Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval 2025 is set to dazzle spectators starting February 28, culminating with the prestigious Grupo Especial parades. The event spans several days featuring lively samba schools and vibrant costumes.
The Série Ouro, Rio's secondary samba group division, began its parades on Friday, February 28, kicking off the annual festivities. This year, the event will see the schools take the iconic Marquês de Sapucaí stage during the night, with festivities commencing at 9 PM (BRT). The president of the Liga RJ announced, "Ingressos esgotam na Série Ouro pela primeira vez"—signifying the popularity and high demand for the event.
While tickets for the live events have sold out, fans can still engage with the Carnaval experience through broadcasts on television. This year, Globo's coverage will begin slightly later due to the Oscar airing on the same date. Viewers across Brazil will be able to enjoy the parades from Sunday, March 2, from 9:55 PM (BRT) following the Academy Awards' conclusion. This delayed broadcast aims to cater to the vast audience eager to witness such iconic parades.
With innovation and tradition at the forefront of this year's festivities, the line-up for the Série Ouro featured multiple samba schools, each competing for the coveted title. The schools include Botafogo, Arranco, and Estácio de Sá, among others, as they take the stage on various dates leading up to the main event. The order of presentations for the full week is abundantly available for viewers and spectators wanting to catch specific performances.
Throughout the festivities, notable samba schools like the Unidos da Tijuca and Beija-Flor de Nilópolis will also present their performances on Monday, March 3, and Tuesday, March 4, respectively, following the samba tradition with fervor and enthusiasm.
Along with the excitement of the performances, the event carries added significance as the only champion from the Série Ouro will ascend to the elite level for the following year. Therefore, schools are not just participating for accolades but also for future pride and progress within the Carnaval community. On the other hand, the two lowest-ranking schools will face relegation to the Série Prata.
Viewers eager to see the entirety of the performances are encouraged to tune in through Band's channels, which will broadcast the Série Ouro live from the Marquês de Sapucaí and through the official Band Folia YouTube channel, making it accessible to fans nationwide.
With all eyes set on the vibrant parades and the rhythm of samba echoing throughout Rio de Janeiro, the Carnaval 2025 promises to be unforgettable, exciting, and inspiring—showcasing Brazil's rich cultural heritage and unyielding spirit.
This fascinating event not only reinforces Rio's reputation as the heart of samba but also highlights the unity and fervor of Brazilian culture, inviting both locals and global audiences to celebrate together.
The series of events, starting with the Série Ouro and culminating with the Grupo Especial, guarantees a lasting impression on all who partake.