The famous and sought-after Champion's Parade, also known as the Winners' Parade reunites the Champion and five runners-up, celebrating victory and closing the Rio Carnival Samba Parades. 

The Champion's Parade is the happiest of all samba parades. Here's why: the top six Samba Schools from the Special Group - the big Champion and the five runners-up - earn their last chance to celebrate by putting up a great show, this time, without the burden of being judged and the responsibility of perfection. The parade is all about dancing and singing and celebrating Rio Carnival. Yes, it's the most relaxed night at the sambadrome. 

For the Samba Schools themselves, it's a time of carnival pride. The people involved in preparing the Samba Schools are usually from poor communities; so having their school parade in the Winners' Parade broadens their perspective of possibilities.

March 08th, 2025: Rio's Top Samba Schools Light Up the Night

The awesome party without fail happens the following Saturday after Carnival. In 2025 it is scheduled to take place on March 08th at 10PM. This is an all-night event with the 6 best Samba Schools starting the parade going up to the 1st place presenting last at around 5AM, and finishing around the wee hours on a Rio Sunday morning. 

How Are the Samba Schools Judged?

There are ten specific areas that the schools are arbitrated in, from their theme and the way it was portrayed to the flag bearer's abilities, the floats, the music, and the drums; it's all very carefully observed. There are a total of 40 judges that are divided between the 10 categories, with 4 judges analyzing each of these categories.

The Rio Carnival results are shown live on Ash Wednesday at the Apotheosis Square, where the Schools paraded a few days before. Cariocas stand still to follow that event which unveils the big Carnival Champion. The announcer runs over each category of each school, giving a score from 9 to 10. All school representatives are gathered to calculate their scores and when the year's champion is announced the festivities begin again. 

What About Tickets?

Taking part in the last Carnival Parade is perhaps the easiest parade to attend. The prices are considerably more affordable than for the Special Parade's tickets. There won't be much of the hustle and bustle of huge crowds and the nervousness of the schools not knowing if they are doing enough to win.

They won and now it's time to celebrate. The Winners' Parade still is a splendid parade to watch, "Cariocas", as locals are known, love to come to these parades to watch their favorite samba school, and also because it's a cheaper ticket. The Champion's Parade is a great affordable and less agitated option; so if you are in Rio de Janeiro, don't miss it.

Are you ready for the 2025 Rio Carnival Last Parade?

Rio Carnival Service

Our Rio Carnival Hospitality Desk is willing to customize a Rio de Janeiro Carnival package around the Champion's Parade for you and your party.