Carnival: The Greatest Show on Earth

Experience the vibrant Carnival in Brazil: immerse yourself in the dazzling samba schools and parades and feel the energy of the street blocks.

Tamara Almeida

Updated 10:28 am EST, December 12, 2024

Published 01:06 am EST, December 12, 2024

Special Thanks:
Allex Salles, Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana & Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro
Mariana Cunha, Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro
Roberta Azevedo, Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Gabriela Leonardo, Hilton São Paulo Morumbi

Travel

Carnival: The Greatest Show on Earth

Experience the vibrant Carnival in Brazil: immerse yourself in the dazzling samba schools and parades and feel the energy of the street blocks.

Tamara Almeida

Updated 10:28 am EST, December 12, 2024

Published 01:06 am EST, December 12, 2024

Brazilian Carnival: Rio de Janeiro

Rio is the de facto destination for Brazil’s largest and most famous carnival celebration. It is designated by the Guinness World Records as the largest Carnival in the world. The festivity begins on Good Friday and ends on Fat Tuesday. The following day is Ash Wednesday, an important day in the Catholic calendar that marks the beginning of Lent.

Carnival in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro

At the heart of Carnival is samba, which perfectly illustrates the Afro-European mix that defines Brazilian culture. The League of Samba Schools organizes the samba schools that march in the parade. The leading samba schools are honored to perform for millions of people at the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome, inaugurated in 1984.

Carnival in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro

When watching the performances at the Sambadrome, the preparation that goes into each dance step, the choice of music, and the careful selection of dancers to represent each school becomes evident.

A panel of about 40 judges sits at crucial points in the Sambadrome, observing every nuance of movement, evaluating the threads and sequins of each costume, the meaning of the music, and the samba integrity as a whole.

Carnival in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro

The energy is clearly noticeable throughout the Sambadrome, where spectators and participants dance. The judges announce the champion school on Ash Wednesday, which is broadcast on local TV.

Carnival in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro

Street parties are organized by groups called “blocos.” At these neighborhood parties, you’ll find a large crowd dancing to the sound of live samba. The best street parties start when a small group gathers at a pre-defined location. The crowd then marches through the streets and gathers more and more people along the way.

Carnival in Brazil: “Blocos” in Rio de Janeiro

The most popular street parties are those organized by “Simpatia é Quase Amor,” which is wholesome enough that you won’t be afraid to take your children. For the more daring audience, Blocos and Bandas from Ipanema are the favorite of the LGBTQ community. The beauty of these bands is that they compose their own songs and perform their own dance moves. With over 685 blocks registered in 2025, Rio de Janeiro promises an unforgettable Carnival for all tastes.

Brazilian Carnival: São Paulo

The Polo Cultural e Esportivo Grande Otelo, opened in 1991, is best known as Sambadrome of Anhembi, and is one of the largest outdoor venues in Brazil hosting São Paulo’s grand Carnival spectacle. Designed by the prominent architect Oscar Niemeyer, it has a capacity for thirty thousand spectators and hosts the most extravagant Carnival parades. The samba schools, judged in several categories – including theme, costume, and general organization – during their 45-minute parade, are a sight to behold.

Carnival in Brazil: São Paulo

São Paulo is the largest economy in Latin America, and its scale is also reflected in the opulence and extravagance of its Carnival parade. Its samba schools not only attract big names in music and TV who parade on their floats, but they can also afford the most successful and creative producers behind every aspect of the schools’ performance.

The largest parade is the renowned “Special Group,” which brings together the 14 best samba schools in the city, competing in a two-night extravaganza at the São Paulo Sambadrome.

Carnival in Brazil: “Blocos” in São Paulo

The event is broadcast nationally on Saturdays and Sundays of Carnival so as not to distract from the parades of the Special Group of Rio on Mondays and Tuesdays. Yes, both cities, Rio and São Paulo, get a lot of attention across the country.

Throughout the 5 days of Carnival, more than 300 blocks will be parading through the city of São Paulo. Some of the most well-known include Acadêmicos do Baixo Augusta, the official partygoers of the city’s most incredible entertainment district, and the hilarious Vai Quem Quer, which parades noisily through the Vila Madalena neighborhood.

Carnival in Brazil: “Blocos” in São Paulo

At the center, Cordão Cecília brings a bit of the Afro-Brazilian flow of northeastern Brazil. At the same time, Bloco dos Esfarrapados maintains the old traditional vibe in the Bixiga neighborhood – founded in 1947. The City of São Paulo estimates that 15 million people will participate in the street festivities in 2025, and the anticipation for this grand celebration is already palpable.

Where to Stay: Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

Located in one of the main postcards of the Marvelous City, a few steps from the famous Copacabana Beach, Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, the tallest building on the waterfront, offers 545 apartments, most of which have sea views and services for both guests looking for rest and leisure, as well as those who come to the city on business.

Argentine chef Pablo Ferreyra signed the hotel’s contemporary cuisine, incorporating international and local flavors. Served at the guest-exclusive Clarice Restaurant, breakfast includes an assortment of bread, fruits, and cold cuts that translate to the best of the hotel’s gastronomic experience, all along with an incredible view of Copacabana Beach.

With its privileged location, Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana provides a stunning experience at the Isabel Lounge on the hotel’s rooftop. With a privileged 360º view, including one of the most famous beaches in the world and other tourist attractions, such as Sugar Loaf, Christ the Redeemer, Pedra da Gávea, Morro Dois Irmãos, and Pedra do Leme.

The Isabel Lounge opens at 6 pm and also accepts non-guests upon reservation. The hotel has two heated swimming pools, the Anna Pegova Spa, a 24-hour gym, and beach service with chairs, umbrellas, and towels for guests who want to enjoy the beach with much comfort.

Hilton Honors Diamond members have access to the Executive Lounge, which offers breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, and exclusive happy hour daily, with a selection of dishes, snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Where to Stay: Hilton Rio de Janeiro Barra

Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro offers a cozy, environmentally responsible, and strategic stay with a contemporary design, modern architecture, and a collection of works of art. The hotel has a privileged location in the neighborhood of the same name, with several beaches, shopping malls, concert and event spaces, and fun options.

Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro opened in 2015, being the first of the Hilton chain in the city and the second in Brazil. The renowned executive chef Felipe Moreira signed the delicious and exclusive cuisine of Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro. On the ground floor, the Abelardo Restaurant and Bar, with a capacity for up to 140 people, has an indoor environment and an air-conditioned balcony.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served with local specialties and regional dishes. On the 9th floor of the hotel, by the pool, is located the At Rio Rooftop & Lounge. It combines art, sustainability, bistro-style cuisine, and a friendly atmosphere.

The rooftop offers a new look to ponder Rio de Janeiro, accompanied by dishes inspired by Rio and France, connected with artworks that harmonize with the menu of signature cocktails, mocktails, sparkling wines, and wines. Both spaces welcome guests and non-guests with prior reservations.

The identity of Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro unites architecture and sustainability with a collection of works of art by renowned Brazilian artists, such as Roberto Burle Marx and Iole de Freitas, distributed in shared spaces and rooms, in addition to features that contribute to water and energy savings.

Gold and Diamond members of the Hilton Honors loyalty program have access to the Executive Lounge, which offers snacks and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day and features an exclusive daily happy hour.

Where to Stay: Hilton São Paulo Morumbi

In a privileged location, the Hilton São Paulo Morumbi offers proximity to several tourist attractions, parks, museums, and the best shopping centers in the region. The most famous rooftop pool in the city offers a view of the iconic Estaiada Bridge, one of the city’s famous postcards, in a space with a hot tub, sauna, large gym, a Kid’s Space, and a spa.

The hotel also has distinctive elements, such as 19 spaces for events of various sizes and exclusive access to the Nações Unidas shopping mall and the Jacques Janine beauty salon, ensuring a convenient experience for both leisure and business.
On the first floor, you will have access to the Canvas Restaurant, recommended 5 consecutive times by the Michelin Guide, which brings a modern reinterpretation of classic Brazilian dishes.

The space also includes an exhibition of paintings by national artists. Next door, the Canvas Bar is ideal for a happy hour with drinks and unique snacks, housing an award-winning wine cellar with more than 200 options. From Thursday to Saturday, enjoy your stay with a live DJ performance.

The hotel also has a grab-and-go style café, Caffè Cino, and Armazem Morumbi restaurant, open daily for breakfast, lunch, and brunch on Sundays – the perfect choice to enjoy live music in a cozy atmosphere. It offers valet parking and a pet-friendly policy.

Tamara Almeida

Senior Editor, Travel & Art

Journalist and host, Tamara was an international model for 10 years, where she lived abroad in 15 countries. She also achieved Miss Brazil World in 2008. Tamara currently collaborates with Brazilian and international press vehicles as a travel columnist. As a reporter, she covers the biggest beauty pageants and fashion shows throughout the world.

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