Events and Festivals in São Paulo
São Paulo Carnival
Held during the end of February and the beginning of March, the São Paulo annual Carnival is a great event to attend when in town. Much like other cities of Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo sees its people dressed up in colourful costumes, dancing to and playing samba music during an entertaining and vibrant parade. Held on a national holiday, join the fun by buying tickets beforehand – the closest you get the better the view which will have you feeling like you're in the middle of the entire show!
São Paulo Fashion Week
Latin America's biggest fashion event since 1996 is held in the city of São Paulo twice a year during January and June. This is a great event to find out what's hot and what's not and an opportunity to watch top Brazilian models as well as upcoming talent grace the catwalk. This world-famous event is held annually in Ibirapuera Park.
Brazilian Grand Prix
For race car fans, the Brazilian Grand Prix which is held during March or April at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Interlagos is a Formula One championship race you will not want to miss. Considered a highly challenging circuit, the Interlagos is one of the most exciting circuits in the world where plenty of Formula One history and memorable races have occurred. Attend this international event yourself and watch plenty more history in the making!
Virada Cultural
The Virada Cultural is a top cultural event held within downtown São Paulo in the best place possible, São Paulo's cultural hub, the Historic Center. Consisting in a 24-hour cultural marathon, sometime during April or May, the Virada Cultural attracts a few million people and invites them to circulate the different areas of the Historic Center each with a distinct cultural theme to enjoy. This is a non-stop cultural party and the best part is that it is totally free! Don't miss out!
Gay Pride Parade
The Gay Pride Parade of São Paulo is the largest of its kind across the globe with a total of 3 million attendees each year. Held on a Sunday sometime between May and June, along São Paulo's most famous landmark known as Avenida Paulista, the Gay Pride Parade invites anyone to march within this important event and stand for rights of equality within the gay community. Commencing at the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and finishing at República district, you can watch paraders on floats chanting, singing and dancing to electronic music. Over the years, the parade has developed into a rave-like event and goes on into the night.
São Paulo International Film Festival
Another one of Latin America's most prominent events is the International Film Festival of São Paulo held during the months of October and November. Having gained international status along the years, the event features some 400 films including short films, documentaries, lectures and interesting workshops with well-known filmmakers. The showing of films is held throughout various venues of the city and is a non-profit event.
São Paulo Biennial
The São Paulo Biennial is a cultural event hosted by the Modern Art Museum in Ibirapuera Park every two years between October and December. Attracting visitors from all over the world, this stimulating event holds large artistic exhibitions by professional Brazilian and international artists displaying innovative and contemporary works. This is a great event for art and culture lovers.
