Dancers Prepare to Light Up Rio Carnival 2025

With the Rio Carnival approaching, dancers are gearing up to deliver electrifying performances at one of the world’s biggest festivals. Read more on the preparations.

At Rio’s iconic Sambadrome, musicians and dancers are busy preparing for the carnival. Each year, more groups of professional dancers come to the city in growing numbers.

Among the group is Raphaëlle Charron, who has journeyed from Montreal.

“It’s incredibly hard work. I have immense admiration for the Brazilian women and men who dedicate themselves to it year-round because, honestly, it’s a significant act of ‘entrega.’ You’re pouring so much of yourself into it—there’s a lot of sweat involved,” Charron says.

The carnival, anticipated to draw eight million visitors to the city, offers both tourists and dancers the chance to explore a variety of cultures.

Dancer Georgette Barnes states, “There’s a growing interest in engaging with various cultures globally. Samba provides an opportunity to dance and gain deep insights into the culture, movements, and community connections here—all through dance.”

The most skilled dancers have the privilege of performing at the Sambadrome venue. Annually, Samba schools showcase their parades through the Sambadrome, accommodating over 80,000 spectators and about 5,000 participants. Approximately 40 judges are strategically seated around the stadium to evaluate costumes, music quality, and choreography before declaring a winner on Ash Wednesday.

Although the preparation is intense, participants are having a great time. Dancer Lea Nifaut shared her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s been wonderful—truly incredible with very good energy. This year, the school decided to honor African culture and as someone from Réunion Island, this theme deeply resonates with me. I’m extremely proud to have taken part in celebrating both Brazilian culture and African cultural heritage.”

The carnival begins on February 28th and concludes on March 5th.