Brazil Carnivals set to attract 65 million revelers in 2026

Brazil is preparing for another record-breaking Carnival season, with more than 65 million people expected to join celebrations across the country in 2026.

According to estimates from Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism and Embratur, the national tourism promotion agency, this represents a 22% increase compared with last year, highlighting the growing appeal of one of the world’s most iconic cultural events.

Carnival remains a key driver of Brazil’s tourism industry and overall economy. Major cities including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador, and Belo Horizonte alone are forecast to attract around 40 million participants, demonstrating the scale and nationwide importance of the annual festivities.

Rio de Janeiro, widely considered the global capital of Carnival, is anticipating an exceptional year. The “Cidade Maravilhosa” expects up to eight million attendees for its celebrations, which include hundreds of street parties such as blocos and the famous Sambadrome parades.

Local authorities estimate the event will generate more than R$5.7 billion (approximately USD 1 billion) for the city’s economy. The strong demand is already reflected in accommodation trends, with hotel occupancy reaching about 98% ahead of the festivities.

International interest for Rio Carnival also translated into a growth of 9% in airline ticket purchases from abroad for the period between February 13 and February 18. Nationwide, searches for international flights to Brazil have surged by 21% compared with the previous year, indicating sustained momentum in inbound travel.

Interest beside Rio de Janeiro Carnival

To strengthen Carnival’s position as a global showcase for Brazilian culture, the federal government, through Embratur and the Ministry of Culture, has allocated R$12 million (around USD 2.3 million) to support the 12 samba schools competing in Rio’s elite Special Group. Across the country, Carnival celebrations are financed through partnerships between public authorities and private sector stakeholders.

Beside Rio, other destinations also expect major turnout figures. In Bahia, international bookings and ticket sales have increased by 43%, led by demand from Argentina and Portugal, two of Brazil’s key source markets.

São Paulo is preparing for more than 16 million participants across around 600 street blocos, while Belo Horizonte anticipates 6.2 million revelers and an economic impact of approximately R$1 billion (USD 190 million). In the northeastern state of Pernambuco, Recife and Olinda expect crowds of 3.6 million and four million respectively, showcasing distinctive musical traditions such as frevo and maracatu that differentiate their celebrations from the samba-focused events elsewhere.

As part of its international promotion strategy, Embratur has partnered with global platform Beautiful Destinations to position Brazilian Carnival as a diverse experience combining culture, gastronomy, technology, and luxury travel. The initiative aims to inspire international travelers with high-quality visuals and experiences, encouraging future travel decisions and sustaining demand beyond 2026.

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