The upcoming Carnaval de Natal will take place on the 20th and 21st of this month at Avenida Duque de Caxias, located in the Ribeira neighborhood. This long-standing tradition is fully open to the public and free of charge, allowing for widespread community participation. The parades will kick off at 20:30 on both nights, promising vibrant performances celebrating local culture and samba heritage.

On Friday, the event will feature the samba schools from Group B, which are competing for a chance to move up to Group A next year. The parade lineup includes Grande Rio do Norte, Em Cima da Hora, Confiança no Samba, and Imperatriz Alecrinense, with each school allotted 50 minutes to showcase their performances. Additionally, the school Dragão Imperial from the Access Group will also perform on Friday, given a 40-minute slot.

Saturday’s festivities will shift focus to the six schools of Group A, including notable samba schools like Batuque Ancestral and Águia Dourada, each granted up to an hour to parade. This weekend's events highlight the competitive spirit and cultural significance of samba in the region, drawing in crowds and contributing to the lively atmosphere that defines Carnival in Brazil, particularly in Natal. With the participation of both Group B and Group A schools, the event illustrates the rich tapestry of samba culture and its community-driven spirit.