Summer in Brazil is a time for the beach, caipirinha, and the biggest party in the world, The Rio Carnival: an explosion of samba, dancing, millions and millions of happy people, and glitter!
In February, Brazilians live in the spirit of Carnival: it seems like that week life stops and all focus is on the magnificent samba dancers and their fabulous queen, as the whole country turns into one giant, lively party. The festive celebration fills the air with music, dance, and endless laughter. Streets become a sea of color and rhythm, pulsing with the heartbeat of Brazil, driven by the irresistible 2/4 beat of samba.
Samba: The Story Behind the Rhythm of Carnival
The first synonym of the Carnival is samba, the captivating rhythm and energetic dance, that just makes you move and enjoy life, just like Brazilians do!
The Carnival is an incredible mixture of vibrant colors, lively rhythms, and spirited dance. At the core is samba, a genre deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian culture from early 20th century Rio de Janeiro.
Samba has its roots in African culture brought by slaves who were brought to Brazil during colonization. During the slavery era, samba was seen as a form of cultural resistance. Slaves used music to express their feelings and tell their stories. Samba was a way to keep African culture alive and resist oppression by slave masters.
This culture was mixed with elements of indigenous and European culture, creating a new form of musical expression, creating the samba we all know today.
Samba is the most traditional rhythm of the Brazilian carnival. It is played in samba school parades, street parties, and all other celebrations throughout the country.
Top 50 Rio Carnival Floats [HD] | Brazilian Carnival | The Samba Schools Parade
The most common instruments used to play samba are the tambourine, the surdo, the tamborim, the agogô, the reco-reco, and the cuíca. Each of them has a specific function in the music and together they create the characteristic beat of samba, a beat that no one can resist.
But, samba is more than a dance, it’s an artistic expression that unites people and celebrates life, freedom, and equality.
Samba Schools: The Heart of the Carnival
If samba dance is the lifeblood, then the samba schools are the heart, tirelessly pumping passion, rhythm, and tradition into the vibrant celebration of Carnival.
Each samba school has the same mission, to represent and maintain the culture of samba, keeping its tradition and history alive.
Founded in the 1920s, the samba schools serve as training and arts centers, where members learn and practice samba dance, music, and song. These schools not only create spectacular performances for Carnival but also pass on the passion for samba to new generations.
The samba schools are the symbol of community and togetherness, a place where Brazilians of all ages gather to dance and celebrate life.
Samba School: 365 Days of Preparation for One Night of Carnival Performance
Even before the Carnival ends, samba schools are already preparing for the next one. It takes 365 days of planning, intense training, and lots of creative minds to compose a performance worth millions of views, but most importantly, a performance worth 1,000,000 reais as the grand prize. Along with the monetary prize that covers the next year’s expenses, the winning samba school also gains huge honor and pride by being the best at the Carnival.
The triumph brings increased visibility and media attention, leading to more sponsorship opportunities and invitations to perform at events and festivals worldwide. The winning school secures its place in the rich history of Rio Carnival, setting new standards of excellence and inspiring future parades.
Samba School Performance: Samba Dancing Queen, Touching Story, and the Rhythm of the Bateria
At the Sambodromos in Rio and Sao Paulo, where dancing dreams come true, samba schools tell their story through dance, music, and an explosion of colors.
Each year, they conjure an “enredo” (theme), a heartfelt story brought to life with glorious floats, dazzling costumes, and mesmerizing props. The rhythmic heartbeat of the “bateria” (percussion section) drives the performance, while the “samba-enredo” (theme song), sung by the charismatic “puxadores” (lead singers), fills the air with vibrant melodies in the middle of the night.
As the parade begins, the “comissão de frente” (front commission) captivates the audience with their spellbinding choreography, setting the stage for the “mestre-sala” and “porta-bandeira” (master of ceremonies and flag bearer), who twirl gracefully with the school’s flag, a symbol of pride and unity. All eyes will be focused on the Queen of Samba, whose charisma and energy light up the night, as she proudly shows off her samba, dancing in dazzling costume.
The procession flows through “alas” (wings), with participants in costumes that tell the enredo’s story, and grand “carros alegóricos” (allegorical floats) that paint scenes of wonder.
Judges evaluate the harmony, originality, and execution, ensuring that each samba school will capture the true spirit of Carnival, telling a story, keeping the tradition alive and spreading peace and joy.
This Sunday starts the Carnival in the Sambodromo in Rio, which will present 12 samba schools in 3 nights. In the city that never sleeps, Sao Paulo, 32 samba schools will show off their samba dances in February and March.
Edu Seco from Brazil: It was surreal to be part of a celebration I had always watched on TV
Edu Seco, a columnist specializing in TV and soap operas, from Mogi Mirim, in the countryside of São Paulo shares his amazing experience being part of a samba school in Rio.
“Carnival is the people’s party! It’s beautiful to see all Brazilians immersed in the festivities. It’s also a celebration that involves numerous workers, a true industry, highly important for various sectors, from the informal economy to hospitality,” says this Brazilian about the biggest party in his homeland. He adds that nowadays, he doesn’t have the same energy to party like he used to, night after night, so he usually travels or participates in more intimate gatherings with friends.
Edu shares that his dream came true in 2020 when he was part of a samba school in the epicenter of the Carnival, Rio de Janeiro.
“It was incredible! I attended a rehearsal at Mangueira’s samba hall. It’s an indescribable feeling, especially when the drummers take the stage. In 2020, I participated in the champions’ parade, also with Mangueira. It was surreal to be part of a celebration I had always watched on TV. Crossing the Sapucaí, seeing the crowd singing the samba theme and the school flowing was amazing! I also watched the champions’ parade in 2022. It’s beautiful!”- says Edu.
Carnival on the Streets: Where Brazil Comes Alive!
Street Carnival in Brazil is an explosion of culture, rhythm, and joy that embodies the heart and soul of the nation. With its roots in Portuguese traditions like the entrudo, these celebrations evolved over centuries to become a vibrant showcase of Brazilian creativity. Today, street Carnival is marked by the energy of blocos—parade groups that take to the streets with music, dance, and colorful costumes.
Each bloco has its own theme and musical identity, ranging from traditional samba to funk, attracting crowds from all walks of life. Cities like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador host some of the largest and most iconic street parades, where millions of revelers gather to celebrate in unity, creating a euphoric, free-spirited atmosphere.
What makes the street Carnival particularly special is its accessibility and inclusivity. Unlike the grand samba school parades that require very expensive tickets, blocos are open to everyone, bringing people together in public spaces to revel in the shared joy of the festivities. These gatherings often feature live bands or trios elétricos (sound trucks), turning streets into massive dance floors. Beyond the music and dancing, street Carnival is a visual spectacle with participants dressed in creative, often humorous costumes. It’s a time when social norms are relaxed, and creativity takes center stage, making it not just a celebration, but also a cultural expression of Brazil’s diversity and spirit.
Patrica Penna: The Carnival Feels Like a Dream
Patricia Penna is a photographer from the Brazilian city Belo Horizonte and she says that she loves the Carnival and everything that comes with it: the joy, the street parties, the costumes and all that glitter.
“I love the “Carnival event.” The whole country is impacted by it, even those who avoid the festivities and go to a quiet place end up not having ordinary days the same way. The atmosphere starts to heat many weeks before the date, when shops are decorated, people start preparing their clothes and costumes, street “blocos” rehearse more intensely, and plans to spend Carnival in this or that city take shape. And while Carnival happens, it feels like a dream. People gathered just by the desire to celebrate life, regardless of social class, appearance, musical taste, everyone can have their celebration. The motivation for people to participate in Carnival is to gather with each other and feel and claim the joy of living more and better, it’s not a competition, it’s not staged. It’s real” – explains the young photographer adding that this year she will participate in the street blocos of her city. She lives in Sao Paulo, but for the Carnival she will be in her home city.
“Belo Horizonte is a city that is not touristic but has emerged in recent years as one of the main Carnival destinations (more frequented by Brazilians themselves than foreigners). It costs nothing to participate (you buy drinks and food from local shops and street vendors), and there are hundreds of blocos spread throughout the city, each with a different characteristic of sound and visuals” – says Patricia. As a photographer, she captures and freezes all the memories from this magical event that brings Brazilians together celebrating life through samba, music and dance.
Asked what the Carnival represents to her, she says:
“For me, Carnival is a chance to experience the city, its large or small neighborhoods, avenues, bridges, squares, and parks. It’s a chance to be side by side with dozens of different people, meet friends, enjoy the sun, the music, the joy experienced through the collectiveness. It’s a collective catharsis. One of my favorite parts is also dressing up with a lot of glitter and adornments, expressing all our creativity and beauty as a culture”.
Carnival: Makes People Dance and Spend, Pumping Billions into the Economy
Carnival in Brazil is not just a celebration of joy and culture; it’s also a powerful economic engine. In 2023, the festival generated over R$8.18 billion nationwide, showcasing its significant role in boosting various sectors.
This year it is expected an economic impact of R$13.4 billion in key cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and Salvador. This huge revenue comes from tourism, hospitality, local commerce, and the creation of countless temporary jobs, providing a vital boost to the economy while supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Rio Brazil Carnival: the BIGGEST Party On The Planet!
Carnival is a magnet for global tourists. In 2024, Brazil welcomed 6.6 million international visitors, with Carnival as a major attraction. The event is anticipated to bring in R$12 billion in tourism revenue in 2025, with sectors like bars and restaurants (R$5.4 billion), transportation (R$3.31 billion), and accommodations (R$1.28 billion) leading the way. It also generates around 32,600 temporary jobs, primarily in hospitality and transportation. Carnival’s success exemplifies how this cultural phenomenon seamlessly merges celebration with economic growth, solidifying Brazil’s global appeal.
Andrej Zoric from Serbia: The Beat and Energy were Irresistible, You Have to Give In
Andej Zoric, a young and passionate traveler from Serbia, shares his story about the Carnival in the tropical land. He says that it was the biggest party he’s ever been to and he enjoyed every second of it. He has visited twice, but for sure, he will be back soon.
“When I was planning to go for the first time to Carnival, my friends from Brazil explained to me what Carnival is exactly, not only the show from Rio de Janeiro that we can see on TV. The destination for that time was Salvador, where all the famous singers were passing and performing, so the point was to have a good spot so we can enjoy to the maximum. They suggested taking camarote, or vip tickets, so we can have enough space and be “safe” from the crowd. We booked tickets and everything was ready for my first Carnival ever. The evening started, and we were walking towards our spot. I was super excited to see many people, differences in their style, and freedom of dressing. I had a feeling that we all came from the same reason, to dance and have a good time. The first impression was that it was really big and so many people, the biggest party ever,” says this young Serbian, adding that he spent around 700 reais on the ticket for one night at the camarote, a club made just for the Carnival with a view of the main street.
“I was going in and out from the camarote all the time, the party was everywhere and it was easy to enjoy. Even if I didn’t know some songs, the beat and energy were irresistible, you have to give in. I remember I didn’t take a rest all night long. If you get hungry, food is great, especially my favorite acarajé! You can see so many different people, and one moment you are part of a huge party, even if you are not Brazilian. I loved parting on carnaval and I would go every time if I can!” – continues Andrej.
He says that his best memory is the sunrise after Carnival, and he didn’t want to finish and go.
“I wanted to stay more. Feeling tired, happy, you don’t feel your face from smiling all night. What I wanted is to swim, but then friends told me that no one goes to the swim after Carnival, you know why… 🙂 Then the moment you take a shower and you go to bed, at that moment you realize how good the evening was, all the memories go through your mind that will stay forever and you want it more. Of course I went next year again!” says Andej who is definitely in love with this old Brazilian tradition.
Asked if he felt safe during his stay in Brazil, he said yes, but he was careful all the time. He adds that most of the time he was in a good company, but even when he explored the cities alone, he felt safe. But, he always had in mind all the tips from his Brazilian friends, he had a fanny pack, well hidden under his pants for his valuable belongings.
At the end he added that everyone should visit the Carnival in Brazil at least once in a lifetime, because it is a magical and unforgettable experience.
The Essence of Carnival: Unity Through Samba
The Brazilian Carnival is a breathtaking celebration where music, dance, and culture unite in a burst of color and joy. At its heart lies samba—a rhythm that transcends entertainment, carrying the rich history of Afro-Brazilian roots and the stories of resilience, freedom, and expression. Through samba, Carnival unites people, spreading a message of equality, community, and the unyielding zest for life that defines Brazil.
It’s more than a festival—it’s a reminder of the unbreakable spirit that moves us all, not just the Brazilians.
Millions will celebrate it on the streets, the heat will not stop them from dancing the nights off, but, you can also see and feel that magic here.
Author: Ivana Jarikj Sousa Rocha
I’m a storyteller at heart, blending my love for travel, writing, and photography. As a former modern sailor and cruise photographer on luxury cruises, I’ve sailed the high seas with my trusty camera in hand, capturing the world’s beauty from unique angles. Through my vivid tales, I bring to life hidden local gems and popular tourist hotspots. My content is a mix of practical travel tips, creative ideas, and entertaining, educational insights. As an ex-crew member, I also share fascinating stories from the cruise world, offering a behind-the-scenes look at life on board. Join me on these mini-adventures and let your wanderlust take flight with every story I tell. And as a creative and handmade DIY lover myself, I'm here to awaken the creative and handy side of you. Let's craft together, inspire each other, and embark on a journey of creativity and discovery.
I have written before that I really love your writing style – always inspiring and informative, capturing the essence of every single article, can’t wait for the next one.
Would love to visit Brazil during the carnival, looks like so much fun. Wouldn’t mind all the dancing too 😃
Wonderful writing style,always so much inspiring!
Always love reading about the Brazilian carnival!
Very informative, thank you