Brazil Carnival is held at noon on the Friday before Ash Wednesday. This year, it takes place from February 28 to 10. It takes place every year and attracts many visitors to the grounds and lasts for a week. It is a way to mark the beginning of Lent. This is traditionally the 40-day period that comes just before Easter. During this period of Lent, some observances are carried out by Roman Catholics and some other Christians. People would abstain from consuming meat and poultry. This practice relates to the word ‘carnival’ from the term ‘carne levare,’ which means “to remove meat.”
History of Brazil Carnival
Brazil Carnival is a festival that hosts many colorful events that attract many people from around the world, and is in the “Guinness Book of Records” as the biggest carnival on the planet. It is a highly anticipated time of year in Rio. The parties usually start weeks before the Brazil Carnival Week actually begins. This builds excitement and helps people prepare for the festivities. The carnival takes place just before Lent and has some religious significance. It is considered the final all-out celebration before everyone enters a state of penitence. The locals and tourists of Rio enjoy the extravagant affair. People enjoy groovy samba music and addictive dance moves. They wear the most magnificent costumes. This is a one-of-a-kind celebration that everyone should aim to attend at least once. Just being in the presence of such joyful and colorful people can change your outlook on life.
The Brazil Carnival has been around for many years. The annual tradition dates back to the 1650s. The purpose of the carnival during that time was to give honor to the Greek wine gods. Elaborate feasts were organized by the Romans, who used to worship Bacchu. He is the god of the grape harvest.
The Carnival in Brazil was inspired by the festival ‘Entrudo,’ which was introduced by the Portuguese. The first Rio masquerade took place in 1840. The polka and waltz were trendy at the time. By the year 1917, Africans had influenced the Carnival with the introduction of samba music. There is a fun tradition during the celebration where people dress up in opposing roles. The women dress as men, the commoners dress as aristocrats, and the rich dress as the poor.
Brazil Carnival timeline
Entrudo is introduced by Portuguese immigrants from the islands of Azores, Madeira, and Cabo Verde.
The first Rio masquerade is held, and polka and waltz are popular.
Samba becomes an important part of the Brazil Carnival.
The Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí is completed and commisioned as the main stage for the Carnival.
Brazil Carnival FAQs
What is Brazil’s famous carnival called?
The famous carnival in Brazil has many names. It is called the Brazil Festival or Rio Carnival.
What month is Brazil Carnival?
The Brazil Carnival is celebrated on the Friday before Ash Wednesday.
Where does the famous Brazil Carnival take place?
The renowned carnival of Brazil takes place in the city of Rio.
Brazil Carnival Activities
Attend the carnival
You can participate in the holiday by attending the Brazil Carnival. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience of rich and colorful culture.
Learn Portuguese
You can learn the Portuguese language, which is spoken in Brazil. This would help you immerse yourself in Brazilian culture.
Watch the parades
You can watch the beautiful parades that take place at the carnival. There are beautiful people, costumes, and music.
5 Interesting Facts About Brazil Carnival
Plenty of beer is consumed
Every year, thousands of liters of beer are consumed during the carnival, amounting to around 105 million gallons.
Brazil gets many tourists
Brazil welcomes nearly one million tourists to the city for carnival each year.
Tourism brings money
The tourists that visit Brazil spend over U.S. $782 million.
The economy benefits
Brazilian hotels and restaurants usually make profits by increasing prices during the festival.
There are competitions
The top samba schools in the city compete at the Sambadrome arena.
Why We Love Brazil Carnival
It preserves culture
This carnival is an old Brazilian tradition that has been celebrated for many years. It serves to preserve the culture of the people of Brazil. It passes the culture to younger generations.
It is fun
The Brazil Carnival is an enjoyable holiday that millions of people enjoy. It has many events that different people can participate in and enjoy.
It makes people happy
The Brazil Carnival is a special type of celebration that exudes joy, and people feel encouraged to be happy and celebrate life. The atmosphere is very uplifting in Rio during this festival.
Brazil Carnival dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 17 | Friday |
| 2024 | February 9 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 28 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 13 | Friday |
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