Carnival Sunday 2026 in Brazil

Carnival Sunday is one of the most anticipated days of the celebration, featuring grand samba school parades in cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. It draws huge crowds to watch dazzling costumes, music, and performances that showcase months of preparation.

Carnival Sunday: A Public Holiday?

Carnival Sunday is not an official public holiday in Brazil, but it is widely celebrated, with major events and most businesses closed for the day.

Carnival Season

Carnival in Brazil began in the 18th century, influenced by Portuguese traditions that celebrated the days before Lent with food, music, and fun. As time passed, these customs blended with African and Indigenous cultures, giving rise to a unique celebration full of rhythm, color, and joy. Samba music, introduced by Afro-Brazilian communities, became the heartbeat of Carnival.

By the 20th century, samba schools began organizing parades with themed floats, costumes, and performances. These parades, especially in Rio de Janeiro, became world-famous and attracted millions of visitors. Today, Carnival is Brazil's most iconic cultural event, filled with creativity and national pride.

• Friday: Unofficial start with street parties
• Saturday: Energetic blocos and samba events
• Sunday: Major samba school parades begin
• Monday: Continued celebrations and blocos
• Tuesday: Carnival climax
• Wednesday: Ash Wednesday marks the end of the festivities

Observance of Carnival Sunday in Brazil

Carnival Sunday is one of the biggest highlights of Brazil's Carnival season. It is a day when the spotlight shines on the samba schools, especially in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. These schools spend months preparing for this moment, creating beautiful floats, detailed costumes, and powerful performances. The parades begin in the evening and often continue through the night, watched by thousands in the stands and millions on TV. Although it is not a public holiday, most businesses stay closed so people can enjoy the celebrations.

Each samba school has its own theme, usually based on Brazilian culture, history, or social issues. The performance includes hundreds of dancers, musicians, and large, decorated floats moving in rhythm. Judges score each school's parade, and the results are announced later in the week. Carnival Sunday is more than a show—it is a cultural competition that showcases creativity, teamwork, and pride in the community.

Beyond the parades, many people join street parties or gather with friends and family to celebrate. The mood across the country is joyful and festive. Carnival Sunday represents the heart of the season, blending music, art, and celebration in a way that unites people from all walks of life. It is a moment when Brazil shares its spirit with the world. Whether in a big city or a small town, the energy of Carnival Sunday can be felt everywhere. It is a day that reflects Brazil's passion for rhythm, expression, and coming together to celebrate its vibrant culture.

Carnival Sunday Observances