Carnaval Samba Parade in Rio de Janeiro - Mardi Gras Celebrations

The annual Samba Parade at the Sambodromo in Rio is one of the world's greatest shows. If you love singing, dancing, floats, and Latin music, you will love the Samba Parade! Held the Sunday and Monday nights preceding Mardi Gras and Lent, the Samba Parade tops off Rio de Janeiro's annual Carnaval.

I attended Carnaval in Rio while on a 14-day South American cruise on Celebrity Cruises' Infinity roundtrip to Rio from Buenos Aires. It was a wonderful cruise, and the Samba Parade was certainly the highlight of all the shoreside events. Many cruise ships sailing in South America overnight in Rio de Janeiro to allow passengers to enjoy the Samba Parade and the other Carnaval events. It's certainly a great way to see one of the world's greatest parties!

Samba Parade in Rio Photo (c) Linda Garrison