When: ; ; ;
Where: Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome, Rio de Janeiro
The main samba school parades turn the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome into a vast stage of music, costumes and moving floats. In 2027, Grupo Especial’s competition nights take place on 7, 8 and 9 February. The six highest-placed schools return for the champions’ parade on 13 February.
Which evening should you choose?
Each competition night has its own running order. LIESA has announced:
- 7 February: União de Maricá, Beija-Flor, Paraíso do Tuiuti and Vila Isabel.
- 8 February: Mocidade, Unidos da Tijuca, Salgueiro and Imperatriz Leopoldinense.
- 9 February: Portela, Viradouro, Grande Rio and Mangueira.
If you support a particular school, its date gives you a starting point. Then examine the sector map and ticket conditions. Friends travelling together should agree on the evening and area before buying separately.
Are the competition and champions’ parade the same event?
The schools compete on 7–9 February; the best return on 13 February following the results. Choose a ticket for the evening you want to see. An earlier ticket-sale announcement does not establish that your preferred seats remain available.
Does this ticket cover street carnival events?
Grupo Especial’s Sambadrome parades are a specific ticketed event. Street blocos, children’s parades and other carnival programmes have their own arrangements and are separate from that ticket.
Travelling to the Sambadrome
LIESA directs buyers to Ticketmaster for official tickets. After choosing your evening and sector, you can discuss travel with Hola Taxi: include your accommodation address, date and passenger count. Check official information closer to the event for carnival road restrictions and access to meeting locations. Discuss the return separately, taking into account whether you plan to watch the whole parade or leave earlier.
Sources
Checked: 2026-10-23
