Rio Carnival returns with another samba spectacular

Staff, 2/18/2026

Millions of revellers have taken to the streets of Rio de Janeiro to celebrate the biggest cultural event in Brazil.The Rio Carnival has returned in a blaze of glory, with partygoers hitting the streets of one of the nation's largest cities for a five-day celebration.The citywide party has seen nearly a week of parades, street parties and open-air performances from samba schools.Officially meant to mark a last gasp of excess for the Catholic country before Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, the festival has evolved since its origins in 1723.It is world famous for its raucous street parties and colourful displays, with musicians, percussionists and stilt artists drawing thousands out into the south American sun.The highlight of the event for many is the huge organised dance parades, which see samba schools dance the nights away on enormous floats and in elaborate costumes.According to local media, an estimated 65 million people have hit the streets of Rio this year - a 22% increase from last year - with many partygoers flying in from all over the world.Celebrities were seen taking part this year, with legendary ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti throwing himself into the raucous proceedings.He was seen in good spirits as he took in the event alongside Brazil legend Ronaldo.As well as some famous locals, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager was later seen taking in Rio Carnival with his wife Mariann Barrena McClay.Drum queen Virginia Fonseca from Grande Rio samba school performs during Carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, on February 18, 2026Members of the Unidos de Vila Isabel samba group dance in the sambadrome during the third day of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on February 17 2026.Drum Queen Fabiola Andrade from the Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel samba school performs during the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro on February 16 2026The Rio Carnival has returned in a blaze of gloryRevellers of the Paraiso do Tuiuti samba school perform during the closing night of the Rio Carnival at the Marques de Sapucai Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 17, 2026Queen of Drums Evelyn Bastosperforms during 2026 Carnival parades at the Sapucai Sambodrome on February 16, 2026 in RioA performer from the Beija Flor samba school parades during Carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio on February 16, 2026Revellers from the Unidos do Viradouro samba school perform during the Carnival in Rio on February 17, 2026A performer from the Unidos da Tijuca samba school parades during Carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro February 17 2026Drum Queen Mayara Lima from Paraiso do Tuiuti school perform during the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on February 17, 2026.A drone show displayed the shape of a cocalho on the second night of the Rio Carnival on February 16, 2026A member of Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel performs during 2026 Carnival parades at Sapucai Sambodrome on February 16, 2026A member of Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel leads the performance during 2026 Carnival parades at Sapucai Sambodrome on February 16, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, BrazilA performer from the Mocidade samba school parades during Carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, February 16, 2026The carnival is officially meant to mark a last gasp of excess for the Catholic country before Lent starts on Ash WednesdayA member of the Unidos do Viradouro samba group participates in the sambadrome on the second day of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro February 16 2026The citywide party has seen nearly a week of parades, street parties and open-air performances from samba schools

Contact