Carnaval 2026 Boosts Consumption, Tourism, and Entertainment with Strong Pre-Celebration in Natal

Carnaval 2026, running from February 14 to 18, is shaping up to be a major event influencing consumption, tourism, and entertainment across Brazil. According to a study by Navegg, interest in Carnaval surged by 44% between 2024 and 2025, engaging approximately 9.4 million users in festivities, socialization, and leisure activities. Fashion and beauty brands stand to benefit as 6.1 million users are focused on self-expression through costumes and accessories. Meanwhile, 2.7 million users prefer quieter home celebrations, engaging with streaming and TV series.

Consumption patterns are evolving, with 46% of participants reducing or avoiding alcohol and a 39% increase in searches for healthier foods. Travel to the Northeast has seen a significant 53% rise, demonstrating Carnaval's importance for regional tourism. Family-friendly events are gaining traction, highlighted by the growing interest in non-alcoholic beverages among roughly 186,000 users.

Complementing these trends, the pre-Carnaval event Avenida da Alegria in Natal attracted over 180,000 people over two days. Organized by the Municipal Culture Secretary and Funcarte, the event featured performances by Wesley Safadão and Abiel e Banda, delivering a diverse and family-friendly atmosphere. Natal’s mayor, Paulinho Freire, praised the gathering's success, noting effective security and accessibility measures. Local businesses benefited greatly from the economic boost, with attendees expressing excitement and positive experiences.

This growing momentum demonstrates Carnaval's cultural and economic significance, with strong engagement concentrated in states like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais. As the official Carnaval approaches, the combination of evolving consumption habits, increased tourism, and vibrant pre-events sets the stage for a dynamic celebration across Brazil.