Calendar / Rio Carnival
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Witness / Attend in Rio de Janeiro
Rio Carnival
Feb 5–13, 2027Confirmed
Scheduled and sanctioned by LIESA (Liga Independente das Escolas de Samba do Rio de Janeiro).
Dates & details verified against: Official event site ↗
Why go
Carnival exists in a hundred cities; the Sambadrome parade exists in one. Rio's samba schools spend a full year and serious money building a single 70-minute procession of floats, drum corps, and thousands of costumed dancers, then compete across two judged nights in the Marques de Sapucai stadium that Oscar Niemeyer designed for exactly this. It is the largest carnival on earth and the rare world spectacle you can join rather than watch: any school will sell you a fantasia, its costume, and a place in one of its wings, and the same week fills the streets with hundreds of free blocos.
When it runs
Carnival dates move with the lunar calendar, landing in February or early March.
- Feb 5–13, 2027Confirmed
Dates read confirmed where the organizer has published them, and expected where we've projected the recurrence. Always verify with the organizer before booking.
What to expect
Dates move with the lunar calendar, landing in February or early March. The 2027 edition runs February 5-13, with the Special Group parade nights on February 7-8 and the Champions' Parade on February 13. Expect heat, rain bursts, and a city running on three hours of sleep.
Getting there & around
Fly into Galeao (GIG); the Sambadrome is reached by metro at Praca Onze and Central stations. Grandstand tickets through LIESA's official channels sell out months ahead, so book four to six months out. Hotels enforce minimum stays during Carnival week.
Where it happens
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Want to go? The full Rio de Janeiro guide: conditions, logistics, providers →