Champions’ Parade Rio Carnival 2026: Complete Visitor Guide

Imagine this: the lights of the Sambadrome blazing brightly, the rhythm of samba drums pounding in your chest, and a sea of dazzling costumes swirling before your eyes. This isn’t just any moment during Carnival – it’s the Champions Parade, the grand celebration of the year’s top samba schools. In 2018, Rio & Learn students experienced this magic firsthand, parading with Paraíso do Tuiuti Samba School! Now, it’s your turn to step into the heart of Rio Carnival and create memories that will last a lifetime. Come with us to discover everything about the Champions Parade at Rio Carnival in 2026!

What Is the Champions Parade?

The Champions Parade, or Desfile das Campeãs, is the ultimate victory lap for the top six samba schools from the year’s Carnival competition. After months of intense preparation and a fierce battle on the Sambadrome’s legendary runway, these schools return for an encore performance, free from the pressure of earning points. This is where the energy peaks, samba comes alive, and the performers radiate pure joy. For Carnival fans, this parade is a true gem—an opportunity to relive the year’s best performances one more time.

Who Won the Rio Carnival 2026?

The Unidos do Viradouro was crowned champion of the Rio Carnival 2026, securing its fourth Grupo Especial title in a dramatic and closely contested competition. Their sweeping performance and homage to long-time bateria master Mestre Ciça captivated both audiences and judges alike, earning them top honors in the apuração (score tally).

Viradouro’s victory came after a fierce battle with other powerhouse samba schools, with Beija-Flor de Nilópolis and Vila Isabel finishing just fractions of a point behind in second and third place respectively.

Top Schools in 2026 (Qualified for the Champions’ Parade)

• 1️⃣ Unidos do Viradouro – Champion
• 2️⃣ Beija-Flor de Nilópolis
• 3️⃣ Unidos de Vila Isabel
• 4️⃣ Salgueiro
• 5️⃣ Imperatriz Leopoldinense
• 6️⃣ Mangueira

These top-ranked schools will take center stage once again at the Champions’ Parade at the Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí, celebrating their 2026 performances and giving fans a second chance to experience the best of this year’s Carnival.

Unidos do Viradouro’s title deepens the school’s legacy in Rio’s Carnival history, bringing home another trophy just two years after their last win in 2024 and cementing their place among the elite of samba champions.

Champions’ Parade 2026: What Makes It Different

The Rio Carnival Champions’ Parade is not a repeat of the competition — it’s a victory lap. Only the top samba schools from the Special Group earn a place in this parade, returning to the Sambódromo after the official results are announced to celebrate their ranking with the public.

Unlike the competition nights, there are no judges, no scores, and no penalties. That single change transforms everything. Samba schools parade with noticeably different energy: performers smile more, interact more with the crowd, and take creative liberties they wouldn’t risk during judged nights. You’ll often see dancers improvising, singers playing with the audience, and drummers stretching rhythms for pure enjoyment rather than precision.

Another key difference is consistency and polish. By the time the Champions’ Parade happens, the schools have already paraded once at full scale. Costumes, floats, and choreography are familiar to the performers, which often results in smoother execution and fewer technical issues. For first-time visitors, this means a visually stunning show with less tension and more flow.

In 2026, the Champions’ Parade remains one of the best options for visitors who want to experience elite-level samba schools without the pressure-filled atmosphere of competition nights. It combines the highest-quality schools of the year with a more relaxed, celebratory mood — making it easier to focus on the music, storytelling, costumes, and sheer joy that define Rio Carnival at its best.

For many locals, this parade is where Carnival feels most complete: the hard work is done, the results are in, and what’s left is celebration, pride, and samba performed for the love of it.

How Does the Carnival Competition Work?

Rio Carnival at the Sambadrome isn’t just a party – it’s a fierce competition that samba schools prepare for all year long. The process is intense, starting with rehearsals at their Quadra (school headquarters), rehearsals at the Sambadrome, costume designs, and song creation. Each samba school competes in the Sambadrome, presenting a parade filled with stunning floats, elaborate costumes, and perfectly synchronized samba. They’re judged on elements like music, creativity, choreography, and overall impact.

Only the top six schools earn a spot in the Champions Parade, a victory lap to showcase their success and celebrate their hard work. These schools represent the best of the best, and the Champions Parade is their moment to shine without the pressure of competition. It’s the culmination of months of effort, passion, and dedication.

When Is the Rio Champions’ Parade in 2026?

The Rio Champions’ Parade 2026 traditionally takes place on the Saturday following Carnival week, at the Sambódromo. This timing allows the top samba schools to return after the official results are announced and prepare a final, celebratory performance for the public.

Because Carnival dates change every year, exact confirmation should always be checked close to the event — especially if you’re planning flights or accommodation around it.

Local tip: Many locals prefer the Champions’ Parade because it’s easier to enjoy the details — costumes, floats, and samba — without the pressure of competition.

Champions Parade Rio Carnival 2025

The Champions Parade marks the grand finale of Carnival. The top samba schools parade in reverse order of their ranking, leading up to the ultimate champions. Check out the timetable and order for the 2025 Rio Carnival Champions Parade:

Start of the Parade	March 8th (Saturday)	2025 Carnival Position
22:00	Mangueira	6th
23:00	Portela	5th
00:00	Viradouro	4th
01:00	Imperatriz	3rd
02:00	Grande Rio	2nd
03:00	Beija Flor	1st

Our Unforgettable 2018 Experience

At Rio & Learn, we don’t just teach Portuguese—we immerse you in Brazil’s culture in the most unforgettable ways. In 2018, our students paraded with Paraíso do Tuiuti during the Champions Parade. That year, Tuiuti stole the show with a mesmerizing performance, securing second place and making history. Alongside our students, they danced through the Sambadrome, singing at the top of their lungs and sharing smiles with thousands of spectators.

Here’s what one of our students had to say:

I came to Rio planning to see Carnaval but there was no way I expected to be part of Carnaval! The chance to march with a winning samba school in the champion parade was an experience that I will never forget!

Michael McCork, United States

Our students didn’t just watch Carnival—they became part of its beating heart. And the best part? You can experience it too if you parade with us!

Why the Champions Parade Can Be Interesting?

If you love the idea of Carnival and want to relive its best moments, the Champions Parade is for you. With fewer crowds than the main competition nights, you’ll have a chance to soak in the sights and sounds with ease. The samba schools are celebrating their achievements, and you’ll feel the passion pouring out of every step, every note, and every glittering costume.

Here’s why you shouldn’t miss it:

• Top Performances: Only the best of the best take the Sambadrome stage.
• Less Stress: Enjoy the spectacle without the intensity of competition night.
• Affordable Tickets: Prices are often lower than for the main parades.
• A Perfect Encore: Relive the magic of Carnival or get a taste if you missed the main event.

Check out the best photos from our 2018 Rio Carnival Champions Parade night on our Facebook page!

How to Join the Champions Parade with Rio & Learn

Parading with a samba school isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality with Rio & Learn! We’ll help you secure your fantasia (costume), guide you through the samba school’s rehearsals, and ensure you’re ready to shine on the Sambadrome runway.

In 2018, during our RioLIVE! experience, our students marched in the Champions Parade with GRES Paraíso do Tuiuti, celebrating their incredible second-place finish. Check out our unforgettable moments from inside the Sambadrome!

And here’s the most exciting part: if you parade with Rio & Learn during Carnival, you could find yourself in the Champions Parade, reliving this incredible experience. Imagine stepping back onto the Sambadrome runway, celebrating with the best samba schools, and feeling the electric energy of the crowd. It’s not just an event—it’s a story you’ll tell forever.

Portuguese You’ll Hear at the Champions’ Parade

At the Champions’ Parade, the mood is emotional, proud, and loud — and the language reflects that. Because there’s no judging pressure, Brazilians react more freely, shouting praise, reliving iconic moments, and celebrating their favorite schools with real intensity.

You’ll hear people reacting to costumes, drums, singers, and even specific moments from the competition nights that made history.

💡 Cultural note:
Expressions like “Que chão!” or “A bateria veio pesada!” are very Carnival-specific. They show how Brazilians comment not just on beauty, but on technical excellence, rhythm, and samba authenticity — details that locals notice instantly.

Listening to these reactions in real time helps your Portuguese stick because emotion anchors memory. When someone screams “Arrepiei!” right as the drums explode, you feel the meaning — no translation needed.

👉 Want to understand Carnival Portuguese beyond memorized phrases? Our Group Classes and Private Portuguese Classes help you follow real reactions, slang, and cultural references — so when Carnival happens around you, you’re not just watching it, you’re part of it.

Champions’ Parade Rio Carnival – FAQ (2026)

When is the Rio Champions’ Parade?

The Rio Champions’ Parade traditionally takes place on the Saturday following Carnival week, after the official results of the Special Group competition are announced. In 2026, this means the parade will happen the weekend immediately after the main Sambódromo competition nights.
Because Carnival dates change every year, the exact calendar date is confirmed closer to the event, once the full Carnival schedule is finalized.

What time does the Champions’ Parade start (and what time does it end)?

The Champions’ Parade usually starts in the evening, often around 9:00–10:00 PM, and continues throughout the night into the early morning hours. The ending time depends on how many samba schools are parading and how long each school takes to cross the Sambódromo.
It’s common for the final school to finish after sunrise, so spectators should be prepared for a long — but unforgettable — night.

Which samba schools parade in the Champions’ Parade?

Only the top-ranked samba schools from the Special Group are invited to participate. These are the schools that scored highest during the official Carnival competition earlier in the week.
Typically, this includes the Carnival champion, runner-up, and other top finishers, meaning you’ll see the best performances, costumes, and drum sections of the entire year in one single night.

What is the parade order for the Champions’ Parade?

The parade order is announced after the final results are released. Unlike competition nights, the order is no longer about judging strategy.
Instead, it follows a celebratory logic, often placing the Carnival champion in a highlight position so the night builds toward a strong, emotional finale. The exact running order is published by Carnival organizers shortly before the parade.

Where can I watch the Champions’ Parade live (TV/streaming)?

In Brazil, the Champions’ Parade is broadcast live on major national TV networks, with professional commentary, close-ups of costumes, and aerial shots of the Sambódromo.
Some broadcasters also offer online streaming, which may be accessible internationally depending on your location. Outside Brazil, availability varies, and some viewers use official international broadcasters or streaming services that carry Carnival coverage.

How do I buy tickets for the Champions’ Parade, and how much do they cost?

Tickets are sold through official Sambódromo ticketing platforms and authorized sellers. Prices vary based on seating type, such as grandstands, allocated chairs, or luxury boxes.
In general, Champions’ Parade tickets are more affordable than tickets for the main competition nights, making it one of the best value options for experiencing Carnival inside the Sambódromo. Popular sections can still sell out, so buying in advance is strongly recommended.

Ready to Make History?

Rio Carnival is more than a party—it’s a celebration of life, culture, and passion. The Champions Parade is the grand finale, leaving your heart full and your feet itching to dance.

Join us at Rio & Learn, where you’ll not only master Portuguese but also immerse yourself in Brazil’s incredible traditions. Let’s make this Carnival your most unforgettable adventure yet—who knows, you might be back for the Champions Parade! Let’s samba our way into an experience of a lifetime!

Holds a degree in Language and Literature from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and currently holds the position of Academic Coordinator for In-Person Courses at Rio & Learn. With five years of solid experience in language teaching, Danielle stands out for her ability to structure educational programs that promote the linguistic development of students at different levels. In addition to her academic work, Danielle has published a book on Amazon and contributed to writing scripts for YouTube channels and podcasts focused on teaching Portuguese as a foreign language. Her career reflects a continuous commitment to education and innovation in the field of language learning.