Carnival
Carnival is a festive season celebrated in many countries before the Christian period of Lent, most famously in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, known for elaborate parades, samba music, and vibrant costumes.
A tradition rooted in pre-Lenten Catholic feasting has, in Rio de Janeiro alone, grown into a celebration so large it draws millions of visitors and generates enormous economic activity every year.
Roots in Catholic Tradition
Carnival traditions trace back to pre-Lenten Catholic customs of feasting and celebration held before the 40-day period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter, blending over centuries with distinct local cultural traditions across different regions.
The Sambadrome
Rio de Janeiro's Carnival has grown into the largest and most famous celebration of its kind in the world, featuring elaborate parades in which competing samba schools perform in the purpose-built Sambadrome stadium before judges and massive crowds.
More Than the Parade
Beyond the formal competitive parades, Rio's Carnival features countless informal street parties known as blocos, held throughout the city and drawing millions of participants in a more spontaneous, accessible form of celebration.
Carnival Around the World
Other major Carnival celebrations include Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the historic Carnival of Venice in Italy, each incorporating distinctive local musical traditions, costumes, and customs while sharing the same underlying pre-Lenten origins.
An Economic and Cultural Force
Rio's Carnival draws millions of tourists annually and generates enormous economic activity for Brazil, while also serving as one of the country's most significant and internationally recognized cultural exports.
