Carnival in Belo Horizonte: 5 Tips to Make the Most of It

Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, is a city full of culture, history, and, of course, an incredible celebration during Carnival.

If you’re a tourist looking to dive into the contagious energy of this popular Brazilian festival, we’ve prepared five tips to ensure your Carnival experience in BH is unforgettable.

1. Join the Street Blocos

Belo Horizonte’s Carnival is famous for its lively street blocos, which take over the city’s avenues and squares. These blocos create a fun and vibrant atmosphere with live music, dancing, and thousands of revelers. Some of the crowd favorites include Então, Brilha! and Quando Come Se Lambuza, which fill the streets with enthusiastic partygoers.

Don’t forget to wear a creative costume (or buy one at the local shops in BH) and immerse yourself in the festivities! The best part? These blocos are free and open to everyone, including tourists who want to experience the true spirit of Carnival.

2. Explore the Mercado Central

The Mercado Central is one of the city’s most traditional attractions and a must-visit during Carnival. There, you can taste iconic dishes from Minas Gerais’ cuisine, such as the famous pão de queijo, feijão tropeiro, and doce de leite. It’s also a great place to buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.

During Carnival, the Mercado Central also hosts live music performances and special events, making it a perfect spot to experience local culture.

The market is also the starting point for a unique culinary tour through the flavors of Minas Gerais. Over approximately four hours, you’ll explore two of the city’s most iconic foodie destinations: the traditional Mercado Central and the modern Mercado Novo.

Along the way, you’ll uncover the history and secrets behind Minas Gerais’ typical recipes and ingredients, sampling authentic treats from various regions. The experience is designed as a fun interactive game—each participant receives a map of the state, and as you explore different regions, you’ll collect stamps representing your culinary “conquests.”

Throughout the journey, you’ll taste stuffed pão de queijo, bean fritters, cheeses, cured meats, biscuits, sweets, jams, juices, coffee, beer, and, of course, cachaça, wine, and liqueur tastings—a true immersion into Minas Gerais’ rich flavors!

3. Experience Themed Blocos and Carnival Balls

Beyond street blocos, Belo Horizonte also offers themed parties and Carnival balls. These events are held in venues like Palácio das Artes and Espaço do Conhecimento UFMG, featuring traditional Brazilian music and cultural performances.

If you love dancing to samba, marchinhas, and other Carnival rhythms, these events are a fantastic way to celebrate!

4. Enjoy the Local Gastronomy in BH’s Restaurants

Minas Gerais’ cuisine is one of Belo Horizonte’s biggest attractions. During Carnival, the city’s restaurants offer special menus inspired by the festivities. Try the traditional feijão tropeiro and canjiquinha with pork.

Many bars and restaurants also create Carnival-themed dishes. For craft beer lovers, BH boasts several microbreweries producing exclusive brews, perfect for pairing with a delicious meal.

5. Relax in Belo Horizonte’s Parks and Squares

Belo Horizonte’s Carnival is incredibly lively—almost every part of the city gets into the festive spirit! Take some time to explore the city’s squares and parks, like the stunning Praça da Liberdade and Parque Municipal Américo Renne Giannetti. These spots also host special programming during the Carnival season, so be ready to celebrate!

Beyond the parties, you can also explore BH’s architectural wonders, such as the Pampulha Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic location offers a fresh perspective on the city through an unforgettable tour.

While Pampulha’s architectural beauty—designed by Oscar Niemeyer—is breathtaking, this experience goes beyond sightseeing. It offers a sensory connection to the region, engaging touch, smell, and taste to create a deeper understanding of local history.

The tour concludes at the Casa Juscelino Kubitschek, where a special picnic experience introduces visitors to the everyday flavors of Belo Horizonte’s families.

Bonus Experience | Visit Inhotim

Belo Horizonte is already a fantastic destination, but Minas Gerais has even more to offer. If you have extra time, take a day trip to Inhotim, in Brumadinho—one of the largest open-air museums in the world.

On a guided tour, you’ll explore its vast artistic and environmental collection, with an integrated interpretation that connects different influences and meanings, tailored to each visitor group.

With over 1,800 works by 280+ artists, Inhotim blends the concepts of a contemporary art museum and a botanical garden. This is a trip you won’t regret!

A day trip to Inhotim is easy—it’s just over an hour from Belo Horizonte. You can get there by rental car, transfer services, or even through a tour agency. The important thing is to embrace this unique experience!

Are you ready to enjoy Belo Horizonte’s Carnival and everything the city has to offer?