Rio street Carnival expected to welcome 6 million revelers
Rio de Janeiro’s street Carnival should have 482 blocos—as the traditional street parties are called—and is expected to welcome 6 million revelers. Two of the city’s largest blocos have been canceled—Bloco da Lexa, which was to take place on February 16, and Bloco da Preta, which was to take place on February 23, due to health issues involving the responsible artists.
“A total of 482 previously registered blocos have been authorized, and they just have to meet the requirements to take their parades to the streets. In our specifications, large, medium, and even small blocos should provide chemical toilets as well as all the infrastructure for revelers to be safe not only during the parade but also when they need to go to the toilet. This is being offered city-wide,” said Bernardo Fellowes, president of Rio’s tourism company Riotur, during the presentation of the city’s plan for the street carnival operations.
Five drones will monitor the larger blocos, generating images of the routes in areas with no camera coverage. Over 3,800 cameras will follow the movements of the main blocos.
Under public health-care services, four medical stations with complete infrastructure will be set up in the districts of Gávea, Barra da Tijuca, Recreio, and Aterro do Flamengo, as well as four pre-hospital stations—two downtown, one in Copacabana, and one in Ipanema. There will also be 24 infusion recliners and 157 ambulances.
“People are advised to drink more water, wear light clothing, avoid cosmetics and hair products that can cause allergies, and wear sunscreen,” Health Secretary Daniel Soranz noted.
Other recommendations from the city council include prioritizing public transport, respecting parking bans, and arriving early for the festivities.
In 2025, Carnival begins on Saturday, March 1, and ends on Ash Wednesday, March 5.
