Carnaval 2026 in Mali is observed on lundi, 16 février 2026.
Carnaval is the largest carnival in the world, celebrated in Brazil in the days before Ash Wednesday — typically February or early March. Rio de Janeiro's samba parades and Salvador's blocos draw millions and define Brazil's global image of celebration.
Carnaval traces to Catholic pre-Lenten observance, brought to Brazil by Portuguese colonizers. African and indigenous influences shaped the music and dance — samba emerged from Afro-Brazilian communities in early 20th-century Rio. The Sambódromo, Rio's purpose-built samba parade venue designed by Oscar Niemeyer, opened in 1984.
Samba school parades in Rio's Sambódromo — top "escolas" (Mangueira, Beija-Flor, Salgueiro, others) compete with elaborate floats, costumes, and choreographed performances. Street parties (blocos) in Salvador, Recife, Olinda, and Rio's neighborhoods. Frevo (Pernambuco), maracatu, and axé music alongside samba.
Pão de queijo, feijoada (national dish), churrasco, açaí, brigadeiro. Caipirinha (national cocktail).
"Feliz Carnaval!"
Public holiday Monday and Tuesday (Carnaval Monday & Carnaval Tuesday). Flights to Rio and Salvador double in price; book months ahead. Hotels require minimum 4-7 night stays. Major street blocos are family-friendly daytime affairs; nighttime events are 18+.
Carnaval 2026 in Mali is observed on lundi, 16 février 2026.
No. Carnaval is marked in Mali, but it is not an official public holiday — workplaces and schools stay open.
The countdown above shows the exact days, hours and minutes remaining. The year-by-year list below has Carnaval's date in the surrounding years.