RioLuz carries out lighting operation for Carnival 2026 throughout the city.

Technology, security, and infrastructure are key elements of the work that extends beyond the Sambadrome. Photo: Alex Ferro/Riotur

RioLuz prepared one of the largest technical operations ever undertaken for Carnival 2026, with particular emphasis on the scenic lighting of the Samba Parade at the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome. In total, 570 spotlights were installed, with 510 directed towards the parade route, ensuring visibility and visual impact for the samba school parades. Each tower above the stands has three moving lights and three RGBW spotlights, creating a light show that enhances the floats, costumes, and the performance of the samba schools.

The operation also relies on a technological infrastructure: 24 kilometers of fiber optic cable, 14 cameras integrated into the control room, four TVs displaying real-time images from all sectors of the Avenue, and a 3D projection system capable of simulating the audience's perception of the lighting in the stands. The stage lighting, an artistic element in the aesthetic construction and visual narrative of the parades, has gained even more prominence over the years. The Special Group and the Gold Series invest in lighting resources to enhance floats and costumes, highlight the performance of the master of ceremonies and flag bearer couple, and even interact with the rhythm of the percussion section, creating scenes of strong visual appeal along the Sambadrome.

Around the Sambadrome, the company reinforced the lighting with the installation of 232 additional spotlights and 100 surveillance cameras, covering the stretch between Avenida Francisco Bicalho and Central do Brasil. Operation Wire Hunt was also carried out along the entire route between Cidade do Samba and Sapucaí, contributing to urban safety and the organization of public space. During the parades in Sapucaí, 128 employees will be on standby, with three teams equipped with aerial work platforms for immediate assistance in cases involving public lighting, access roads, and the parade area.

In Intendente Magalhães, in the North Zone, complete road maintenance was carried out, along with the addition of 104 projectors and a "Wire Hunt" operation throughout the avenue, with 36 employees on duty during the parades. At Terreirão do Samba, in the central region, the company ensured the maintenance of the lighting and the supply of electricity to the main stage, with 15 professionals mobilized throughout the event days. Across the city, more than 300 power switches were made available for street parades and stages, ensuring adequate infrastructure for the cultural street events.

– Carnival is the greatest show on Earth, but it's also a huge urban operation. The scenic lighting of the Sambadrome enchants the public and the world, but our work goes far beyond the Avenue. We are present in the neighborhoods, in the street parades, on the stages and on the access roads, ensuring safety, technology and quality so that the party happens throughout the city – highlights the president of RioLuz, Rafael Thompson.

With integrated action, technological support, and teams mobilized at different points in the city, RioLuz's operation for Carnival 2026 guarantees infrastructure and technical support for the event throughout the city.