Rio Carnival 2020: When is it, where is it and what are the best events to attend?

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rio Carnival is one of the biggest, boldest and brightest events in the Brazilian calendar. All the main samba competitions between rival dance schools and parades take place in the Sambadrome – a purpose-built parade area created for the Carnival. open image in gallery Rio Carnival attracts thousands of performers It gradually evolved into an annual city-wide party, culminating in the invention of samba in the early 20th century. open image in gallery Visitors can participate too, provided they’re wearing a costume Other than buying tickets for the parades and soaking up the atmosphere, Carnival goers can also opt to participate themselves, joining one of the available samba schools.