Rio Carnaval Fan Fest leva escolas de samba, oficinas e free shows à Praia de Copacabana com a “maior bateria do mundo”.
Carnival takes over Copacabana Beach
The rhythm of Rio Carnaval is arriving at Copacabana Beach in an unprecedented Fan Fest experience. The Liesa is launching an activation of the Rio Capital do Carnaval project with samba school performances, workshops and free concerts. Thus, the public can get even closer to the city’s biggest cultural celebration.
The venue opens on 20 January and will operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on official parade days. The schedule runs until Champions’ Saturday. In this way, Copacabana becomes an open-air extension of the Sambadrome throughout the Carnival season.
World’s largest drum section
On opening day, a historic performance will mark the start of the Fan Fest: the creation of the world’s “largest bateria”. Around 1,200 drummers and masters from all Grupo Especial samba schools will perform together on the sand. The feat will seek recognition from Guinness World Records.
With the concept “Feel the Carnival”, the public will be invited to experience symbolic stages of the parade. There will be workshops with sambistas and a sunset carnival procession along the beachfront. Therefore, visitors will feel some of the Sapucaí energy outside the Sambadrome.
“Carnaval Fan Fest is our answer to a long-time wish: allowing more people to feel the indescribable energy of Sapucaí, far beyond the 80 minutes of parade,” says Gabriel David, president of Liesa. “We are breaking down the barriers between the public and the party, inviting everyone not only to watch, but to feel Carnival. It is a project born to be inclusive, innovative and 100% carioca.”
Free concerts and parade screenings
Nights at the Rio Capital do Carnaval Fan Fest will feature major encounters of Brazilian music on the main stage. The line-up will blend samba with other national rhythms, highlighting the country’s musical diversity. The proposal is to attract both locals and tourists.
Confirmed shows already include Neguinho da Beija-Flor with Belo, Pretinho da Serrinha with Marcelo D2, and Jorge Aragão with Gilsons. More attractions will be announced soon. Meanwhile, all technical rehearsals and official Sambadrome parades will be broadcast on giant screens at the venue.
About Liesa
The Liga Independente das Escolas de Samba do Rio de Janeiro (Liesa) is responsible for organizing the Grupo Especial samba school parades, considered the world’s greatest open-air show. It is a non-profit institution that represents the samba schools. In addition, it promotes Carnival all year round.
The schools maintain ongoing social and cultural projects in their communities throughout the year. Thus, Carnival goes far beyond the official dates and remains a permanent force of identity, income generation and social inclusion in Rio de Janeiro.
Service – Rio Capital do Carnaval Fan Fest
Location: Copacabana Beach – Rua República do Peru (near Posto 3)
Dates: 20, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 January; 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 21 February