The world-famous Brazilian Carnival, one of the largest and most vibrant festivals on the planet, has reached its peak, drawing record-breaking crowds and transforming cities into hubs of music, dance and culture. The carnival began on February 13 and will continue until February 21, with celebrations spanning multiple cities, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Salvador.
This year, the festival is witnessing an unprecedented turnout, with an estimated 65 million people expected to participate nationwide. In Rio de Janeiro alone, nearly 8 million visitors are anticipated, making it one of the biggest editions in recent years. More than 4,000 artists and performers are participating in various parades, street parties and cultural events across Brazil.
Samba Schools and Grand Parades
The heart of the carnival in Rio lies at the iconic Sambadrome, where 12 elite samba schools are competing in the main parade competition. Dozens of other samba schools are participating in lower divisions, showcasing elaborate floats, costumes and choreographed performances.
Each major samba school employs thousands of professionals, including dancers, musicians, costume designers, artisans, tailors and set makers. Reports suggest that the budget of a rising samba school, Padre Miguel, is estimated at around ₹1.9 billion, highlighting the massive scale and economic significance of the event.
Economic Boost and Employment
The carnival also provides a significant boost to Brazil’s economy. In Rio alone, around 70,000 temporary jobs are created every year in sectors such as security, cleaning services, event management, hotels, restaurants and street vending.
Brazilian Carnival is not just a cultural spectacle but also a major economic engine, drawing tourists from across the globe and showcasing Brazil’s rich traditions of samba, music and artistic expression.