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 in Rio de Janeiro.
The hotel occupancy rate in Rio de Janeiro, one of the measures of tourist presence in the city, during Carnival reached 95.51% of available beds, according to HotéisRIO, the association of hotel owners in the city. In comparison, in 2024 the group’s analysis indicated 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 by the city, including street blocks and samba school parades.
Across Brazil, the success of the carnival was no different. From São Paulo to Pernambuco, states welcomed tourists from both the country and abroad to fill the streets of their cities.
According to the National Confederation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC) of 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 the 15th title of the Rio de Janeiro carnival
Beija-Flor is the champion of the Rio de Janeiro carnival. The school won its 15th title in a year honoring two legendary figures.
With the theme Laíla de Todos os Santos, the school paid tribute to carnival director Laila, who passed away in 2021, after a lifetime of contribution to the school and the carnival.
The parade also marked the farewell of Neguinho da Beija-Flor as the official interpreter of the school, after 50 carnivals.
The six schools returning for the Champions Parade next Saturday (8) are: Beija-Flor, Grande Rio (2nd), Imperatriz Leopoldinense (3rd), Viradouro (4th), Portela (5th), and Mangueira (6th).
In São Paulo, Rosas de Ouro is the carnival champion
Rosas de Ouro was the big winner of the samba schools parade at the São Paulo carnival of 2025.
The winning school’s samba-enredo, “Rosas de Ouro in a great play,” had as its theme the history of games and how betting has impacted humanity.
With this year’s victory, the school now has eight titles in the special division of São Paulo’s avenue carnival.
On Saturday (8), the champions parading will be: Rosas de Ouro, Tatuapé (2nd), Gaviões (3rd), Mocidade (4th), Camisa Verde (5th), and Dragões da Fiel (6th).