Carnaval Porteño (Buenos Aires Carnival) 2025

The Carnaval Porteño, one of Buenos Aires’ most vibrant events, takes place over four weekends leading up to Catholic Lent. The celebration spans 30 neighborhoods within Buenos Aires City and 40 towns in the surrounding province. It features over 100 murgas (traditional carnival bands), thousands of dancers, drummers, and percussionists, all showcasing Argentina’s rich cultural traditions. The festivities include colorful parades, lively music, and energetic performances, culminating with a grand finale on Avenida de Mayo.

Schedule of Parades

The Carnaval Porteño parades are held on Saturdays and Sundays throughout February and extend into early March. On Saturdays, the festivities run from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., while on Sundays, they take place from 8 p.m. to midnight. Special events occur on Monday, March 3, and Tuesday, March 4, during the carnival holidays. All events are free, providing open access to enjoy the vibrant parades and performances.

Locations

The Carnaval parades will take place across various streets, parks, and cultural centers, all with free public access but limited capacity. For tourists seeking easier access, some recommended locations to watch the parades include Boedo Avenue, Alberdi Avenue, Mosconi Avenue, Triunvirato Avenue, Garcia del Rio Avenue, Scalabrini Ortiz Avenue, and La Plata Avenue for parades on the streets. Parades in squares can be viewed at Lezama Park Amphitheatre, Richieri Square, Latin American Unity Square, National Unity Square, Martín Fierro Square, and Colegiales Sports Centre.

Carnival Holiday Weekend (March 3–4, 2025)

The smaller-than-usual end-of-Carnival season party will take place on Carnival weekend along Avenida de Mayo, starting near Plaza de Mayo and extending up to the intersection with 9 de Julio. The event will run from 4 pm to 10 pm.

Dancing

Dance processions during the carnival in Buenos Aires begin around 9 pm and continue until dawn. The battle of drums and incendiary rhythms of samba can be heard literally from all sides. Colorful feathers, sparkles, and huge carvings create an atmosphere of a truly fantastic show. This event welcomes people of all ages, so don't be surprised if you see elderly ladies dancing with their great-granddaughters.

Contests

During the festival, you can often witness medieval Italian comedy performances. The best group is determined by an expert jury, which includes local and foreign celebrities, designers, artists, architects, and musicians. The winners are guaranteed substantial state subsidies for the preparation of the next holiday.