Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are set to dazzle this year as the 2025 Carnival celebration approaches, commencing with the samba parades taking place from February 28 to March 4. The excitement for both cities is palpable, as millions prepare for this immensely popular cultural event.
The festivities kick off with the São Paulo parade on February 28, featuring schools from the Special Group, which are scheduled to perform at the sambadrome. The event will be broadcasted live by TV Globo, starting at 22:55, immediately following the concluding segments of Big Brother Brasil. Hosts Everaldo Marques and Valéria Almeida will be guiding audiences through the high-energy spectacles, alongside experts Milton Cunha, Judson Sales, and Aílton Graça.
Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro's iconic Carnival kicks off with its Grand Parade on March 2 at the Marquês de Sapucaí. The excitement is intensified as Alex Escobar, Mariana Gross, Karine Alves, and Milton Cunha join forces to present the Brazilian public with live coverage of the spectacle from March 2 to 4. A special note on March 2 is the overlap with the Academy Awards; the audience can watch both events, since the Oscar ceremony will also air on TV Globo from 21:55, with the Carnaval parading live from midnight for everyone outside Rio.
On March 4, the champions will be crowned, concluding the high-intensity celebration. The anticipation builds as schools prepare extravagant floats and vibrant costumes to impress the judges and, more critically, the enthusiastic crowds. This year's Carnival is expected to symbolize resilience and celebration, drawing both local spectators and international visitors together.
Globoplay will also accommodate those who can't attend the live events, enabling viewers to stream the parades free of charge. The platform is set to showcase all samba school performances of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, illustrating the colorful and vibrant essence of this cultural festivity.
Following two days of samba madness in São Paulo, the Rio parades will follow complete with the glamour and flair characteristic of one of the world's most significant Carnaval parties.
This year, viewers can look forward to performances from legendary samba schools including Colorado do Brás, Barroca Zona Sul, Dragões da Real, and others, who will strut their stuff on the first night from 23:00 onward.
On the opening night (Feb 28), the order is as follows: Colorado do Brás at 23:00, followed by Barroca Zona Sul at 0:05, Dragões da Real at 1:10, and others through to Camisa Verde e Branco at 5:30. The next night, the parade continues with Águia de Ouro, Império de Casa Verde, Mocidade Alegre, and others until 5:00 AM March 1.
The excitement following the success of previous years continues, thanks to the high levels of public enthusiasm and participation. After all, Carnival signifies celebration, freedom, and unity within diversity.
This year also marks the 2025 edition, where the beauty and creativity of the samba schools take on new meaning with each thematic performance. Every float and dancer not only entertains but also tells stories of cultural heritage, breaking boundaries and unifying people from all walks of life.
Weather expectations are favorable for both cities during these celebration days, ensuring participants and spectators can revel without the worry of rain.
Join the activities, dance, sing, and join the collective joy from Carnivals past, present, and future as Brazil explodes with color and rhythm over the Carnival weekend!
For detailed schedules, live updates, and coverage, audiences can visit the g1 platform, perfect for anyone wanting to stay informed about the happenings across Brazil and local community festivities throughout the Carnival period.
No doubt, the 2025 Carnival will serve as yet another highlight within Brazil’s rich cultural calendar, bringing together samba lovers and newcomers alike.
With millions participating and viewing from around the globe, this cherished event asserts its place as one of the world’s most vibrant and joyous showcases of song, dance, and celebration.