2025 Rio Carnival in Brazil: Join the World's Biggest Samba Celebration | Sambódromo Anhembí
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Carnival
On February 28, Rio de Janeiro's Mayor Eduardo Paes will hand over a symbolic golden key to the "King of Carnival" at the Rio City Hall, marking the official start of the 2025 Rio Carnival. The key handover is a traditional ceremony that symbolizes the city's takeover by the "King of Carnival" during the festival, whose mission is to lead citizens and tourists in singing, dancing, and celebrating together with the "Queen" and two "Princesses."
Samba schools from across the city participate in thrilling parades at the Sambadrome. With participation numbers ranging from 2,500 to 5,000, the schools showcase their unique themes through meticulously designed costumes, dances, and floats. The best samba school, float, and "Samba Queen" of the year are awarded.
According to the official carnival schedule released by the Rio City Tourism Bureau, on February 28 and March 1, eight top-tier samba school teams will perform float parades at the Sambadrome. Unlike previous years, the schedule for the top-tier samba school performances, representing the highest level of the Rio Carnival, has been extended from two days to three, taking place on March 2, 3, and 4, with four top-tier samba schools performing each day. On March 8, the top six samba schools will perform a champions' parade at the Sambadrome, marking the end of this year's carnival. The Rio Carnival is Brazil's largest and most internationally renowned carnival. The Sambadrome parades run from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM (except March 5-7), and you can dance the night away at the legendary Rio Carnival balls. The parties never stop, with over 300 different parties every night in Rio, showcasing the most exquisite samba groups, their spectacular floats, and many revelers in extravagant costumes.