Celebrities Spark Festive Buzz with Grand Arrivals at Salvador Carnival 2026
Salvador Carnival 2026 welcomes a host of celebrities with vibrant receptions at the airport, showcasing Bahia's culture as international stars join Brazil’s iconic festivities.
- • Paolla Oliveira and Marina Sena were among the first celebrities to arrive for Salvador Carnival 2026, greeted with festive performances at the airport.
- • Salvador airport flights were highly occupied, with international routes like Lisbon-Salvador nearing full capacity during Carnival.
- • International celebrities like Ricky Martin, Sarah Jessica Parker, Shawn Mendes, Ne-Yo, and Calvin Harris are also participating in Brazil's Carnival across multiple cities.
- • Tourist Service Center at Salvador airport supports visitors with information on Carnival programming and local attractions.
Key details
The 2026 Salvador Carnival has kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere as celebrities and tourists arrived in the city’s airport, greeted by a lively reception that reflects Bahia’s rich cultural heritage. Organized by the State Tourism Secretariat of Bahia (Setur-BA), the welcome showcased a mini electric trio, fitdance performances, traditional baianas, and Afoxé Filhos de Gandhy's representation, immersing visitors immediately in the Carnival spirit.
Among the first arrivals was acclaimed actress Paolla Oliveira, who was swarmed by enthusiastic fans and expressed excitement about her participation in the block led by Pedro Sampaio. Singer Marina Sena, also arriving early, shared her joy at returning to Salvador and plans to perform alongside O Kanalha. Other notable attendees included singer Péricles, actor Douglas Silva, and presenter Mari Palma.
The Salvador airport has been bustling with activity, experiencing high occupancy rates for both domestic and international flights. For instance, TAP Air Portugal reported approximately 90% occupancy on flights from Lisbon, while Air France and Copa Airlines flights reached 95% capacity. The Tourist Service Center at the airport has been pivotal in assisting visitors with information on mobility, local attractions, and Carnival programming.
In addition to the Salvador scene, international celebrities have been gracing Brazil’s Carnival festivities across other cities. Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin arrived in Rio de Janeiro, sharing beachside photos on Instagram with the caption "#TôNoRio," and was warmly welcomed by fans and fellow celebrities alike. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted dining in Lapa, Rio, expressing enthusiasm for the celebrations. Canadian singer Shawn Mendes followed in Salvador with Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine. R&B star Ne-Yo announced his tour across Olinda, Salvador, and Rio, set for mid-February, while DJ Calvin Harris made a striking appearance performing at a carnival block in São Paulo, drawing large crowds.
The fusion of celebrity presence and rich cultural displays underscores Salvador’s continued status as one of the world’s premier Carnival destinations, drawing an international audience eager to experience Brazil's vibrant festivities firsthand.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (3)
Source comparison
Ricky Martin's arrival date
Sources report different arrival dates for Ricky Martin in Rio.
g1.globo.com
"Ricky Martin arrived in Rio de Janeiro shortly after performing with Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl."
odia.ig.com.br
"Ricky Martin has arrived in Rio de Janeiro to enjoy the carnival festivities on February 12, 2026."
Why this matters: One source states Ricky Martin arrived on February 12, while another implies he arrived shortly after the Super Bowl, which occurred on February 12. This discrepancy affects the timeline of events surrounding his arrival.