Rio unveils dates for samba school parades in April

The city of Rio de Janeiro disclosed today (Feb. 11) the dates for the samba school parades, put off until April due to spike in COVID-19 cases.

Carnival at the Marquês de Sapucaí should start on April 20 and 21 with the schools in the Gold series. The clubs under the Special Group will perform on April 22 and 23, (Friday and Saturday).

On Sunday (Apr. 24), the kids’ samba schools are expected to put on their show. Scores should be counted by the judges on April 26, Tuesday. The Champions’ Parade wraps up official festivities on April 30 (Saturday).

Parades at the Sambadrome

4/20 (Wed.) – Gold Series – RJ League
4/21 (Thu.) – Gold Series – RJ League
4/22 (Fri.) – Special Group – Liesa
4/23 (Sat.) – Special Group – Liesa
4/24 (Sun.) – Kids’ Parade
4/26 (Tue.) – Score Counting
30/4 (Sat.) – Champions – Liesa

The parades on Intendente Magalhães avenue, north Rio de Janeiro, also had their calendar published Friday. The city also announced that Terreirão do Samba, downtown Rio, will perform on April 20, 21, 22, 23, and 30.

Parades on Intendente Magalhães avenue

4/20 (Wed.) – Federation of Blocos
4/21 (Thu.) – Evaluation Group – Superleague
4/22 (Fri.) – Bronze Group – Superleague
4/29 (Fri.) – Silver Group – Superleague
30/4 (Sat.) – Silver Group – Superleague
5/1 (Sun.) – Group B+C – Free

The move to postpone Carnival to April was jointly announced by Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The new dates reflect the cities’ attempt to take advantage of the extended Tiradentes holiday (Apr. 21). Furthermore, April 23 is a holiday in Rio de Janeiro, as the city celebrates its patron saint Saint George.

“The decision was based on the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and the need to preserve lives and join forces to boost vaccination throughout the country,” the joint note reads.