The Duration of Carnival
Carnival in Brazil officially begins on a Saturday and ends on the following Tuesday, which is known as “Fat Tuesday” or Mardi Gras. This period is widely referred to as the “Carnival week.” However, the festivities actually begin weeks before the official start date.
Pre-Carnival Activities
In Brazil, Carnival is not limited to just a week. Preparations and pre-carnival activities begin well in advance, adding to the excitement and anticipation. These pre-carnival activities often start in January and continue until the official start of Carnival week in February or March.
During this time, you can expect to see various events, such as street parties, live music performances, samba school rehearsals, costume contests, and blocos, which are street parades led by different samba groups.
The Main Carnival Parade
The highlight of Carnival in Brazil is the main Carnival parade, which takes place in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome. This grand spectacle involves a fierce competition between various samba schools as they showcase their elaborate floats, stunning costumes, and incredible dance routines.
The main Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro typically takes place on Sunday and Monday nights of the Carnival week. Each samba school has a designated time slot to perform, and the parade can stretch on for hours as spectators indulge in the joyful atmosphere.
Post-Carnival Celebrations
While the official Carnival week ends on Tuesday, the celebrations continue with post-carnival parties and events. Known as “Carnival hangover,” these gatherings allow people to extend the festive spirit and relish the last bits of Carnival before returning to their daily routines.
In Conclusion
In Brazil, Carnival is much more than just a week-long event. It is a vibrant, multi-week celebration that captivates the nation and tourists from around the world. With pre-carnival activities, the main Carnival parade, and post-carnival celebrations, the excitement and revelry seem never-ending.
- Official Carnival week lasts from Saturday to Fat Tuesday.
- Pre-carnival activities often start as early as January.
- The main Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro happens on Sunday and Monday nights.
- Post-carnival celebrations allow the festivities to continue beyond Tuesday.
Now that you know how long Carnival in Brazil lasts, start planning your next visit to experience this incredible celebration firsthand!