culture
February 16, 2026
In pictures: How Brazil celebrates its emblematic Carnival
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Brazil's main cities from Saturday, February 14, to celebrate Carnival
TL;DR
- Hundreds of thousands celebrated Carnival in Brazil's main cities starting February 14.
- Major cities like Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Recife, and Salvador are participating.
- The festivities include samba school competitions at Sambódromos in Rio and Sao Paulo, with elaborate floats, choreographies, and costumes.
- Street parties ('blocos') are open to the public and feature live music from 'trios elétricos' in other cities.
- President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attended the 'Galo da Madrugada' event in Recife.
- Special security, transportation, and medical operations are in place.
- Carnival significantly boosts the economy, particularly in tourism, hospitality, and commerce.