Key Facts
- ✓ Technical rehearsals for the São Paulo 2026 Carnival start on January 10 and end on February 1.
- ✓ 32 samba schools affiliated with Liga-SP participate in over 50 rehearsals.
- ✓ Rehearsals are held at the Sambódromo do Anhembi and are free to the public.
- ✓ Official parades are scheduled for February 7, 13, 14, 15, and 21.
Quick Summary
The season of technical rehearsals for the São Paulo 2026 Carnival begins on Saturday, January 10, and runs until February 1. A total of 32 samba schools affiliated with Liga-SP will participate in more than 50 rehearsals at the Sambódromo do Anhembi in the North Zone. The rehearsals take place from Friday to Sunday, and entry is free of charge.
These technical rehearsals function as a warm-up for the official parades. Schools test their timing, evolution, and harmony, while the public has the opportunity to watch closely and select the best viewing points for the main event. The official parades for the 2026 São Paulo samba schools are scheduled for specific dates in February, including the Special Group, Access Groups, and the Champions' Parade.
Rehearsal Season Details
The Sambódromo do Anhembi will host the technical rehearsals starting this Saturday. The schedule runs from January 10 through February 1. The 32 participating schools are all affiliated with Liga-SP. The rehearsals are designed to allow schools to prepare for the main event by testing critical elements such as timing, evolution, and harmony.
The public is invited to attend these sessions at no cost. This provides a unique opportunity for spectators to see the schools in action before the official parades and to scout the best locations for watching the Carnival. The rehearsals are held consistently on weekends, specifically from Friday to Sunday.
Official Parade Schedule
The official parades for the 2026 São Paulo Carnival have been set for February. The schedule is divided by competition groups to ensure a structured event.
The specific dates for the official parades are:
- Special Group: Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14
- Access Group I: Sunday, February 15
- Access Group II: Saturday, February 7
- Champions' Parade: Saturday, February 21
These dates follow the conclusion of the technical rehearsal period on February 1.
Rehearsal Agenda
The technical rehearsal agenda features a rotation of schools on specific dates and times. The schedule is strictly followed at the Sambódromo do Anhembi.
Key rehearsal dates include:
- January 10: Featuring Imperatriz da Pauliceia, Unidos de Vila Maria, and Nenê de Vila Matilde.
- January 11: Featuring X-9 Paulistana and Independente Tricolor.
- January 16: Featuring Uirapuru da Mooca and Mancha Verde.
- January 17: Featuring Dom Bosco de Itaquera and Gaviões da Fiel.
- January 18: Featuring Primeira da Cidade Líder and Camisa 12.
- January 23: Featuring Morro da Casa Verde and Vai-Vai.
- January 24: Featuring Unidos do Peruche and Barroca Zona Sul.
- January 25: Featuring Acadêmicos do Tatuapé and Pérola Negra.
- January 30: Featuring Torcida Jovem and Vai-Vai.
- January 31: Featuring Camisa Verde e Branco and Mancha Verde.
- February 1: Featuring Tom Maior and Império de Casa Verde.
The schedule notes that the program is subject to changes.
