RIO DE JANEIRO — The annual Brazilian Carnival, renowned for its vibrant celebrations, is back this year with fervor. The festivities kicked off on March 1, 2025, captivating thousands of participants across the nation, from São Paulo's famed Sambódromo to the festive streets of Salvador and Brasília. This year's carnival uniquely showcased the cultural essence and diverse experiences, with many young carnival-goers embracing the traditional roots of the event.
Notably, the Sambódromo, known for its grand parades, attracted younger audiences, with many eager to experience what they termed the "true carnival." Among them were cousins Yasmin Santos, 20, and Agatha Amorim, 16, who attended the now-iconic venue with their family. "My entire family is part of carnival culture; growing up, I was immersed in it," Yasmin shared. "For me, this is where the true carnival happens." Agatha, attending the Sambódromo for the first time, echoed her cousin's sentiments, affirming her preference for the show over the street festivities. "The street parties feel distant from the reality of this place; what we see here is real and traditional," she stated.
Twenty-year-old Nauê Santos, another avid attendee of the Sambódromo since 2017, reflected on the cultural significance of the parades. "I have been influenced since I was young. Here lies the essence of the carnival and its weighty cultural narratives, which don't translate well to street parties," Nauê attested, highlighting the educational facet of the shows presented on the Sambódromo's renowned runway.
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Caroline Baltazar made her debut at the Sambódromo this year, gravitating toward this venue due to concerns about safety at street events. "I've seen too many thefts and assaults during street parties. Here, I feel safer. I’ve always wanted to experience the carnival up close, and it is incredible," she expressed. Caroline's well-founded hesitance toward street parties seems to resonate with many of her peers, reflecting broader sentiments about safety and security during carnival season.
While the Sambódromo hosted enthusiastic crowds, its counterpart, the street parties known as blocos, were not far behind. Brasília's celebrations commenced with 12 blocos set to create festive mayhem throughout the city. Kicking off at 11 AM, the Aparelhinho was the first to start the celebrations, taking place at Setor Bancário Sul. Other popular blocos, including Carnflow and Vassourinhas de Brasília, commenced their respective festivities from noon onward, making for an exciting day of revelry. The jam-packed schedule offered opportunities for party-goers to immerse themselves fully in the festive spirit until midnight, showcasing the local culture effectively.
Even though street celebrations emphasized free-spirited enjoyment, they were also marked by challenges. Notably, Salvador's second carnival day saw several celebrities like Anitta and Ivete Sangalo gracing the streets, bringing heightened excitement. Yet, incidents like crowd surges and clashes with authorities were reported, creating tension amid the exuberance. A chaos ensued during Igor Kannário’s pipoca, where crowd control measures, including the use of pepper spray by law enforcement, sparked controversy and concern among attendees seeking to enjoy the festivities.
Throughout the weekend, significant moments emerged as Ivete Sangalo, who led her own block, found herself addressing the crowd directly. She urged attendees to manage their spaces and respect the atmosphere. “Let's take care of this space together!” her passionate address underscored the communal aspect of the celebration, inviting participation rather than division.
The emotional highs and lows of the carnival were also encapsulated by Bell Marques, who took the time to halt his parade to assist street vendors experiencing difficulties. His action highlighted the familial spirit often associated with Brazilian Carnival, where artists show solidarity with hardworking individuals behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, personal stories unfolded, such as actress Paolla Oliveira's candid reflections on her carnival preparations. "I'm focusing on keeping my energy high to maintain the excitement and joy of the carnival without dwelling on past performances," she noted, embodying the thriving spirit present at this celebratory season.
The astonishing display of color and joy evident during Brazilian Carnival stands not only for entertainment but as a poignant cultural expression, uniting generations through shared experiences and traditions. These shared moments, as young attendees like Yasmin and Nauê pointed out, continue to reinforce the notion of carnival as not just celebration but a repository of stories, steeped deeply within Brazil's rich cultural fabric.
With the excitement only just beginning, more days of festivities are set to follow across cities, promising continued opportunities for both revelry and reflection. For the traditionalists and newcomers alike, the carnival remains both alive and relevant, echoing the past, celebrating the present, and paving paths for future generations to embrace.