block in the Santa Teresa neighborhood. This event marks the beginning of a vibrant carnival season in the city, featuring a total of 238 parades across various neighborhoods from now until Ash Wednesday on February 18. The festivities promise a lively atmosphere filled with music, dance, and revelry as residents and visitors alike join in the celebrations.
On the same day, over 20 other blocks are scheduled to parade throughout the city, including popular areas such as Centro, Lapa, Grajaú, Méier, Vila Isabel, and Pedra de Guaratiba. The festivities commence in the afternoon and continue into the night, enticing millions to partake in the carnival spirit. The expectation from city officials is high, with estimates suggesting that approximately 6.8 million people will participate in the carnival activities over the entire season.
Additionally, according to Riotur, the municipal tourism company, a total of 462 blocks have received official permission to parade during the 2026 edition of the festival, indicating a robust and growing carnival culture in Rio. The event serves as an important cultural expression for the city, drawing attention to its rich traditions and community spirit as people come together to celebrate this iconic festivity.
