One of the most expected times of the year for us Brazilians is approaching. And in Rio, Carnival takes over the city in a diverse and surprisingly spectacular way! Above all, because there are several parades in the sambadrome, street parties, private events or clubs… In short, the city offers options for all types of revelers.
Carnival 2025: how to watch the parades in Sapucaí
In 2025, Carnival will take place between March 2 and 4. For those wishing to watch the amazing performances in Sapucaí, the plots of each samba school have already been defined and include a wide range of themes that claim and pay homage to Afro-Brazilian personalities and histories.
And there’s news for next year! There will be a new schedule. The parades, which used to be held on the Sunday and Monday of Carnival, will now be held on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday in 2025. And for the first year of the change, the parades will take place on March 2, 3 and 4. That means there’s even more partying to come in the next few years!
In addition, in this new configuration, four schools will perform each day and the judges’ scores will be settled at the end of each day.
You can watch this show from the stands and from the front row. There are a wide range of tickets, from popular sectors to more expensive ones. But the VIP cabins in Rio de Janeiro are a party in themselves!
Above all, because they offer a privileged view, diverse musical attractions and gastronomic experiences, the cabins are the most desired by everyone. Tickets usually include drinks and food throughout the entire night, an exclusive ‘abadá’, a T-shirt special for the occasion, and concerts by great musical artists.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a few tips on cabins especially for you:
Ticket sales started on August 27 and can only be done online. At the Ipanema Inn and Arpoador hotels, we’ll help you get the best ticket! Plus, the concierges will help with transfers services and give you the best tips for enjoying Rio’s carnival.
Street parties in Rio
The opportunities to enjoy Carnival in Rio go even further! Even before the official start date of the festival, the revelry already begins and often extends to one or two weekends after the party.
There are many street parties all over the city. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help you decide which ones will rock your Carnival. There’s something for every type of reveller!
Classic parties
LGBT+ parties
Themed parties
- Sargento Pimenta (Beatles)
- Carrossel de Emoções (Funk)
- Chora, Me Liga (Sertanejo)
- Rio Maracatu (Maracatu)
‘Modern’
For the kids
Where to stay during Carnival in Rio de Janeiro?
First of all, if you’re planning to enjoy Carnival in Rio, we recommend that you plan your accommodation.
And in order to make the most of your time in Rio, we suggest that you stay somewhere close to public transportation, shops and other activities besides the Carnival festivities.
With that in mind, here’s a tip for the perfect accommodation to visit the wonderful city during Carnival and at any time of the year!
Hotel Arpoador
At the Hotel Arpoador you can experience Carnival like a true carioca. That’s because the hotel, located on the seafront, has all the energy of one of Rio’s most beloved neighborhoods and combines the best of nature and urban life.
The hotel’s privileged location offers breathtaking views and also allows guests to recharge their batteries before or after the partying in the best way – enjoying the sun and sea of Arpoador Beach!
And there’s more! Arpoador makes your visit to the city even better with the services offered, which can be enjoyed inside and outside the hotel, such as hotel bikes, beach service, breakfast from the arp bar, as well as the guest-only terrace with sauna, swimming pool, wellness room, collective yoga practices from Monday to Friday and the Maré Spa, which is open daily for you to relax and renew your energy.
So you’ll sure have the best Carnival experience. Whatever you’re into, there’s room here for everyone and everything. Let’s be happy in Rio de Janeiro!