Brazil’s Carnival 2026 welcomed a record number of international tourists. Visitors flocked to vibrant cities, eager to join the celebrations. The festival’s popularity soared, making Brazil a top travel choice this year.
The country hosted 300,000 foreign visitors during the festival period. Officials say that equals roughly 30% of a typical month’s international travel.
Moreover, visitors spent almost US$186 million across the country.
Authorities view Carnival as both a cultural event and a major economic driver. Streets transform into performance spaces, while cities promote music, dance and local traditions.
EMBRATUR highlights global promotion success
The Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion (EMBRATUR) leads international marketing and visitor promotion.
Its strategy focuses on services, destination marketing and travel products. The agency also aims to support economic growth through tourism.
Embratur President Marcelo Freixo said the results confirm Brazil’s improving international image.
“We are seeing the rewards of active promotion abroad,” Freixo explained. “Carnival is our largest cultural showcase and a strong engine for revenue and jobs.”
Rio de Janeiro leads visitor arrivals
Rio de Janeiro attracted 110,000 foreign visitors during Carnival 2026.
That figure represents 36% of all international arrivals. In other words, almost four in ten visitors chose Rio.
The city recorded 9% growth compared with 2025. International spending there reached approximately US$67 million.
As a result, Rio again served as Brazil’s main tourism gateway during the celebrations.
Other regions also benefit from Carnival travel
While Rio dominated, other states welcomed large numbers of international visitors.
- São Paulo received about 23.5% of tourists
- Bahia attracted roughly 7.5%
- Pernambuco welcomed 4.9%
- Minas Gerais recorded 1.5%
Meanwhile, 26.6% of visitors travelled to other destinations nationwide. This spread highlights the diversity of Carnival celebrations across Brazil.
Culture and nature drive tourism growth
Officials credit international marketing and cultural promotion for the growth.
Brazil promotes its music, festivals and landscapes together. Authorities believe this approach attracts repeat visitors and supports local economies.
Freixo added that Carnival now plays a strategic role in national development. The festival generates income, supports jobs and strengthens Brazil’s global tourism position.
Consequently, Brazil expects continued growth in international arrivals beyond the Carnival season.