Rio Carnival 2025 with stage three days of parades for the first time.
This is in addition to the traditional “blocos.”
The street carnival begins on February 1, with more than the six million people who attended in 2024 expected.
The Carnival’s Special Group will hold three days of parades for the first time and in total, Marquês de Sapucaí will offer the public five consecutive days of events. starting February 28, with the Special Group parades taking place from Sunday, March 2, to Tuesday, March 4.
Four samba schools will be performing on each day of the Special Group at the sambadrome.
This contributes to tourists staying longer in Rio, both to watch the parades and to explore other attractions in the city.
The success of the new format is assured, Brazil tourism officials say.
It points to all tickets for the parades sold out since September 2024, with only VIP boxes remaining.
Another important new feature is the technical rehearsals, with two parades for each samba school.
The second parade will feature the same sound and lighting system that will be used in the official presentations.
In addition to the Sambadrome and the street parties, the city also hosts the Intendente Magalhães parade, a space in the northern zone of Rio where smaller samba schools present themselves.
Private parties and popular dances also boost the economy, generating direct and indirect jobs during the days of festivities.
National tourism agency Embratur says Carnival is an essential tool in promoting the city and attracting tourists.
