Rio Carnival 2026
📅 Saturday, February 14, 2026
📝 About Rio Carnival 2026
Every year before Lent, Rio de Janeiro erupts into the world's largest carnival, a tradition rooted in Portuguese colonial festivities blended with African rhythms brought by enslaved peoples. The centerpiece is the Sambadrome parade, where twelve top samba schools compete with elaborate floats, thousands of costumed dancers, and original songs judged on choreography, costumes, and theme. Beyond the Sambadrome, hundreds of blocos — informal street parties — draw millions of revelers across the city's neighborhoods. Rio Carnival attracts roughly two million tourists annually, injects over $1 billion into Brazil's economy, and is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural expression of global significance.
📋 Quick Facts
- Date
- Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Day of the Week
- Saturday
- Days Remaining
- 0
- Category
- Cultural Festivals
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
There are 0 days until Rio Carnival 2026 on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Rio Carnival 2026 is on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Every year before Lent, Rio de Janeiro erupts into the world's largest carnival, a tradition rooted in Portuguese colonial festivities blended with African rhythms brought by enslaved peoples. The centerpiece is the Sambadrome parade, where twelve top samba schools compete with elaborate floats, thousands of costumed dancers, and original songs judged on choreography, costumes, and theme. Beyond the Sambadrome, hundreds of blocos — informal street parties — draw millions of revelers across the city's neighborhoods. Rio Carnival attracts roughly two million tourists annually, injects over $1 billion into Brazil's economy, and is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural expression of global significance.
Rio Carnival 2026 falls on a Saturday.