Rio Carnival 2019 dates: When is Rio Carnival? Carnival start time, main events, schedule
RIO CARNIVAL is just around the corner and Rio de Janeiro’s streets will be filled with colourful costumes, music and samba dancing. But when is Rio’s Carnival? Here’s everything you need to know about the world-famous event.
Rio Carnival 2018: Celebration lights up the city
When is Rio Carnival?
Rio Carnival takes place each year before Lent, beginning the Friday before Ash Wednesday.
This year the carnival begins in the afternoon of Friday, March 1, and ends at midday on Wednesday, March 6.
The festival harks back to the 1640s when elaborate feasts were held to give thanks to the Greek wine gods.
In 1840, the first Rio masquerade took place with polka and waltzing, samba was brought in when Africans influenced the music in 1917, making what is now traditional Brazilian sounds.
Read More: Rio Carnival 2018 in pictures: Stunning outfits and dancers
Main Events
Friday, March 1st
1pm - Opening Ceremony - The King of Carnival (King Momo) is crowned by the city mayor and receives the city keys
9pm - Preliminary Schools' Parades in Sambodromo
Saturday, March 2nd.
9.30am - Street Band Cordão do Bola Preta (Downtown)
4pm - Ipanema's Band, meeting point at General Osório square, Ipanema
8pm - Street Bands' Contest at Av. Rio Branco, Centro
9pm - PreliminarySchools' Parades in Sambodromo
11pm - Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace Hotel
Sunday, March 3rd.
9pm - Main Schools' Parade in Sambodromo
Monday, March 4th.
9pm - Main Schools' Parade in Sambodromo
Tuesday, March 5th.
4pm - Ipanema's Band (last Carnival presentation)
9pm - Children's Samba Schools Parades
11pm - Gay Ball at Scala Rio
How to buy tickets for Rio Carnival 2019
For those looking to attend the festivities, tickets are still available to purchase.
The main parades are on Sunday, March 3 and Monday, March 4 and the champions’ parade is on the last day of the festival on Saturday, March 9.
Ticket prices
Grandstand tickets - R$50 to R$486 (£10 to £98.50)
Allocated chairs - R$154 to R$184 (£31.21 to £37.29)
Front boxes - R$258 to R$1,498 (£52.29 to £232.67)
Luxury suites - R$740 to R$4,100 (£149.98 to £830.97)