The tropical rhythms of samba, vibrant costumes and a sense of cultural pride filled the streets of São Paulo on Friday, 13 February 2026, as the city officially kicked off its annual Carnival celebrations with a spectacular opening filled with artistry, history and community spirit. This year’s festivities blend traditional pageantry with powerful themes of resilience, cultural identity and social commentary marking a Carnival that celebrates not just joy and dance, but a deeper narrative of resistance and collective memory.
The opening festivities highlighted by parades, dance performances, music stages and community blocos showcased the city’s energetic pulse and the diverse influences that shape São Paulo’s unique carnival culture. Samba schools, cultural groups and community performers came together to honour Afro-Brazilian heritage, spiritual traditions and the magic that infuses Brazilian popular culture.
A celebration of Samba and cultural resilience
At the heart of São Paulo’s Carnival is samba, a musical genre with roots in Afro-Brazilian communities that has come to symbolize both artistic expression and cultural resistance. Samba schools community-based performance groups spent months preparing choreographies, costumes, floats and percussion arrangements, transforming city avenues into stages of rhythm and colour.
This year’s opening event was themed around unity and resistance, with many samba troupes paying tribute to historical struggles for equality and cultural recognition. Residents and visitors alike lined the streets, dancing to the infectious beats of surdos, tamborims and caixas, while dancers wearing elaborate costumes animated the night with colour and movement. For many participants, the emphasis on resistance was not merely symbolic, but a reflection of ongoing social dynamics in Brazil where communities continue to assert their rights, heritage and visibility through artistic expression. Carnival becomes, in this regard, both a celebration and a statement.
Magic, myth and spirituality in the parade
Another defining feature of São Paulo’s Carnival opening was the infusion of magic and spirituality into performances. Groups known for their connections to Afro-Brazilian spiritual traditions including Candomblé and Umbanda joined the parade with symbolic imagery, sacred rhythms and ceremonial dances. These elements highlighted the deep entwinement of Carnival with religious and cultural practices that have long sustained communities through adversity. Costumes inspired by mythic figures, colourful motifs associated with spiritual protectors, and rhythmic invocations added layers of meaning to what might otherwise be viewed as simply festive spectacle.
Many attendees said this blending of music, dance and spiritual tradition creates a “Carnival of the soul,” one that celebrates the collective memory of people whose ancestry was shaped by resilience and faith
A City united in festive spirit
Unlike the world-famous Carnival processions of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo’s celebrations are characterised by a more eclectic and community-oriented atmosphere. Streets across the city from historic neighbourhoods to bustling urban centres hosted blocos de rua, or street party groups, each with its own identity, music and message. Residents of diverse backgrounds participated, reflecting São Paulo’s reputation as one of the most multicultural cities in South America. Families, young revelers, older samba enthusiasts and international visitors danced side by side, contributing to an inclusive and dynamic experience.
Local leaders noted that the opening ceremonies demonstrated the power of Carnival to bring people together, forge cultural connections and strengthen community ties — especially as global challenges continue to shape everyday life.
Tourism, economy and local impact
Carnival’s opening also brought an immediate boost to São Paulo’s tourism and local economy. Hotels, restaurants, bars and street vendors reported a surge in visitors and activity, with many travelling from across Brazil and overseas to take part in the festivities. City officials emphasised that Carnival is not only a cultural event but a major economic driver, generating jobs and revenue for small businesses and creative industries. Organized cultural projects, tourism packages and community events are expected to extend Carnival’s impact well beyond the traditional parade dates.
Officials also underscored that public safety, sanitation and crowd management are priorities during the celebrations, with coordinated efforts between municipal services, police and civil organisations to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all attendees
Days of dance and celebration
São Paulo’s Carnival celebrations will continue over the weekend and through Monday, with a full calendar of events including bloco parades, samba school competitions, music stages, dancing in public squares and late-night gatherings that span the city.
Highlights include themed performances focused on community stories, cultural exhibitions featuring local artists, and interactive workshops on percussion and dance designed to engage both seasoned performers and newcomers alike. This year’s programme also incorporates forums and discussions on cultural heritage, resistance through art, and the evolving role of Carnival in contemporary Brazilian society. As the celebrations unfold, São Paulo is poised to offer one of the most vibrant and socially resonant Carnival experiences in the country one that blends joy with purpose, and rhythm with reflection.
