Rio Carnival 2026: Sambadrome spectacular concludes as city awaits champion

The drumbeats have finally faded at the Marquês de Sapucaí, bringing the competitive phase of the Rio Carnival 2026 to a dazzling close. Over two marathon nights of spectacle, the twelve elite schools of the "Special Group" transformed the Sambadrome into a riot of colour.

Later on Wednesday (18 February), the complex scoring by 36 judges will be read out at the Apoteose Square to crown the 2026 Carnival Grand Champion.

The champions' parade will be held on 21 February.

While the street parties (blocos) continue to pulse through Ipanema and Copacabana, the focus shifts to the technical verdict that will decide which community takes the coveted trophy back to the favelas.

For Brazilians and visitors, the street partying is an event not to be missed.

Local resident Telma Peori said, “We’re here fulfilling a dream: enjoying the Banda de Ipanema (Ipanema Band). The whole world is in Brazil. It’s sensational, it’s wonderful.”

Banda de Ipanema Drummer, Marcos Vinicius Santos Penha said taking part in the party is fun. 

“I come from the age of tin percussion. I learned to play with a can, nobody taught me. It’s a gift that comes from my family, my father, you know? I have music in my blood. So to me, it’s very pleasing - I have fun and I also entertain others,” Marcos said.

Business woman, Luene Luciana said each year the party fun atmosphere is just a great way to make new friends.

"Carnival is a season to make friends because people get along well with each other and have fun, joke, make friends, so to me, it's wonderful."

Founded in 1965, the band is one of the classics of Rio's street Carnival and became an intangible cultural heritage of the city in 2004, according to Brazilian media.

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News Rio Carnival Brazil Rio de Janeiro Sambadrome