LIESA reveals the Rio Carnival 2027 parade schedule at a free public event on April 16 at Cidade do Samba, featuring live shows by Dudu Nobre and Os Puxadores do Samba.
The countdown to the world’s greatest spectacle has officially begun. On April 16 (Thursday), starting at 7 PM, the samba world will finally learn the date and position each samba school will take on the Marquês de Sapucaí runway at Rio Carnival 2027. The traditional parade order draw, organized by the Liga Independente das Escolas de Samba do Rio de Janeiro (LIESA), takes place at the iconic Cidade do Samba complex and is set to be a major celebration of Rio’s cultural identity.
Free entry with a social cause
The event is fully open to the public. Attendees only need to bring 1 kg of non-perishable food as their ticket — a gesture that reflects LIESA’s ongoing social commitment to the community.
The night kicks off with a musical set by Os Puxadores do Samba, a group of celebrated voices from the Carnival avenue, performing beloved samba-enredo classics. Following them, singer and songwriter Dudu Nobre takes the stage for a special show featuring his greatest hits and the authentic rhythm of Rio samba.
Pre-set groups and confirmed positions
The parade order draw covers both the Special Group and the junior samba schools. The lottery follows three pre-established groups — defined at a LIESA plenary session — ensuring that schools within the same group will not compete on the same night:
- Unidos da Tijuca, Paraíso do Tuiuti, and Grande Rio
- Viradouro, Unidos de Vila Isabel, and Imperatriz
- Beija-Flor de Nilópolis, Mangueira, and Salgueiro
Some positions are already set based on the 2026 standings. União de Maricá, champion of the Série Ouro, will open Carnival Sunday. Mocidade, ranked eleventh in 2026, will kick off Monday night. And Portela, tenth in the final rankings, will open Tuesday’s parade.
Rio Carnival 2027: February 7, 8 and 9
Rio Carnival 2027 is scheduled for February 7, 8, and 9, promising yet another unforgettable showcase of artistry and spectacle. The April 16 draw marks the official start of preparations across all the samba school warehouses.
Event Info
- Event: Rio Carnival 2027 Parade Order Draw
- Where: Cidade do Samba — Rua Rivadávia Corrêa, 60, Gamboa, Rio de Janeiro
- When: Thursday, April 16, from 7 PM
- Performers: Os Puxadores do Samba and Dudu Nobre
- Admission: 1 kg of non-perishable food donation
