Experience the biggest party on Earth: Rio Carnival

We continue to travel the world and connect you with the main celebrations worldwide so you can save the date, pack your bags, get ready, and of course your SIM Card or eSim Connecty so you don't miss the chance to share a single detail.

This time, we travel to Brazil, the largest country in South America and a center of immense cultural and natural wealth. At Conecty, we value your experiences, and that's why we want you to discover the most significant aspects of Brazilian culture through a world-renowned celebration: the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, which takes place from February 28th to March 5th.

How is the Rio carnival celebrated in Brazil?

The Rio Carnival is celebrated every year, usually in February or March, and for five days, the city becomes an explosion of rhythm, color and joy that infects locals and foreigners alike.

The celebrations begin weeks in advance with rehearsals by samba schools in their neighborhoods and impromptu street parties called "blocos" where thousands of people flood the streets dancing samba to the rhythm of drums and cuicas.

The highlight of this festival is the Samba School Parade at the Sambadrome, an event where the top schools compete with their stunning costumes, floats, and infectious rhythms. Afterward, the judges choose the winning school based on criteria such as percussion, harmony, performance, allegorical elements, and other details.

Everyone participates in Rio's Carnival, regardless of social class or background. The celebration unites people to the rhythm of samba, and Rio de Janeiro is enveloped in a festive spirit that pervades everything.

Pay attention to this fact… This year, the Rio Carnival expects around 8 million attendees.

What is the best day to go to the Rio Carnival?

Tuesday is the best day of the week to be in Rio during Carnival, as that's when the top samba schools parade in the Sambadrome. Six of the best schools compete on Sunday night and another six on Monday night, but the best is saved for Tuesday.

During that day, the most famous and winning samba schools, such as Mangueira, Portela, Beija Flor, and Viradouro, parade. The parades begin at 9 p.m. and continue until dawn, in a space that can accommodate 90,000 people.

If you want to witness the ultimate expression of Rio Carnival, keep in mind that tickets for this day may be a bit more expensive.

How much does it cost to get into the Rio de Janeiro carnival?

Prices to enjoy the Rio Carnival vary greatly, but there are options for all budgets:

• Street groups : These are groups of people who organize parties with free dancing and music; all you have to do is join the crowd and dance.

• Sambadrome stands: Prices range from $40 to $300 USD, depending on the location and the day of the parade you wish to attend.

• Abadás: These are costumes that allow you to parade alongside the samba schools. They cost between $200 and $1000 USD per night.

  As you can see, you can find affordable options to experience the excitement of Rio's Carnival or pay more for a VIP and luxurious experience. The party is for everyone!
  

Which has been the best Rio Carnival?

This Carnival has been celebrated since 1840 ; however, experts consider the best Carnival in history to be in 1984, when two of the most famous samba schools, Mangueira and Beija Flor, starred in a close competition that ended with Beija Flor as champion by just 0.2 points, making it epic!

That year, the level of the samba schools was very high. On the one hand, the Mangueira samba school paraded with impressive floats and an impeccable drum performance that earned them top marks in several categories. However, Beija Flor exceeded expectations with thousands of participants, enormous floats, and perfectly synchronized choreography.

The crowds went wild during the parades, and the names of the samba schools echoed throughout the city. When Beija Flor was declared champion at the last minute, the Sambadrome erupted in jubilation, and this moment is still remembered as the golden age of Carnival.

What is so special about the Carnival in Brazil?

Places in Brazil to celebrate Carnival

Besides the city of Rio de Janeiro, there are other incredible places to experience Brazilian Carnival:

• Salvador de Bahia: It has the world's largest street carnival, with parades of electric trios and Afro-Brazilian rhythms.

• Olinda and Recife: They are famous for their giant puppets, satirical costumes, and lively audience participation.

• São Paulo: the country's main samba schools parade at the Anhembi Sambódromo before 30 thousand spectators.

• Florianópolis: It combines samba school parades with blocks that recreate rhythms of Azorean culture.

• Ouro Preto: a quieter, more family-friendly Carnival with parades of floats through the colonial streets.

For a few days the whole country comes to a standstill to intensely experience Carnival and during this 2025, from February 28 to March 5, everyone can be part of the biggest Brazilian party.

Whatever the destination, Brazil is filled with music, dance, costumes, and happiness is contagious to tourists from all over the world.

We understand the importance of peace of mind when traveling abroad and how being CONNECTED changes the whole experience, that's why with the connectivity of your choice, whether SIM Card or eSIM from Conecty you can share your best moments at Carnival and stay in touch with your loved ones.

Come and experience it and be part of the biggest Brazilian celebration!