Rio’s 2026 Street Carnival Opens With Citywide Parades and Tight Security

Overview

• Rio’s official street-carnival calendar runs January 17 to February 22 with 462 parades, led by 135 in the city center and a decentralized schedule across Zona Sul, Zona Norte and Tijuca.
• Public safety operations mobilize more than 4,000 military police with about 500 vehicles and aerial support, plus new patrol cars tied to facial-recognition systems near the Circuito Preta Gil.
• Municipal authorities add over 1,100 guard and order agents, security checkpoints on Rua Primeiro de Março to block glass and sharp objects, and extensive traffic and vendor controls.
• Seven pre-hospital health posts, including two on the megablocos circuit, will operate alongside guidance on hydration, alcohol use, sun protection, burns from hair wax and continuity of medications.
• The Circuito Preta Gil hosts ten megablocos from January 24 to February 22, featuring Anitta, Ludmilla, Ivete Sangalo and Léo Santana, with expected crowds from 50,000 up to roughly 700,000 for Bola Preta and 600,000 for Fervo da Lud; women-support teams and the Ronda Maria da Penha will be on duty.