Rio's Unofficial Carnival Kickoff Sets Sunday Start With 70 Blocos

Overview

• G1 published the Desliga dos Blocos timetable with start times and meeting points that largely cluster in Rio’s Centro district.
• The list specifies when performances begin or cortejos depart, and organizers advise revelers to arrive early for concentrations.
• The Aberturinha program introduces family activities at Aterro do Flamengo, including games, stilt workshops, storytelling by Palhaça Claroca, and a children’s band.
• Boi Tolo is slated to join the grand cortejo, with the precise route to be announced on the bloco’s social media.
• The community-run Abertura do Carnaval Não Oficial, a tradition since 2009, is set for Sunday, January 4, 2026, with dozens of blocos coordinating across venues such as Praça XV, Armazém Utopia, and Casa Carnaval Rio.