Rio de Janeiro is set to come alive this Saturday, March 1, 2025, as thousands of revelers flood the streets for the highly anticipated Carnival celebrations. With over 60 street blocks scheduled to parade, including the iconic Cordo da Bola Preta, the festivities promise to be vibrant and unforgettable.
One of the central attractions is the renowned Cordo da Bola Preta, which has been a staple of Rio's Carnival since its inception in 1918. The block's 106th parade is set to kick off at 7 AM from Terminal Menezes Cortes, located on Rua Primeiro de Março. Organizers are expecting over 700,000 attendees, making it one of the largest gatherings during the Carnival period.
Joining Cordo da Bola Preta on Saturday are other noteworthy blocks including Amigos da Ona and Multibloco. The former will set up at Cal6 de Praia do Flamengo, drawing crowds with its engaging choreography, aiming for around 12,000 participants, and kicking off its festivities at 7 AM. Meanwhile, Multibloco will take place at Avenida Henrique Valadares, starting at 7 AM as well.
Saturday’s program showcases diverse cultural expressions with each block highlighting distinct musical themes and exuberant performances. Some of the standout blocks set to participate throughout the day include:
- Banda do Largo da Segunda-Feira at 4 PM on R. Conde de Bonfim, 25, Tijuca
- Alta Press3o at 12 PM on R. Cel. Agostinho, 161, Campo Grande
- B.C. Ciganas Feiticeiras de Olaria at 5 PM, Olaria, Rio de Janeiro
- B.C. Eles Que Digam at 4 PM on R. Nabuco de Freitas, Santo Cristo
- Bloco Carioca da Gema at 3 PM on R. dos Arcos, 24, Lapa
- Carnavalesco Amigos do Catete at 4 PM on R. do Catete, 309, Catete
With over 482 Carnival events planned over the course of 37 days, the atmosphere reflects Rio's vivacious spirit. The city is renowned for its enthusiastic embrace of Carnival. "Rio de Janeiro will be bursting with energy as the streets transform with music, dance, and contagious joy," commented local officials.
The fact is, whether attendees favor samba, axé, or nostalgic marching tunes, there’s something for everyone. From the lively beats of Bloco do Tamanco at 11 AM to the thematic tunes of Fogo na Cueca at 2 PM on R. Anita Garibaldi, Copacabana, all preferences will be catered to.
Among the lesser-known yet equally captivating offerings of the day include Céu na Terra, originating from Santa Teresa with its rich backdrop, aiming to entertain 5,000 participants at 7 AM, and Bloco do Barbas, delighting locals and tourists alike at 11 AM.
A highlight of the Saturday festivities is the inclusion of nighttime samba school parades at the Marquês de Sapucaí, where the champions of the street blocks will be determined for future participation in the elite Group Special of 2026’s Carnival.
This year's lineup of blocks helps lower-income communities engage with the spirit of Carnival without the barriers of costly ticketed events, allowing everyone to join the merriment.
All these events reflect the cultural depth and social fabric of Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing community pride and shared heritage. This uniting power of Carnival is best captured when enthusiasts share personal stories and traditions at gatherings—be it on the streets or at local samba schools.
Before heading out to enjoy the festivities, attendees are reminded to stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and most of all, let the compelling rhythms of Carnival sweep them off their feet.
The streets are bound to buzz with anticipation as locals and tourists gear up for what promises to be another spectacular showcase of joy, music, and cultural pride. Will you find your way to one of these many blocks?