Samba circles in Rio de Janeiro
Carnival is only a few weeks away, and for Cariocas the countdown has already begun. But the truth is that here in Rio it’s carnival all year round! That’s because during the week it’s common to pass by the famous samba circles in Rio de Janeiro, spread all over the city.
Samba has everything to do with Rio and the history of this much-loved rhythm, and especially its cultural importance, is intertwined with the history of the wonderful city.
In today’s blog post, we’ve brought you some exciting news for samba lovers. You’ll also find a top 10 list of unmissable tips for samba circles.
New samba circles in Rio de Janeiro
Surprisingly, the news is that in 2024, Rio’s City Hall registered 150 samba circles in public areas, with the right to certification, delivered during a celebratory event at the iconic Praça Mauá. This number has grown since 2021, when 95 were registered. The spaces have been mapped and you can see the full map at this link.
This means the preservation of cultural manifestations in the Marvelous City and, of course, more spaces for you to enjoy a quality samba with us in Rio. So, keep an eye out for the tips we’ve prepared with some amazing samba circles in Rio de Janeiro that you need to know about!
10 Best Samba Circles in Rio de Janeiro
Armazém Senado
First of all, Armazém Senado, one of Brazil’s oldest bars and a Carioca Cultural Heritage site, plays host to samba every weekend. Fridays from 5pm, Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 1pm, the rhythm that is also a Carioca Intangible Cultural Heritage livens up the space. Located on the corner of Senado Street and Gomes Freire Avenue, the bar offers a cultural and musical experience not to be missed. Just come along!
Vaca Atolada
If you’re in the center, take advantage of Avenida Gomes Freire to visit Vaca Atolada. The bar is open from Tuesday to Saturday and has samba circles every day! Above all, with over 15 years of history, the place attracts audiences of all tastes and is a reference in quality samba. And the best part? Admission is free and you can check out the program on Instagram.
Terreiro de Crioulo
Of course, samba is African. So Terreiro de Crioulo is the ideal place for those looking for a unique samba experience that reflects all the strength and unity that the rhythm represents. The venue, located in Realengo, in Rio’s West Zone, is always full, so we recommend keeping an eye on the agenda on Terreiro’s Instagram. Tickets can be purchased via this link.
Samba da Gabi Pasche
First and foremost, Gabi Pasche is a singer and songwriter with more than 10 years of dedication to samba and today she runs her own roda de samba – Samba da Gabi. The event takes place in various locations and is a unique opportunity for fans to experience the artist’s contagious energy reflected in samba classics. You can find the full schedule and more information about future events on instagram.
Samba que Elas Querem
The female presence in samba is also marked by ‘Samba que Elas Querem’, a samba circle made up exclusively of women. The group celebrates female talent in the musical genre with incredible energy. In addition, they revisit samba classics and present their own compositions, always with charisma, culture and a lot of ginga. Follow the full schedule and ticket information on the group’s official social networks.
Manga Bar
Recently opened in the Mangueira neighborhood, Manga Bar has already become a cultural hotspot in Rio de Janeiro. The place mixes samba, home cooking and carioca tradition in a very welcoming and bohemian atmosphere. The venue promotes samba circles ranging from the most traditional to the most contemporary, bringing together talented musicians and a lively audience. Manga Bar publishes its music schedule and information about entry on Instagram.
Samba Pra Roda
Samba Pra Roda is a samba circle that values the roots of the genre and brings the essence of Brazilian music to the public with lots of rhythm and passion. With a varied repertoire, the group creates a vibrant atmosphere. So keep an eye on the schedule and details of how to get tickets.
Samba da Dida
Another special highlight goes to Samba da Dida, whose motto is to strengthen Rio’s black culture. With lots of music and energy, it’s the perfect experience for those looking to experience samba in its most authentic form. The meetings take place at Dida Bar, a reference point for black gastronomy, but Samba da Dida goes even further, taking its talent and energy to other stages in Rio. To find out about the schedule, just follow the posts on Instagram.
Samba no Parque
Every Sunday is a day to sing, enjoy and samba a lot in Rio’s most beloved tourist attraction. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Jardins dos Discos, in the Bondinho Pão de Açúcar Park, samba groups alternate the musical program. It’s a real open-air celebration combining samba and a breath-taking view! The scheduled dates and musical groups are posted on Parque Bondinho’s Instagram profile and tickets can be purchased on the website.
Baródromo
Last but not least, the Baródromo is a little piece of carnival in Rio, where the passion for samba is in every detail. In addition to the lively samba circles that take place there, the space also has a super creative menu: dishes and drinks that bear the names of the samba schools. It’s the ideal destination for those who want good music and good food. Stay up to date with the schedule!
Other samba circles in Rio de Janeiro are:
- Pedra do Sal, traditional on Mondays, but with a daily program in the center of Rio;
- Sambastião, a classic circle in Praça do Russel, in Glória;
- Cardosão, located in Laranjeiras, South Zone;
- Beco do Rato, voted the best samba circle in Rio de Janeiro by Veja Rio in 2024
- Samba na Serrinha, a circle in praise of Império Serrano;
- Samba do Trabalhador, on Mondays at the perfect time after work;
- Samba dos Guimarães, on Saturdays at the Flea Market in Santa Teresa;
- Sambotica, in Centro and Botafogo, with dates and times to be confirmed;
- Samba da Volta, on Sundays in the city center;
- SIBC, every Thursday at Fundição Progresso in Lapa.
In short, it’s clear that Rio de Janeiro is the soul of samba and its many circles throughout the city are living proof of this. Now you just have to choose where you’re going to enjoy a good samba.
