Карнавальные блоки на улицах Рио знаменуют настоящее начало карнавального сезона

Just a few days after New Year’s Eve, Rio street carnival blocks take over the city once again, confirming what locals already know: in Rio de Janeiro, Carnival does not wait for the official calendar. The streets, squares, and historic districts begin to pulse with music, color, and movement long before the Sambadrome opens its gates.

This non-official opening of Carnival season has been organized since 2009 by the collective Desliga dos Blocos. Over the years, it has become a symbolic and practical turning point, when the city shifts from the festive calm of Réveillon to the full intensity of Carnival preparations.

The unique transition from New Year to Carnival

The period between Christmas and early January represents a rare moment in Rio de Janeiro. International visitors are still present after New Year’s celebrations, while residents begin reclaiming the city through culture, music, and public gatherings. Rio street carnival blocks embody this transition, blending tourism energy with local traditions.

Even when weather conditions are less than ideal, attendance remains high. Rain rarely disrupts participation, reinforcing the central role street carnival plays in Rio’s cultural identity.

Downtown Rio as the heart of early Carnival

The non-official opening is heavily concentrated in downtown Rio, activating historic areas such as Praça XV, the Pira Olímpica, Praça Marechal Âncora, и Port Zone. These neighborhoods host dozens of events throughout the day, transforming public space into an open-air festival.

Nearly 70 Rio street carnival blocks are scheduled during this opening, offering a preview of the scale expected throughout the Carnival season. This early activation also benefits local businesses, bars, restaurants, and cultural venues.

Confirmed schedule of Rio street carnival blocks

Below is the official list of blocks announced by organizers and reported by Brazilian media. No additions or alterations have been made.

Stationary blocks

• 8:00 – Love Songs – Praça Marechal Âncora (Centro)
• 9:00 – O Baile Todo – Armazém Utopia (Santo Cristo)
• 9:00 – Não Monogamia Gostoso Demais – Praça Mauá (Centro)
• 9:00 – NossoBloco – Bar Kamikaze (Centro)
• 10:00 – Marimbondo Não Respeita – Armazém Utopia (Santo Cristo)
• 10:00 – Projeto Girô – Praça Paris (Glória)
• 10:00 – 8&80 – Bar Kamikaze (Centro)
• 10:00 – Enxota Que Eu Vou – Casa Carnaval Rio (Centro)
• 11:00 – Skabloco – Armazém Utopia (Santo Cristo)
• 11:00 – RodaBloco – Bar Kamikaze (Centro)
• 11:00 – Bloco dos Inconfidentes – Casa Carnaval Rio (Centro)
• 11:00 – Percussaça – Bargaça (Morro do Pinto)
• 11:00 – Toques para Odudua – Praça XV (Centro)
• 12:00 – Te Devoro – Praça da Candelária (Centro)
• 12:00 – Marejada – Casa Carnaval Rio (Centro)
• 12:00 – Calcinhas Bélicas – Praça XV (Centro)
• 12:00 – Butano na Bureta – Bar Kamikaze (Centro)
• 13:00 – Bloco da Insana – Casa Carnaval Rio (Centro)
• 13:00 – Bloco do Zeca – Praça XV (Centro)
• 13:00 – Dig Dig Joy – Bar Kamikaze (Centro)
• 14:00 – Lambabloco – Casa Carnaval Rio (Centro)
• 14:00 – Metaverso – Praça XV (Centro)
• 14:00 – Batuquebato – Bar Kamikaze (Centro)
• 15:00 – Os Biquínis de Ogodô convidam as Sungas de Odara – Praça XV
• 15:00 – Bloco Encantados – Bar Kamikaze (Centro)
• 15:00 – Balanço – Casa Carnaval Rio (Centro)
• 16:00 – Bloco do MST – Glorioso Cultural (Catete)
• 16:00 – Estratégia – Casa Carnaval Rio (Centro)
• 16:00 – Pauladentro – Bar Kamikaze (Centro)
• 17:00 – Não Mono Bloco – Glorioso Cultural (Catete)
• 17:00 – Traz a Caçamba – Bar Kamikaze (Centro)
• 17:00 – Só Toca Bloco – Praça XV (Centro)
• 18:00 – Bloco do Caramuela – Glorioso Cultural (Centro)

Parading blocks

• 8:00 – Bloco da Frida – Pira Olímpica (Centro)
• 8:00 – Papagoyaba – Ferry crossing Niterói–Rio
• 9:00 – Vem Cá Minha Flor – Restaurante Albamar (Centro)
• 9:00 – ArariBrass chega com Papagoyaba – Praça XV
• 9:00 – Canários do Reino – Pira Olímpica
• 10:00 – Banheira do Gugu – Pira Olímpica
• 10:30 – Mistérios Há de Pintar – Armazém 4 Utopia
• 11:00 – Bigode do Leôncio – Arco do Teles
• 11:00 – A Banda – Pira Olímpica
• 13:00 – Com Todo Rexpeito – Rua das Marrecas
• 14:00 – Surdos e Mundos – Rua Dom Manuel / Rua São José
• 14:00 – Me Engana Que Eu Quero – Praça Ana Amélia
• 14:00 – Summer – Aterro do Flamengo (Posto 2)
• 16:00 – Xepa Gloriosa – Praça XV
• 17:00 – Grande cortejo com Boi Tolo – Location to be announced

Why Rio street carnival blocks matter beyond the celebration

More than entertainment, Rio street carnival blocks play a structural role in the city’s economy and urban life. They activate public spaces, extend the tourist season, and reinforce Rio’s global image as a city driven by culture and collective experience.

For visitors, residents, and long-term observers of the city, this non-official opening offers a clear signal: Carnival in Rio is not a single event, but a season that reshapes daily life well before the official dates.