The decision to extend the parades to three nights was made to enhance the experience for spectators and to better accommodate the increasing number of attendees. This change aims to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for all, allowing for a more spread-out schedule and less crowding on each day.
(Picture: Alex Ferro / Rio Tur)
This extension to three nights is beneficial as it increases the total number of available seats, addressing the challenges we faced this year in securing all frisas tickets. Many camarotes, in addition to their traditional space, have occupied the area previously designated for frisas, significantly reducing their number over the two days of parades.
Another advantage is that all schools will now parade at night, under special lighting. Previously, the last school of the night sometimes paraded as the sun was rising, which could diminish the visual impact of their performance.
CARNIVAL TICKETS 2025
(Picture: Rafael Catarcione / Prefeitura do Rio)
Types of Tickets Available:
1. Grandstand (Arquibancada): These are general admission seats located on large concrete steps. They offer a great view of the parade and are ideal for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere.
2. Frisas (VIP Boxes): These are open-air boxes located closer to the parade track. They provide a more exclusive experience with individual seating, offering a close-up view of the samba schools as they pass by.
3. Camarotes (Luxury Suites): These are the most luxurious option, offering a private, enclosed space with premium amenities. They include their own transport, all-inclusive food and beverage service, rain protection, air conditioning, exclusive bathrooms, and entertainment between the parades. However, seating is limited inside the suite, and most guests watch the parade standing at the windows or in the space on the ground floor, previously occupied by the frisas.
Sambadrome seating is divided into various sectors. The grandstands and Frisas in Sector 09 (the official tourist sector) are managed by ABAV (Brazilian Travel Agents Association), and its inventory is allocated among its members, including Blumar. All other sectors (Frisas, grandstands, and special balconies/camarotes/VIP lounges) are managed by LIESA (the samba schools' association), and the allocation process is entirely beyond our control.
(Picture: Marco Terranova / Riotur)
In recent years, LIESA has started converting some Frisas space into extensions for the Camarotes/VIP lounges, reducing the overall availability of Frisas and complicating our ability to secure them at official prices.
For 2025, there are rumors that LIESA will allocate even more Frisa’s space to the VIP lounges, potentially leaving very little space for Frisas. An extra day of parade will help by adding more frisa seats, overall.
CHAMPIONS’ PARADE
(Picture: Marco Terranova / Riotur)
Additionally, the Champions' Parade, where the top 6 schools return to parade in the Sambadrome, will continue to take place on the Saturday following Carnival. This "mini carnival" is an excellent option for those who do not want or cannot stay for the 4 mandatory nights required by hotel carnival packages. The accommodation package for the Champions' Parade is for 2 nights, at a lower cost than Carnival packages. Visitors can watch the best schools, and the ticket for the Champions' Parade is also cheaper.
The subsequent hotel rates are normal if visitors want to extend their stay beyond the Champions' Parade package.
For those who want to know more about Rio with way less crowd, all attractions in Rio are normally open on the Thursday and Friday before, and the days following the Champions' Parade weekend. During Carnival, only Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain remain open. Even the street carnival blocks occur on the Champions' Parade weekend. This is a great way to experience Rio with a taste of Carnival.
Carnival in 2025 will be held from February 27th to March 5th, Friday to Wednesday, with the parade taking place on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The Champion’s Parade will be from March 7th to 9th.
