The 2025 Carnival comes to an end in Brazil with a record number of revelers, highlighted by a significant presence of tourists, especially at the famous Carnival of Rio de Janeiro.
The hotel occupancy rate in Rio de Janeiro, one of the indicators of tourist presence in the city, reached 95.51% of available rooms during Carnival, according to HotéisRIO, the association of hotel owners in the city. In comparison, in 2024, the group’s analysis showed an occupancy rate of 80.18%, reflecting an increase of 19.11% this year.
Municipal authorities reported that Carnival is expected to generate R$ 5.7 billion for the city. It is estimated that 8 million revelers attended the various Carnival events offered in the city, including street blocks and samba school parades.
Elsewhere in Brazil, Carnival’s success was no different. From São Paulo to Pernambuco, states welcomed tourists from both within Brazil and abroad to fill the streets of the cities.
According to the National Confederation of Commerce of Goods, Services, and Tourism (CNC) in Brazil, Carnival is expected to generate R$ 12.03 billion in revenue nationwide, marking an increase of 2.1% compared to the same period last year, excluding inflation.
Beija-Flor Wins 15th Title at Rio de Janeiro Samba School Parade
Beija-Flor is the champion of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival. The samba school won its 15th title in a year of tribute to two legendary figures.
With the theme “Laíla de Todos os Santos,” the school paid homage to its Carnival director Laíla, who passed away in 2021 after a lifetime of contribution to the school and the city Carnival.
The parade also marked the farewell of Neguinho da Beija-Flor as the official interpreter of the school, after 50 Carnivals.
In São Paulo, Rosas De Ouro Wins The Samba School Competition
Rosas de Ouro was the big winner of the samba school parade at the 2025 São Paulo Carnival.
The winning samba-enredo, “Rosas de Ouro em uma grande jogada,” had the theme of the history of games and how gambling has impacted humanity.
With this year’s victory, the school now has eight titles in the special division of São Paulo’s street carnival.