Carnabendita circuit brings 10+ Rio street blocs

With 10+ groups, the Carnabendita circuit hits Rio’s streets from Feb 14–21, led by Areia, Divinas Tretas and Agytoê from Leblon to LapaAfter a packed pre-Carnival that drew thousands with Caxias Water Planet, Empolga às 9 and Fica Comigo, Carnabendita ramps up again for the official Carnival days and adds one more post-weekend parade.The project lists Brahma as master sponsor, alongside the State Government and the Culture Secretariat through an incentive law. Additional sponsors include Guaraná Antártica, Beats, Mercado Pago, 99 and Rehidrat. Official radio partner: FM O Dia.

Rio street Carnival: what’s on

Things restart on Saturday (Feb 14) in the morning at Flamengo Beach with Amigos da Onça, known for its theatrical edge and animal costumes—especially jaguars. Also in the morning, the traditional Escangalha takes over Jardim Botânico.Fixed stages add another layer: Forró da Taylor joins Rio’s official street-bloc program for the first time at Largo de São Francisco (Downtown). Blocobuster, with a setlist tied to pop culture—movies, series and telenovelas—lands at Leme Beach.

Areia, Divinas Tretas and inclusion efforts

On Sunday (Feb 15), the Carnabendita circuit spotlights mega-bloc Areia in Leblon in the morning. Early, Divinas Tretas—one of Rio’s leading LGBTQIAPN+ blocs—hosts a fixed-stage set at Flamengo Beach.Divinas Tretas also brings diversity and inclusion initiatives. One highlight is a document requalification campaign offering free, specialized legal support to change name and gender markers on official documents, aimed at trans and non-binary people in situations of vulnerability.In the afternoon, Empolga às 9 returns for its second Carnival appearance, now on a fixed stage at Leme Beach. Later, Agytoê takes the Arcos da Lapa with visuals blending Ancient Egypt and Bahia, reinforcing links to Afro‑Brazilian traditions, on a Beats-branded stage.

’90s pagode, rock energy, and the after-party

On Monday (Feb 16), Que Pena Amor hits in the morning with a set focused on 1990s pagode, on a stage at Praça Tiradentes. In the afternoon, Dinos A/C blends rock classics with the drive of street blocs at the Largo de São Francisco stage.After a short break, the circuit returns for the post-Carnival weekend on Saturday (Feb 21) with Mulheres de Chico, celebrating women’s empowerment and Chico Buarque’s work. The show happens at Leme Beach, on a stage wrapped by Guaraná Antártica.

Service

Saturday (Feb 14), morning: Amigos da Onça — Flamengo BeachSaturday (Feb 14), morning: Escangalha — Jardim BotânicoSaturday (Feb 14): Forró da Taylor (fixed stage) — Largo de São Francisco, DowntownSaturday (Feb 14): Blocobuster (fixed stage) — Leme BeachSunday (Feb 15), morning: Areia — LeblonSunday (Feb 15), morning: Divinas Tretas (fixed stage) — Flamengo BeachSunday (Feb 15), afternoon: Empolga às 9 (fixed stage) — Leme BeachSunday (Feb 15), afternoon: Agytoê (fixed stage) — Arcos da LapaMonday (Feb 16), morning: Que Pena Amor (stage) — Praça TiradentesMonday (Feb 16), afternoon: Dinos A/C (stage) — Largo de São FranciscoSaturday (Feb 21): Mulheres de Chico (stage) — Leme BeachPhoto: Publicity (Credit: @fotosporgabifalcao, @gabriellaribeiro)