Why do Rio Carnival Dates Change Every Year?
The Rio de Janeiro Carnival is a world famous festival that happens before Lent. Brazil Carnival has its origins in ancient Greece and Rome celebrations that later, were incorporated into the Catholic liturgical calendar. By the Catholic Calendar, Carnival is always celebrated seven Sundays before the Sunday of Easter. This is why the Rio Carnival Dates vary from year to year.
Easter Sunday is immediately after the full moon that occurs between March 22 and April 26. This difference in dates happens because the calendar used to set the months and days of the year is based on the sun. The calendar that set the dates of Easter is based on the moon, so every year the dates will change and that affects the Rio Carnival Dates.
Official Rio Carnival Schedule
Rio Carnival officially runs from Friday through Ash Wednesday. However, the most important parade nights at the Sambadrome are:
- Friday – Access Group (second division samba schools)
- Saturday – Access Group (second division samba schools)
- Sunday – Special Group Night 1
- Monday – Special Group Night 2
- Tuesday – Special Group Night 3
- Saturday (following week) – Champions Parade
Most international travelers arrive Thursday or Friday and depart Wednesday. Most of our clients will attend only 1 Special Group Night and we take them to other Rio Carnival Events on the other nights.
Rio Carnival Dates Through 2040
Below are the official Rio Carnival dates from 2027 through 2040.
| Year | Official Rio Carnival Dates (Friday–Ash Wednesday) |
|---|---|
| 2027 | February 5 – 10, 2027 |
| 2028 | February 25 – March 1, 2028 |
| 2029 | February 9 – 14, 2029 |
| 2030 | March 1 – 6, 2030 |
| 2031 | February 21 – 26, 2031 |
| 2032 | February 6 – 11, 2032 |
| 2033 | February 25 – March 2, 2033 |
| 2034 | February 17 – 22, 2034 |
| 2035 | February 2 – 7, 2035 |
| 2036 | February 22 – 27, 2036 |
| 2037 | February 13 – 18, 2037 |
| 2038 | March 5 – 10, 2038 |
| 2039 | February 18 – 23, 2039 |
| 2040 | February 10 – 15, 2040 |
