Carnaval 2026: Celebrity Romances and Revelations Light Up Brazil’s Festivities

The 2026 Carnaval celebrations across Brazil were a vibrant mix of tradition, celebrity appearances, and captivating personal stories, drawing massive public and media attention. Major cities including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador served as stages for the event’s excitement, with diverse agremiações presenting energetic samba parades that combined tributes, reverence for ancestry, and social critiques.

Celebrity hotspots like the Camarote Quem O GLOBO in Rio de Janeiro hosted well-known figures such as actors Clara Moneke and Breno Ferreira, who openly shared their affection during the festivities. Adriane Galisteu expressed her deep passion for Carnaval, underscoring its cultural importance, while actors Ary Fontoura and Rodrigo Santoro enjoyed a friendly reunion. Jéssica Ellen chose a laid-back Carnaval experience, emphasizing respect for historical icons like Carolina Maria de Jesus. Enthusiast Bárbara Reis highlighted the parade’s special homage to singer Rita Lee.

Among the standout personalities was Virginia Fonseca, queen of the Grande Rio samba school and a prominent influencer, who revealed plans to vacation in Madrid post-Carnaval to spend time with her boyfriend, footballer Vini Jr. Virginia reflected on the complexities of maintaining a long-distance relationship since October and contrasted this with her past relationship with singer Zé Felipe, noting a more measured and mature approach now. "I know that if it were in the past, it would be a month and I would already be living there in Madrid," she shared.

The Carnival also featured unexpected celebrity romances, providing a backdrop for new crushes and relationships that sparked considerable social media buzz. The festivities concluded with anticipation for the Desfile das Campeãs, where the top six samba schools, including Viradouro and Beija-Flor, would showcase their award-winning performances.

Overall, Carnaval 2026 showcased rich cultural traditions intertwined with the personal lives of Brazil’s stars, creating a dynamic and engaging celebration that resonated far beyond the parades themselves.