Rio Carnival 2027: Sambadrome Special Group Parades

The Rio Carnival 2027 Sambadrome Special Group parades are the high point of Rio de Janeiro's famous carnival. Rio's leading samba schools parade at the Sambadrome (Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí) on 7, 8 and 9 February 2027. The parades are for culture lovers, music fans and anyone who wants to see one of the world's best-known festivals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

About the Rio Carnival Sambadrome parades

The Special Group (Grupo Especial) parades are organised by LIESA, the Independent League of the Samba Schools of Rio de Janeiro. Over three nights, the top samba schools compete with huge floats, colourful costumes, thousands of dancers and powerful drum sections. Each school presents a theme with its own samba song, and judges score the parades.

LIESA publishes news about the official samba songs and album for 2027. After Carnival, the top schools return for a Champions' Parade (Desfile das Campeãs).

According to LIESA, there are several ways to watch the parades, including camarotes and covered boxes (some with buffet options), frisas (open boxes with seats for small groups), individual chairs in Sector 12, and individual places in the grandstands (arquibancadas). Each option has different views and comfort levels.

Rio Carnival 2027 dates and venue

• Parade nights: Sunday 7, Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 February 2027
• Venue: Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí (the Sambadrome)
• City: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Organiser: LIESA

The official LIESA website lists Carnaval 2027 as Sunday 07/02/2027, Monday 08/02/2027 and Tuesday 09/02/2027. The parades start in the evening and run late into the night. Check the official LIESA website for the parade order and times.

How to get to Rio de Janeiro for Rio Carnival

The main international airport is Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport (GIG). Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), close to the city centre, handles mainly domestic flights.

The Sambadrome is near the city centre. During Carnival, the metro is a practical way to reach it, as roads can be closed or very busy. For groups, private transfers with a clear meeting point are a good idea. Check the official entry requirements for Brazil for each traveller.

Where to stay

Popular areas are Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, by the beaches, and Botafogo and Flamengo, which are closer to the centre. Centro is nearest to the Sambadrome. Choose areas with good metro links for easy travel on parade nights.

Hotels in Rio are in very high demand over Carnival and many require minimum stays. Book well ahead.

Planning a group trip to Rio Carnival

A group tour to Rio Carnival needs careful planning. Tips for a Rio Carnival travel package:

• Tickets: buy Sambadrome tickets only through official channels. LIESA runs its own service and sales centre (Central LIESA).
• Choose seats carefully: grandstands suit budget travellers; frisas and camarotes suit groups who want more comfort.
• Venue rules: LIESA says children and teenagers up to 16 must be with a responsible adult, and items such as glass bottles, coolers and fireworks are not allowed.
• Package content: flights, hotel nights, airport transfers, parade transfers and a daytime city tour.
• Book early: flights and rooms sell out fast over Carnival.

Frequently asked questions

When is Rio Carnival 2027?

The Special Group parades at the Sambadrome take place on 7, 8 and 9 February 2027, according to the official LIESA website. Street parties take place around the city in the same period.

Where are the Rio Carnival parades held?

The Special Group parades are held at the Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí, known as the Sambadrome, near the centre of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

How do I get tickets for the Rio Carnival Sambadrome?

Buy tickets through official channels only. LIESA offers grandstand places, individual chairs, frisas and camarotes, and runs its own sales service, Central LIESA.

What is the nearest airport to the Sambadrome?

Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is closest to the centre but mainly domestic. Most international visitors arrive at Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport (GIG).

Can children attend the Sambadrome parades?

Yes, but LIESA says children and teenagers up to 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Parades run late at night, so plan rest time for families.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to Rio Carnival 2027 in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.