Rio de Janeiro's iconic Carnival celebrations have officially commenced, with vibrant block parties and elaborate samba school rehearsals energizing Brazil's cultural capital through February 2026. Local businesses report record pre-festival preparations as the month-long event promises significant economic benefits for the host city.
Hotels and short-term rentals currently operate at 98% capacity, while retail sectors project a 40% revenue increase compared to last year's celebrations. Tourism officials confirm over 2 million visitors are expected to attend this year's events, with international travelers comprising 65% of bookings.
"This Carnival represents our full post-pandemic recovery," stated Rio's Tourism Secretary during a rehearsal inspection. "The economic impact currently exceeds initial projections, particularly in hospitality and entertainment sectors."
Environmental initiatives mark a notable development in 2026's celebrations, with 85% of parade floats incorporating recycled materials. Sustainable tourism packages have attracted particular interest from European and Asian travelers, accounting for 30% of international bookings.
