The best festivals in Brazil

Discover the 8 best festivals in Brazil with Brasil ATM’s unmissable tips

Festivals in Brazil are the soul of our culture. They reveal the diversity and richness of each region’s traditions. Traditional dances and typical foods tell the story of the Brazilian people with great creativity. It’s a complete cultural experience that brings together Brazilians and tourists. From Carnival to São João, including Boi-Bumbá and Rock in Rio, there’s a party for everyone.

Of course, each festival has its own identity. Rio’s Carnival, for example, is famous for its spectacular parades. São João in the Northeast enchants with its square dances and bonfires. In the North, the Parintins Festival surprises with the duel between Caprichoso and Garantido.

If you want to get to know Brazilian culture better, this is a great way. So today we’re going to explore the 8 best festivals in Brazil. Come with Brasil ATM!

Read in this post

• The 8 best festivals in Brazil
• Why go to a festival in Brazil?
• Is it safe to go to a festival in Brazil?
• Withdraw money from ATM24h in Brazil
• Discover Brasil ATM (A Todo Momento)
• FAQ

The 8 best festivals in Brazil

Ready to immerse yourself in Brazilian culture in a different way? Brazil is a country full of incredible festivals, each with its own unique identity. To help you experience a different side of tourism (much more authentic), we have selected the 8 best festivals in Brazil. Each one offers an unforgettable experience. Together, they capture the diverse essence of our country’s culture:

1. Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Rio Carnival is the king of Brazilian festivals. It is an explosion of colors, rhythms and joy that takes over the marvelous city. The samba school parade at the Sambódromo is the highlight of the party. Thousands of people gather to see the floats and costumes, prepared a year in advance for the big day.

But Rio Carnival goes far beyond the Sambódramo. The street blocks are the soul of the party. They bring crowds to the streets in every corner of the city. Highlights include the traditional Cordão do Bola Preta and Sargento Pimenta.

Rio Carnival is a unique experience. It is the chance to get lost in the crowd, make new friends and experience the famous Rio hospitality. The entire city becomes one big open-air party. It is one of the festivals in Brazil that everyone should experience at least once in their life.

2. São João de Campina Grande

São João de Campina Grande is the largest June festival in Brazil. For 30 days, the city in Paraíba transforms itself into the “Biggest São João in the World”. It is a celebration of Brazilian northeastern traditions, with music, dance and lots of typical food.

The heart of the festival is Parque do Povo. There, large stages host forró, xote and baião shows. The June square dances perform with choreographies that have been rehearsed for months. The cuisine is a separate chapter: corn, canjica, pamonha and corn cake are just some of the delicacies. The smell of good food spreads throughout the city.

Bonfires and balloons (without fire, of course) give a special atmosphere to the party nights. The streets are decorated with colorful flags. Country weddings and traditional games complete the typical scene of the Brazilian northeastern countryside.

São João de Campina Grande is the chance to experience the hospitality of the people of Paraíba and be enchanted by the June traditions.

3. The Parintins Folklore Festival

The Parintins Folklore Festival is a unique spectacle among Brazilian festivals. In the heart of the Amazon, the small island of Parintins becomes the stage for a cultural dispute. The Caprichoso and Garantido bulls, one blue and the other red, divide the city (in a good way).

The performances at the Parintins Festival tell Amazonian legends through floats, dances and toadas. Local artists incorporate elements of the flora, fauna and indigenous culture into their creations. The festival celebrates not only folklore, but also draws attention to environmental issues in the North region of Brazil.

The competition between Caprichoso and Garantido is the central point of the event. Each bull has 2 and a half hours for its performance, divided into 21 evaluated items. These include the presenter, toada singer, drumming, floats, costumes and choreography. Preparation takes the whole year, involving hundreds of artisans and dancers.

The festival takes place annually on the last weekend of June, for three consecutive nights. In addition to the main presentations, the city offers craft exhibitions, cultural presentations and typical cuisine from the Amazon region.

4. Oktoberfest in Blumenau

Oktoberfest in Blumenau brings a little piece of Germany to the south of Brazil. It is the largest German festival in the Americas and one of the most popular festivals in Brazil. For 18 days, the city of Santa Catarina celebrates its Germanic roots with lots of beer, music and joy.

Vila Germânica Park is the center of the festivities. Traditional bands play folk music and contemporary hits. Visitors dance at large communal tables, creating a unique atmosphere of fellowship. Traditional clothing, such as Lederhosen and Dirndl, color the city streets.

The gastronomy is one of the highlights of the festival. Typical dishes such as Eisbein, Kassler and Sauerkraut are popular. And of course, beer is the star. Dozens of national and imported labels are available for tasting.

Themed parades run through the streets of Blumenau. Floats, bands and folk groups showcase the richness of Germanic culture.

5. Rock in Rio

Rock in Rio is a giant among Brazilian festivals. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1985, the event has become a global reference in music and entertainment. Each edition brings together the biggest names in rock, pop and other genres in unforgettable shows.

The City of Rock, the venue where the shows take place, becomes a mix of festival and amusement park. Several stages offer simultaneous attractions. From Metal to Electronic, including Hip Hop and MPB.

In addition to music, the festival offers other attractions. The Ferris wheel has become a symbol of the event. Gastronomy, extreme sports and technology areas complete the program. You can spend the whole day exploring new things.

Rock in Rio also stands out for its social commitment. Environmental projects and charitable actions are part of each edition. It is a festival that seeks to have a positive impact beyond music. It is worth experiencing Rock in Rio!

6. Rock the Mountain

Rock the Mountain is a unique festival held in Itaipava, Rio de Janeiro. Its lineup mainly features Brazilian artists.

Big names in Brazilian music have performed at the festival. Gilberto Gil, BaianaSystem and Natiruts are just a few examples of artists. The main focus is rock and alternative music, but the event goes beyond the shows.

The festival offers activities such as yoga and art workshops. This creates an environment that combines music, creativity and well-being. For a complete experience, there is a camping area available. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the event.

Environmental commitment is a strong point of Rock the Mountain. The festival promotes conservation and ecological education. In this way, it stands out as a celebration that combines music, nature and environmental awareness.

7. The Town

The Town is a festival held in São Paulo. Its lineup celebrates both international and national artists, and it’s owned by the same company as Rock in Rio.

Big names in music have performed at the festival. Bruno Mars, Post Malone, and Maroon 5 are some examples of artists. The event is owned by the same company as Rock in Rio and takes place in alternate years to that festival.

The party goes beyond just concerts, offering activities such as games and immersive experiences. This creates an environment that combines music, technology, and entertainment. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the event’s atmosphere across various themed areas.

Commitment to innovation is a strong point of The Town. The festival promotes sustainability and social inclusion initiatives. In this way, it stands out as a celebration that unites music, culture, and social responsibility in São Paulo.

8. Lollapalooza Brazil

Lollapalooza Brazil has been held annually in São Paulo since 2012. The Autódromo de Interlagos hosts the event. It is a festival famous for its musical diversity. Rock, pop, electronic and hip-hop artists perform. The line-up includes national and international names.

The audience can reach 100,000 people per day. Several stages offer an immersive experience. Kidzapalooza is a special area for children. There, children’s activities and shows take place.

In addition to music, the festival has other attractions. Lolla Gourmet offers a variety of gastronomic options. At Lolla Market, visitors can find fashion, art and design products.

Lollapalooza is also concerned with sustainability. It encourages recycling among participants. It promotes the use of reusable cups. These initiatives help reduce the environmental impact of the event.

Why go to a festival in Brazil?

Brazilian festivals provide an immersion into the local culture. They integrate music, dance, and regional traditions into one event. Visitors can experience the country’s cultural diversity firsthand. These events bring together people from all over Brazil and the world, facilitating new connections.

Food is an important aspect of Brazilian festivals. Each region offers typical dishes, allowing for a varied culinary exploration. The venues of the events are also part of the experience. Festivals take place on beaches, in mountains, in historic cities, and in modern metropolises.

Many Brazilian festivals have international significance. Rock in Rio, for example, attracts global artists. Rio Carnival is recognized worldwide for its parades. Events like these showcase both the tradition and modernity of Brazilian culture. Don’t miss out on experiencing them!

Is it safe to go to a festival in Brazil?

In general, major festivals in Brazil are safe. Organizers implement strict safety measures. Medical and security teams are present. However, as with any large event, it is important to take basic precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings and follow the organizers’ instructions.

It is also advisable to find out about the region of the event and plan your trip in advance. Many festivals offer specific camping areas or partnerships with nearby hotels. It is advisable to only buy tickets from official sources to avoid scams.

Some events provide apps with real-time information on safety and logistics. Traveling in a group and staying hydrated are other important tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Withdraw money from ATM24h in Brazil

For a smooth and even more incredible experience in Brazil, it is important to have some cash on hand. In some places, it is essential for eating, getting around, paying for tickets to attractions, etc. See the table below for some cities in Brazil that have ATM24h:

Where	Location
RIO DE JANEIRO	See all the points here
SÃO PAULO	See all the points here
MANAUS	See all the points here
PORTO BELO	See all the points here
SALVADOR	See all the points here

Discover Brasil ATM (A Todo Momento)

At Brasil ATM, we believe that Brazil is a country of unparalleled beauty and fascinating cultural diversity. Our portal, endorsed by the global brand ATM24h, is dedicated to sharing our love for Brazil and inspiring tourists to discover its wonders in a safe and informed way.

We offer accurate, up-to-date, and inspiring information in three languages, ensuring that you have everything you need to plan your trip with confidence. From comprehensive travel guides and detailed itineraries to planning tips, our content covers all travelers’ needs.

We aim to provide unforgettable experiences by revealing the natural and cultural beauties of Brazil. Whether exploring popular destinations like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo or discovering hidden treasures like Lençóis Maranhenses and Fernando de Noronha, we are here to help you make the most of your journey.

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