The Carnival of Salvador, one of the largest and most vibrant in the world, proved in 2025 why it remains a spectacle of grandeur, culture, and economic impact. With 3.5 million tourists and a record financial turnover of R$ 7 billion, the Bahian celebration reaffirmed its place as a global festive landmark. The event, which blends tradition and modernity, featured major music stars, iconic carnival groups, and investments that ensured the appreciation of Afro-Brazilian culture and social inclusion.
For an entire week, Salvador became the stage for an unparalleled party, where electric trios, Afro blocs, exclusive camarotes, and thousands of revelers took over the streets to the sounds of axé, samba-reggae, and other musical expressions. In 2025, the city welcomed Ivete Sangalo, Léo Santana, and Bell Marques, along with the participation of traditional groups such as Ilê Aiyê, Filhos de Gandhy, Olodum, and Muzenza, reinforcing the importance of ancestry and Afro-Brazilian identity.
The Dodô (Barra-Ondina), Osmar (Campo Grande), and Batatinha (Pelourinho) circuits were filled with massive electric trio performances and the contagious energy of carnival-goers. In addition to the paid carnival blocs, thousands of people enjoyed the event in the “pipoca” format, following the electric trios freely, making the celebration accessible to all.
The injection of R$ 7 billion into Bahia’s economy was one of the major highlights of the 2025 Carnival of Salvador. This figure surpassed 2024’s R$ 6.6 billion, reflecting the festival’s growth and its importance for sectors such as tourism, commerce, and services.
The sale of bloc passes, camarote tickets, and the intense movement in hotels, restaurants, and transportation alone generated almost R$ 2 billion in the city’s economy. Hotel occupancy exceeded 90%, highlighting the carnival’s tourism potential.
The governor of Bahia, Jerônimo Rodrigues, celebrated the results, emphasizing the event’s organization and security, as well as the appreciation of local culture. According to him, the festival was marked by inclusion, diversity, and respect for traditions, solidifying Salvador as a global reference in cultural tourism.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Carnival of Salvador is the strong presence of Afro bloc groups and afoxés, which preserve and celebrate Black history and identity in Brazil. In 2025, the Ouro Negro Program, led by the Secretariat for the Promotion of Racial Equality and Traditional Communities (Sepromi), achieved a record investment of R$ 15 million, supporting 98 Afro and Indigenous groups.
Iconic groups such as Ilê Aiyê, Filhos de Gandhy, and Malê Debalê filled the streets with drumbeats, dance, and chants honoring African ancestry. These groups not only deliver a visual and musical spectacle but also play a vital role in fighting racism and promoting Afro-Brazilian culture.
Sepromi’s secretary, Ângela Guimarães, highlighted the importance of this investment in ensuring that Afro-Indigenous cultural expressions have space and visibility within the Carnival. According to her, these groups not only entertain but also educate and reinforce the identity of Bahia’s people.
The Carnival of Salvador is not just a festive event; it is a reflection of history, culture, and the resilience of the Bahian people. With its unique blend of rhythms, colors, and traditions, Salvador’s carnival continues to reinvent itself, maintaining its place as one of the strongest cultural expressions in Brazil and the world.
The success of 2025 points to a promising future, where the Carnival of Salvador will remain a driving force for the economy and a space for celebrating diversity and cultural identity. With increasing investments and growing global recognition, Salvador further cements itself as the capital of joy, axé, and cultural resistance.
