New Years
A series of festivities propagate throughout Rio during the New Year celebrations. Rio hosts one of the world’s biggest parties, which includes musical shows and massive fireworks displays. Copacabana Beach sees revellers dressed up in white to welcome in the New Year.

Carnival in Rio
Rio Carnival is the main event of the year and well known the world over, with many thousands of revellers visiting Rio de Janeiro this time of year specifically for it. The streets are awash with colour and scantily-clad, gyrating bodies – both men and women - to the sound of samba. The parades along Avenida Rio Branco and the Sambodrome are superb.

Rio Circuit
The main event in March sees many cyclists competing in the Rio Circuit, which runs along the coast and over mountains from Niteroi, directly across the bay from Rio, right around to the city.

Holy Week
Holy Week in Rio can also fall in March and features Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Resurrection Sunday. 

Rio Boat Show
Rio de Janeiro’s boat show includes numerous sea and ocean-faring yachts, as well as powerful motorboats in Guanabara Bay.

Victory Day
Presided over by the President of the Republic, Victory Day features military ceremonies to commemorate the Allied victory of World War II.

June Bonfire Festival
Taking place on the feasts of St Anthony (June 13), St John (June 24), and St Peter (June 29), the June Bonfire Festival includes numerous bonfires in squares and churches throughout the city.

Rio de Janeiro Marathon
A tough challenge for visitors, the Rio de Janeiro Marathon covers many flat neighbourhoods in the city and is looked on by cheering crowds.

Rio Sport Show
A fairly large gathering at this annual sports show sees new and innovative sports equipment, fitness professionals, and academy owners.

Folklore Day
Owing to the author William John Thoms’ folklore article, Folklore Day in Rio de Janeiro sees many myths and legends celebrated all over the city towards the end of August.

Brazil’s Independence Day
Brazil’s Independence Day takes place all over the country with Rio hosting a collection of sporting and cultural events.

First Day of Spring
The First Day of Spring is a colourful one in Rio de Janeiro; the locals and visitors alike add a wonderful atmosphere to the city’s blossoming parks, gardens and squares.

Children’s Day
The entire month of October features fun events and entertainment for children, with Children’s Day on October 12 being the defining moment.

Pilot’s Day
Brazilian Alberto Santos Dumont, Brazilian and pioneer of aviation, flew the first aircraft (an airship) that he designed and built. He is remembered in October as it was this month when he flew for the first time around the Eiffel Tower in 1906.

Halloween
The popular old Celtic folklore of Halloween is also celebrated across Brazil, especially Rio, and includes much frivolity, costumes, trick or treating and feasting.

Culture and Science Day
Featuring numerous cultural events throughout Rio de Janeiro, as well as an exhibit at the Casa de Rui Barbosa Museum, Culture and Science Day commemorates Brazilian statesman Rui Barbosa, the ‘Eagle of the Hague’.

Christmas in Rio
Even with the blistering heat, Christmas in Rio is celebrated with rigour and enthusiasm. Lights decorate the palm trees and mock-up pine trees, while Santa dons his traditional garb. Churches all over the city feature nativity scenes.