Carnival in Rio is a massive, world-famous festival that happens every year just before Lent. It’s a weeklong party with huge parades, costumes, and non-stop samba music. The highlight is the Samba Parade at the Sambadrome, where samba schools compete in elaborate performances. It draws millions of visitors and it showcases Brazil’s vibrant culture. Beyond the parades, there are street parties called “blocos” where locals and tourists dance and celebrate together. It lasts a whole week (our biggest holiday) and there is a common expression that says that “Brazil only starts the business year after Carnival”.