The Best of Gay Mardi Gras in Rio de Janeiro
Mardi Gras, which translates to Fat Tuesday, is the last day of Carnival. The following day, known as Ash Wednesday, is the first day of Lent – a period during which, according to tradition, one should practice moderation. So, let’s make the most of it.
Blocos and Street Festivities
Fervo da Lud is one of the mega-blocos, meaning it will attract hundreds of thousands of revelers. The concentration at Rua Primeiro de Março, 66, Centro starts at 7 a.m.
Bloco das Carmelitas starts its parade up and down the streets of Santa Teresa early in the morning. The historical Carmelite Convent, which gave the bloco its name, is on the route. Concentration at Largo do Curvelo starts at 8 a.m.
Orquestra Voadora, one of the most successful Carnival groups, plays today at Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 735, Glória. The event starts at 1 p.m.
Today is the celebrated parade of Sereias da Guanabara, a carnival bloco that is openly LGBTQIAPN+. The concentration is at Praia do Flamengo, 340, starting at 3 p.m.
Banda das Quengas is another bloco that caters to the LGBTQIAPN+ community. At 4 p.m., they concentrate on Rua Washington Luiz, 10, Centro.
Lastly, Banda de Ipanema takes over our favorite place in Rio de Janeiro for the last time this Carnival. You know the drill: the bloco is not gay, but it traditionally attracts some of the most colorful drag queens in Rio. Concentration at Praça General Osório starts at 4 p.m.
Balls & Off-Carnival Parties
Saymos do Egyto Carnaval 2024 is promoted by one of the most celebrated gay blocos. You will have a chance to party in costume! The location is very convenient, at Clube Monte Líbano around Lagoa in Leblon. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Pervert Matinée lands at Home Rio in Centro this Tuesday. The group, founded in Barcelona, is famous worldwide for its wild circuit parties. Guest DJ Phil Romano has already performed in Rio, leaving only good memories. Rua Sacadura Cabral, 135 – 11 p.m.
Carnival Samba Parade
Today, the parade of Children’s Samba Schools happens at the Sambódromo, and the event is free of charge. On Wednesday, they will read the results of the Special Group Samba Schools competition. Several judges are analyzing different aspects of the parade performed by each samba school.
Yes, the spectacle on Carnaval Sunday and Monday is fierce competition. One of the schools from the Special Group will be downgraded to the Golden Group and vice versa.
The six schools that rank better have the honor of marching at the Champions’ Parade on Saturday. If you’re staying in town, you still have a chance to watch! More about the Samba Parade on our parent website!
