Carnaval to Inject R$1 Billion into Rio’s Economy, Says Fecomércio

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The city of Rio de Janeiro has stood out, particularly in recent years, as a center of culture and leisure during the Carnaval period. Hundreds of street blocks (there were almost 500 in 2019, and more than 600 in 2018) sweep over five million people through the city streets.

A survey by the Fecomércio Research and Analysis Institute (IFec RJ) shows that the city’s economy will also benefit. Along with the residents of the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro, this flow is expected to reach R$1 billion (US$240 million) during the five days of revelry.

The study also asked Rio’s residents what their main expenses will be during the period: food and beverage consumption (44.6 percent); travel/trip outside the city of Rio (17.2 percent); use of transport App/taxi (6.1 percent); purchase of costumes or props (2.6 percent); samba school parades (1.9 percent); and theme parties (1.6 percent).

Among the Rio de Janeiro residents who intend to stay in the city (82.9 percent), the average spending per person will be R$200 this Carnival.