When people think of Carnival, Rio de Janeiro usually comes to mind, but the truth is, Carnival is celebrated all across Brazil.
From Salvador to Recife (and Florianopolis), every city brings its own unique flavor to the party. I’ve experienced all three, and while each is worth seeing, let me help you decide which Carnival suits your vibe.
The dates of Carnival change each year because it’s tied to the timing of Lent.
Brazilian Carnival 2025 Dates:
28/2/2025 – 5/3/2025.
In reality, Carnaval vibes kick in a couple of months earlier. For me, it almost felt like once New Year’s is over, everything revolves around Carnival. Some people even claim the lead-up weeks are better than the actual event itself!
Carnival Vocabulary
- Desfile – Parade
- Bloco – The group playing in the parade
- Camarote – A VIP area you can buy into (complete with a t-shirt)
Brazillian Carnival in Salvador: The Wildest Ride
My first carnival was in Salvador, and let me tell you—in my opinion, it’s the best carnival. Salvador’s Carnival is definitely intense and probably not for everyone.
Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia. Historically, Bahia was a major port in the slave trade, and today it boasts a vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture.
Carnival in Salvador is a non-stop party that kicks off in the afternoon and rages on until 6 a.m. the next day.
The main event is the huge Desfile, a line of massive trucks featuring live performances from Brazilian stars like Daniela Mercury and Ivete Sangalo, as well as international artists like David Guetta.
The trucks are surrounded by ropes held by young workers, creating an exclusive area for those who’ve paid to be part of a bloco—these are groups with their own camarote and T-shirt (abadá). These tickets can range from 100R$ to 400R$.
What makes Salvador’s Carnival stand out is that it’s truly for the people. The streets are open to everyone, allowing anyone to join the party and enjoy the performances.
It’s an incredible experience, but be prepared for the crowds and keep your wits about you. The area gets extremely packed, and while police patrol the streets, pickpockets are rampant, so stay alert.
For safety tips click here.
Bottom line: Salvador is for those who want to dance until dawn, immerse themselves in local culture, and don’t mind navigating a bit of chaos. It’s the most intense of the three cities, so come ready for a high-energy, unforgettable experience!
Brazillian Carnival in Rio: Street Party or Sambadrome?
Celebrating carnival in Rio has always been a dream of mine.
There are two ways to experience it: in the streets or at the Sambadrome.
The traditional Desfile, or parade, takes place in the Sambadrome—the samba stadium where top samba schools showcase their elaborate performances. It’s a stunning spectacle, but tickets can be expensive, and you might be sitting far from the action.
Rio’s Carnival is a bit shorter, with about four days of samba school competitions and a few extra days for the final show.
Pro tip: you can catch the samba schools rehearsing in the weeks leading up to the carnival for a fraction of the price (about R$30). These neighborhood parties are a blast and offer a more intimate look at the preparations. If you arrive in Rio a few days before Carnival, you can even watch the top samba schools rehearse at the Sambadrome for free—no expensive tickets required! It’s an incredible experience to see them up close.
For the more laid-back, street carnival is where it’s at. Blocos (street parties) are everywhere, and there’s one for every taste.
With high ticket prices, many Brazilians take to the streets to celebrate. There are various “blocos” (street parties) with famous singers
My favorite is the LGBTQ bloco, which rolls through Copacabana. It’s vibrant, colorful, and an absolute must-see.
Just remember, Carnival takes place during the day, but the party continues into the night. Here’s everything you need to know about Rio’s nightlife.
Safety tips:
Safety is crucial in Brazil throughout the year, but even more so during Carnival. The festivities bring huge crowds and an increase in opportunistic crime.
Be especially aware of the risk of “Arrastão”—mass robberies by groups of young people creating chaos to steal from the crowd. This happens sometimes in areas like Pedra Do Arpoador between Copacabana and Ipanema.
For more safety tips click here.
Bottom line: Rio’s carnival offers the perfect mix—whether you want the glamorous experience of the Sambadrome or to party in the streets with the locals.
Brazillian Carnival in Recife: Local and Free
Recife’s carnival might not be as famous, but it’s loved by locals for being free and a bit more low-key. It’s all about local music and dance, especially frevo, a high-energy rhythm unique to this region.
One of the best parts of heading to Recife for Carnival is the week leading up to it, especially in Olinda, a neighboring city famous for its pre-Carnival parties. The colorful streets of Olinda come alive with music, dance, and giant puppets, giving you a taste of the traditional side of Brazilian Carnival.
That said, while Recife has a family-friendly vibe, don’t let it fool you—pickpocketing and petty crime are just as prevalent here as in Rio or Salvador, so be cautious.
Bottom line: Carnival in Recife leans more towards locals, but if you’re keen to experience the true essence of Brazilian culture, it’s worth it. Just make sure to arrive a few days early to soak in the celebrations in Olinda!
No matter where you go, Carnival in Brazil is an unforgettable experience. Each city has its own unique flavor, so whether you’re down to party hard in Salvador, get fancy in Rio, or chill with the locals in Recife, there’s a carnival with your name on it!
