Rio de Janeiro's Final Carnaval Celebrations and Sports Events

On February 22, 2026, Rio de Janeiro is witnessing a vibrant culmination of its Carnaval festivities alongside significant sporting events. The Monobloco, a renowned bloco, is set to close the Carnaval season with a farewell parade through Centro, while the Rio Open tennis tournament is gearing up for its finals day at the Jockey Club Brasileiro.

The Rio Times

The Monobloco's farewell cortejo is scheduled for today from 9 AM to 12 PM, starting at Rua Primeiro de Março. This iconic bloco, which originated from a percussion workshop in 2000, has become a staple of Rio's Carnaval, attracting large crowds with its diverse musical repertoire. Road closures will affect several streets in Centro starting at 5 AM, and attendees are advised to use the Metrô, particularly the Estação Carioca.

The Rio Times

The Rio Open, a key ATP 500 tournament, will conclude its finals day today after rain disrupted the semifinals on Saturday. The singles semifinals will resume at 11 AM, featuring players such as Tomás Etcheverry from Argentina and Czech player Jakub Kopriva. The finals are expected to crown a first-time ATP 500 champion, as all four semifinalists are vying for their maiden title. The doubles final will feature Brazilian duo João Fonseca and Marcelo Melo, who are defending Melo's title from 2025.

The Rio Times

In addition to the tennis, the Cariocão football semifinals will kick off today with two matches: Fluminense vs. Vasco at 6 PM and Flamengo vs. Madureira at 8:30 PM. These matches are part of a two-legged semifinal series, with the return legs scheduled for March 1 and 2. The intense rivalry between Fluminense and Vasco is expected to draw significant attention, particularly given their recent performances in the tournament.

The Rio Times

The city is preparing for a busy day as it transitions from the festive atmosphere of Carnaval back to routine. Officials have emphasized the importance of public safety during these events, with increased police presence in key areas. The MetrôRio will operate extended hours to accommodate the influx of attendees.

The Rio Times

While the celebrations are largely embraced, some residents express concerns over the disruptions caused by road closures and the influx of tourists. Local businesses have mixed feelings, with some benefiting from increased foot traffic while others face challenges due to accessibility issues.

The Rio Times

Following today’s events, Rio will return to its regular schedule on Monday, February 23, with schools, government offices, and the B3 stock exchange reopening. The city will also prepare for the return legs of the Cariocão semifinals next weekend, continuing the competitive spirit of Brazilian football.

The Rio Times

This day in Rio de Janeiro encapsulates the city's rich cultural tapestry, blending the exuberance of Carnaval with the thrill of competitive sports.

The Rio Times