Often, I get asked how I end up at certain events while abroad. How did I even hear about them when I’m not from there, don’t speak the language, and don’t know anyone who’s going? Well, it’s one of my many skill sets, and something I actually enjoy researching. Keep reading to find out where to party in Rio this Carnaval season!
Samba Schools
Samba schools are the heart of Rio’s Carnaval, with the top 12 schools competing for the championship. Each school represents a community in Rio and hosts events all year in preparation for the main show. Not only did I attend the samba school events, I also paraded with one of them!
Feijoada Parties
Feijoada is Brazil’s national dish, and samba schools will host feijoada parties throughout the year. There’s music, food, samba—it’s always a fun event.
Story-time: the feijoada party at Mangueira
Ensaios
Ensaios (rehearsals) are hosted by samba schools in preparation for Carnaval. Often, they go all night and into the early morning. These are usually ticketed, and you can find the schedule on their Instagram pages.
Story-time: partying with Salgueiro until sunrise
Ensaios de Rua
Ensaios de rua (street rehearsals) are hosted by samba schools in the weeks leading up to Carnaval. Here, you’ll be able to witness the passistas (samba dancers), bateria (drummers), and rainha de bateria (queen of drums) parading through the streets of their communities.
Street Parties
You can also party for free outside all throughout Rio 🥳
Blocos de Rua
Blocos da Rua (block parties) are the best way to celebrate Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. Blocos consist of a live band playing popular songs that every Brazilian seems to know (don’t worry– go to enough of them, and you’ll start to memorize the songs too), with massive groups of people following and singing along. Click here for my bloco guide.
Baile Funk
Baile Funk are street parties hosted by communities around Rio, with the most popular one being in the Rocinha community. Usually held every Saturday morning around 2AM, there are plenty of food and drink carts, and of course, enough funk to have your ears ringing for days. This type of party is not for the faint of heart and is more of an unplanned experience – you’ll understand once you land in Rio and start asking around. My friends and I took the moto taxis up to catch the sunrise over Rocinha, an absolutely magical experience.
Pedra do Sal
You can find samba pretty much anywhere in Rio at any time, but the samba at Pedra do Sal on Monday nights is truly special. While the rest of the city is taking a break on Monday, Pedra do Sal comes alive, bringing together locals and tourists alike. Here, you’ll find cheap caipirinhas and loads of people singing and dancing along to the samba. The samba starts around 6 p.m. and ends around midnight.
