Carnival in Rio de Janeiro — Samba, Beaches & Sambódromo
- Parade tickets: approximately 50 euros per person in advance — we paid 100 euros spontaneously.
- Sambadrome: Space for around 90,000 people, 700-meter-long street, 6 samba schools
- Each samba school attracts at most 2 hours, then a 20-30 minute break
- Per person, the number allowed is... 2 x 500 ml Plastic bottles and 2 snacks
- Arrive 2-3 hours early and bring a cushion — you'll be sitting on stones.
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Here's what you should know before going to Carnival: 🥳
- Usually, bags are not allowed! However, I didn't have any problems and could simply bring my big fabric bag. 😛
- Each person can bring 2x 500ml plastic bottles (alcoholic drinks are allowed too! 🍻)
- Each person is allowed 2 snacks🍫.
- It's not common for spectators to dress up big. A bit of glitter here & there is totally sufficient. ✨
- Food & drinks are affordable at the counter! 🍽
- Each samba school performs for a maximum of 2 hours - then there's a 20-30 minute break. ⏸
- Toilets are free & easily accessible. 🚻
- You should be there about 2-3 hours in advance to secure a good spot! 🪑
- There's plenty of space & you won't feel crowded (at least that was our experience). 🙂
- Wear comfortable shoes or just take them off (there's plenty of dancing) 💃
- Bring a cushion or a blanket as you'll be sitting on stones. 🥰
- Find a group to party with before the event, e.g., on Facebook. 👯♀️
- The event is on Brazilian time. So, don't expect German punctuality! 🕦
- If you want to see all 6 samba schools, expect to be there all night! 🎇
- You won't need a jacket in these temperatures! It's more likely to be too hot than too cold! 🥵
- Book tickets & accommodation early!!! (around 50 euros per person) 🎫
- Don't forget your good mood! 🥳
Off to Rio de Janeiro 🥰
This year, due to Corona, Carnival was postponed to April 20-30. On April 23, 2022, we took our flight at 03:00 in the morning from Fortaleza to Rio. So we arrived pretty exhausted. 😄 Our accommodation was right on Copacabana Beach. A beautiful beach! 🥰 Of course, hotel prices were extremely high again. For a really shabby hostel, you'll have to reckon with 60 euros per night (for spontaneous booking). Luckily, we got the last relatively good accommodation! 😌
During our last stay in Rio, we met a group via Facebook, which we met up with again. At first, we thought there would be a lot going on at the beach, but no such luck 😄. That's why we quickly got tickets for one of the biggest events in the world - the Carnival Parade 😍. Here, a total of 6 different samba schools performed. An incredible experience! 💃
Small tip: Always book tickets in advance! We paid double - so 100 euros per person! 🤓🤦♀️
In total, there is space for about 90,000 people. The best samba schools (escolas do samba) parade along the 700-meter-long street of the Sambadrome. I couldn't stop marveling. 🤩 One artistically decorated float after another passed by us. I don't even need to start on the fascinating dancers. It was simply impressive! 😍
There was also a totally beautiful fireworks display 🎆! The music was great & everyone was singing along loudly. Some even danced samba in the stands. It was a totally crazy feeling. You didn't know where to look first! 👀
Fact is: You should see this breathtaking event at least once in your life! Believe me ☺️
I can only say it again: It was breathtaking! 🤩 Here's another before & after picture:
In the end, we finally took an UBER back to the hotel & fell asleep with our earworm. 😴 Despite the shower in the evening, everything, but really EVERYTHING, was covered in glitter the next morning 😄 And let me tell you, that glitter is stubborn! Days later, we found glitter in our washed socks. Hallelujah. Finally, we set off for our next adventure: an absolutely amazing road trip from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo! 😍
Next Stop: Costa Verde Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tickets for the carnival parade in Rio cost?
Around 50 euros per person if you book early. We booked spontaneously and paid double that, so 100 euros per person. Book your accommodation early too: for a really shabby hostel, you'll easily pay 60 euros a night if you book last minute.
What am I allowed to bring to the Sambadrome?
Normally, bags aren't allowed—however, I had absolutely no problems with my large cloth bag. Two 500ml plastic bottles are permitted per person, including alcoholic ones, plus two snacks. Food and drinks are available at the counter for a reasonable price, and the restrooms are free.
How long does the parade last?
Each samba school performance lasts a maximum of two hours, followed by a 20- to 30-minute break. If you want to see all six samba schools, expect to be there all night. And don't expect German punctuality.
Do I need to dress up as a spectator?
No. It's not customary for spectators to dress up in elaborate costumes—a little glitter here and there is perfectly sufficient. Wear comfortable shoes; there will be plenty of dancing, and you won't need a jacket in these temperatures.
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