carnival happens in exactly 47 days before easter sunday, which in turn is always the first full-moon sunday, calculated from march 21st.

carnival dates change every year - and celebrations can take place in either february or march .

the dates for rio carnival 2027 are february 5th until february 9th, however some street parties continue past these dates, and the final parade of champions in the sambódromo is held the first saturday following carnival.