The vibrant and colorful Carnaval 2025 officially kicks off today, February 28, at the iconic Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí in Rio de Janeiro, featuring the spectacular parades of samba schools from the Série Ouro, the primary stepping-stone for aspiring groups aiming for elite status. Excitement surrounds the festivities, which run until March 8 and promise to engage over 120,000 attendees daily.
The opening night will see 16 samba schools strut their stuff, showcasing their artistry and rhythms, each vying for the prestigious opportunity to ascend to the Grupo Especial for the next year’s carnival. Featured groups include Botafogo, Arranco, and Unidos da Ponte, among others, who will take the stage starting at 9 PM. This year, all eyes are on the competition as stories of cultural richness and artistic innovation are bound to shine.
Following the Série Ouro, the Grupo Especial will take center stage from March 2 to March 4, introducing some of the most famous and established samba schools led by the defending champion, Unidos de Padre Miguel. The Grupo Especial parades will commence each night at 10 PM and will commonly reflect themes of Afro-Brazilian identities and cultural heritage, providing both entertainment and sociopolitical commentary.
This year has brought notable adjustments to the event. Unlike past carnivals, there will be no relegation of teams from the Série Ouro this season. This decision follows the unfortunate circumstances related to the recent fire at a costume workshop, impacting schools, including the Império Serrano and Unidos de Bangu. The temporary reprieve from relegation allows schools to focus more on their performances without the added pressure of elimination.
On March 7, the spotlight shifts to young talent as the Escolas de Samba Mirins showcase their skills with free entry for the public, celebrating the next generation of samba performers. The festival culminates on the evening of March 8 with the expected grand parade of champions where the top six schools from the week's festivities will return to the Sambódromo to celebrate their achievements without the competitive pressure. The official results of the competition will be announced on Ash Wednesday, March 5.
Fans planning to attend the Sambódromo are reminded to adhere to safety guidelines established for the event. Restrictions include the prohibition of glass containers, sharp objects, and other hazardous items to maintain order. Attendees must also comply with age-related restrictions, ensuring children and adolescents under 16 are accompanied by guardians.
With dazzling costumes, electrifying performances, and high-energy sambas echoing throughout the Sambódromo, the 2025 Carnaval promises to be another memorable celebration of Rio de Janeiro’s rich cultural fabric. Spectators can expect powerful visuals and performances as schools aim to tell stories through music and dance, making this year's event particularly significant as it engages with relevant social themes.