Where to go for Brazil’s best carnivals

No one parties like the Brazilians. The sounds, the colors, the costumes and the sheer unadulterated hedonism of Brazilian carnivals are unbeatable. From the flamboyant extravaganza of the world-renowned Rio Carnival to the smaller local celebrations that give you an insight into different regional cultures, there are endless festivals dotted across the Brazilian calendar. We’ve gathered together a list of Brazil’s best carnivals to inspire you to join in the festivities on your next trip to Brazil.

Brazil’s best carnivals

These are Brazil’s best carnivals where you can test your festival endurance and attempt to keep up with local Brazilians.

Party at Rio Carnival

The party to end all parties takes place 40 days before Easter for five days of utter abandon. The incredible spectacle of the parades are a huge part of the appeal – the artistry and imagination involved is staggering, let alone the eye-popping costumes and impressive choreography. Apart from the parades, many people come to Rio de Janeiro at Carnival time in order to let their hair down at the grand balls, or the blocos – street parties which take place in many neighborhoods across the city. For young and old alike, the parties are great fun, with live music, throngs of people in extravagant costumes, and a huge sense of freedom and excitement.

Celebrate tradition at the Festa Junina

If your visit to Brazil doesn’t align with Carnival festivities, you can always join Festa Junina, a winter celebration held every year in June. The month-long festival is celebrated across Brazil, but nowhere does it bigger than Brazil’s Northeast. Rooted in Catholic traditions, this festival is known for its quadrilha (folk) dancing and lively forró music. Partygoers wear costumes inspired by traditional, Western-style farm attire, while traditional treats like pamonha (corn cakes) and quentão (a hot cocktail with cachaça, ginger, sugar, cloves, and cinnamon) are popular. While bonfires, fireworks, and dancing are at its heart, this country-wide festival is also a celebration of community and heritage for locals.

Make a toast at Oktoberfest in Blumenau

For two-and-a-half weeks every October, the southern Brazilian town of Blumenau becomes a little corner of Germany in tribute to its German roots. This Santa Caterina State community was founded by German colonists in 1850 and the Oktoberfest, which has taken place annually since 1986, is now the world’s second-largest such celebration after the original in Munich. The festivities stay close to their roots with lots of different beers available, a constant supply of wurst (German sausages) and plenty of traditional German outfits. Including the enthusiastic participation of the locals, around one million people join the fun every year.

Join the procession at Lavagem do Bonfim in Salvador

This coastal city is a hub of colorful culture and it has a fantastic Carnival of its own in the days before Ash Wednesday, one of the most exciting and important outside Rio de Janeiro. For a more low-key and traditional event, head to Salvador for the third Thursday in January where the steps of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Church receive some special attention. Crowds of devoted worshippers form a procession through Salvador, including hundreds of local women dressed in their finest Bahian splendor, and when they arrive at the church they ceremonially wash the steps with scented water and sing devotional songs.

Feel the rhythm at Recife Carnival

Located just four miles from Olinda, Recife was one of the first settlements of the Portuguese, with a history of a thriving sugar cane industry. Hosting its own distinct Carnival festivities, Recife kicks off its carnival with an early morning Galo da Madrugada parade, earning it the nickname Rooster of Dawn. This event attracts visitors from across the country, all moving to the lively beats of frevo music until the early dawn. It’s not just a party; it’s a celebration of Afro-Brazilian heritage. Don’t miss The Night of the Silent Drums, where you can experience the silent moment at midnight when the music and street lights are cut off in order to pay tribute to the town’s ancestors.

Celebrate the Festival do Boi Bumbá in São Luís

Celebrated across three main days in late June, this is the biggest celebration in the northern region of Amazonas. The Festival do Boi Bumba (also known as Bumba Meu Boi) marks the importance of local folklore and celebrates the heritage of the indigenous Amazonian culture.  The fun-filled festival uses parades featuring music, dance, acting and singing to retell the tale of an ox that died and then came back to life. It is essentially a big competition between team Garantido and team Caprichoso, each vying to out-dazzle the other with their flamboyant show. It’s an event that brings the whole city out to party, and has a great cultural aspect which makes it appealing to visitors.

Dance through the streets at Olinda Carnival

Olinda’s Carnival is a lively celebration that’s beloved by all ages. Known for its giant papier-mâché puppets (bonecos de Olinda) that march throughout the city, this northeastern Brazilian festival is a fun cultural experience. The city’s cobbled streets come alive with the sound of frevo music, while locals and visitors can be seen dressed in their one-of-a-kind festival outfits. Organized by locals, Olinda’s Carnival has a more native, authentic feel compared to others, with most of the partying set in the small squares and UNESCO-listed streets.

Bring in the New Year on Copacabana Beach

Everybody knows that the Cariocas know how to party, so what better place to see in the New Year than on one of Rio’s most famous beaches? This is one of Brazil’s best carnivals! The celebration often involves around two million revelers who pack the beach from dusk on 31st December, to enjoy the show. Expect several simultaneous live music concerts at intervals along the beach, along with general merrymaking, dancing and a more sedate Candomble religious celebration alongside. When the clock strikes 12, a huge fireworks show lights up the shoreline, then the party really gets going!

Samba your heart out in São Paulo

São Paulo’s Carnival may not have the same worldwide fame as Rio’s, but it has quickly become one of Brazil’s top celebrations. With colorful samba school parades, lively blocos, and all-night street parties held at almost every corner of the city, São Paulo has so much variety that you’ll find something for everyone. From LGBTQ+ parties to elaborate music performances, this Brazilian Carnival destination has it all. To be in the heart of the action, head to the Anhembi Sambadrome for an up-close look at the creative costumes, over-the-top floats, and samba schools.

Have a tipple at the Festival de Cachaça in Paraty

An easy trip from Rio brings you to the pretty colonial seaside town of Paraty where each August a long weekend is set aside to enjoy a favorite Brazilian tipple – cachaça. The celebrations include numerous opportunities to sample the classic sugar cane-based spirit, the best examples of which can be smooth, fiery and delicious. There are lots of street food trucks and stalls to choose from, so you can try out some authentic Brazilian cuisine along with the cachaça. To ensure the atmosphere keeps up with the enticing food and drink, there are various concerts and samba performances to enjoy.

Make it happen

Brazil throws some awesome parties and you are all invited, so why not plan your Brazilian adventure to include a festival or two, a great excuse to let your hair down on vacation. Our specialist local partners know all the best events for you to experience, and will plan your itinerary around your priorities and, of course, Brazil’s best carnivals.