Folia de Rua: João Pessoa's carnival

Folia de Rua brought together more than 1.5 million people at the 2026 carnival preview on Avenida Epitácio Pessoa.

Folia de Rua is João Pessoa's main carnival preview, part of the city's official Multicultural Carnival calendar. In 2026, the event was held from February 6 to 15, along about 1.6 kilometers of Avenida Epitácio Pessoa, a stretch that received reinforced lighting, security and signage for the occasion. The program is free and open to the public, bringing together concerts, trio elétrico floats and the city's traditional street blocos.

According to the João Pessoa City Hall, the 2026 edition was designed as the biggest carnival preview in the capital's history, bringing together more than 1.5 million people over the days of celebration — one of the largest events of its kind in the Northeast. Blocos that traditionally take part include Muriçocas do Miramar, Muriçoquinhas, Virgens de Tambaú, Bloco dos Atletas, Banho de Cheiro and Viúvas da Torre, popular traditions that are already part of the city's affectionate calendar.

The 2026 music lineup brought together names such as Bell Marques, Alceu Valença, Cláudia Leitte, Solange Almeida, Michelle Andrade, Ricardo Chaves and Mestre Fuba, as well as the first-ever local-preview appearance of the band Nação Zumbi. The parallel event Carnaval Tradição was also part of the program, highlighting costumed groups and "ursas" in their own parades.

For visitors, Folia de Rua serves as an introduction to the city's carnival atmosphere before the official holiday, focused on live music, costumes and the occupation of the streets of the Tambaú neighborhood and surrounding areas.