The third weekend of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival 2025 promises to be vibrant and lively, with 45 colorful blocos set to mesmerize attendees across the city. Scheduled for February 15 and 16, this extravaganza will witness 23 music groups parading on Saturday, followed by 22 on Sunday. Among the major attractions are the megablocos Da Gold featuring Léo Santana and the sertanejo-themed Chora Me Liga, both of which are expected to draw significant crowds and energy.
Saturday's festivities kick off at 7 AM with the Bloco da Gold leading the charge at Rua Primeiro de Março, situated centrally. Léo Santana, renowned for his catchy sambas and lively tunes, will take the helm for the second consecutive year, promising to deliver high spirits and rhythm through his extensive repertoire of Brazilian music.
Following this high-octane start, the celebratory atmosphere continues with the Desliga da Justiça bloc, which will commence at 9 AM at Praça Tiradentes. This bloc draws inspiration from beloved superhero narratives, entertaining both children and adults with its playful themes. At 10 AM, the Spanta Neném bloc at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas adds to the mix, celebrating the scenic beauty of the area and adding charm to the festive weekend. By 1 PM, one can witness the imprensa que eu gamo, famed for its roots among journalists, which first emerged in 1996 and aims to infuse the carnival spirit through storytelling and whimsy.
Sunday’s schedule features the Chora Me Liga, starting at 7 AM at Rua Primeiro de Março, where fans of sertanejo music can sing along to both nostalgic and contemporary hits. Established in 2010, this bloc anticipates attracting around 20,000 attendees. At 9 AM, the Vira Lata brings the rhythms of Bahia to São Conrado's beaches, allowing attendees to enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze accompanied by joyful music.
The block Me Esquece, described as originating from friendly gatherings of percussion enthusiasts back in 2004, will also entertain attendees at the Jardim Botânico at the same time. Meanwhile, the Amigos da Barra will take place at 1 PM, blending funk and samba on the streets of Barra da Tijuca, ensuring diverse rhythms for all to enjoy.
Across the entire weekend, 19 of the blocos will gather within the North Zone of Rio, making it the epicenter of Carnival celebrations, followed closely by 12 blocs from the central area. The South Zone will host 9 blocs, and the West will present 5 throughout the weekend.
With expectations of attracting up to six million revelers over 37 days of exhilarating celebrations, the Carnival is not just about music and dance; careful coordination is underway to guarantee attendee safety and comfort. The local government, through Riotur and collaborating with various institutions, including CET-Rio and the Municipal Health Secretariat, has set up impressive operational plans to manage the influx of participants effectively.
For those wishing to stay informed about the schedule, the Blocos do Rio 2025 app offers comprehensive details, available across all digital platforms. This free application features geolocation capabilities, helping partygoers locate nearby blocs, their respective timings, and routes. All details can also be accessed on the official website, which includes news and updates leading up to the carnival celebrations.
With the enchanting blend of music, culture, and unrestrained joy, the Carnaval de Rua 2025 aims to be not just another celebration, but rather the pinnacle of community unity and cultural expression. Whether you prefer the pulsations of Afro-Brazilian culture or the melodious tunes of sertanejo, this weekend is shaping up to be one for the books!
Prepare your costumes, coordinate with your friends, and get ready to dance the days away, because Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is calling!