VIDEOS: Good Morning Rio, February 16, 2026
Highlights from the Rio Carnival's opening night and various incidents reported during the festivities.
The article provides various highlights and incidents from the opening night of the Rio Carnival, including a selection of the best photos from the event and video coverage of the parades at the Sambadrome. Among the notable moments, a performer from the Portela school was seen flying on a giant drone, showcasing innovative performances typically seen during the Carnival. The excitement, however, was marred by serious incidents, including a tragic accident involving rural workers where a bus overturned on a highway, resulting in six fatalities.
Another focus of the reporting includes a driver from the Mangueira school who crashed into the PraΓ§a da Apoteose, an iconic location for Carnival celebrations, which caused chaos and led the school to withdraw from its performance temporarily. Additionally, there were lighter moments captured, such as Iza demonstrating how she activates the smoke in her serpentine costume, demonstrating the blend of artistry and technology that characterizes the Carnival.
As Rio Carnival is a significant cultural event for Brazil, drawing attention both locally and internationally, this coverage reflects both the festive spirit and the underlying challenges that come with such large-scale celebrations, highlighting the need for safety and planning in future events.