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Volunteer in our Carnival Program in Brazil logo

Volunteer in our Carnival Program in Brazil

by: International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

5 (1)VerifiedSince 2007

Experience the world’s most famous festival while making a difference with International Volunteer HQ’s Carnival in Rio de Janeiro program in Brazil. Based in the energetic and colorful city of Rio de Janeiro, this placement lets you combine cultural immersion with meaningful volunteering. As a volunteer, you will support community projects and outreach efforts before, during, and after Carnival. You may help with childcare, community development, event support, or local initiatives that support under-resourced communities. This opportunity is ideal for people seeking a cultural experience with purpose. Your hosted volunteer experience includes airport pick-up, a full orientation, shared volunteer house or homestay accommodation depending on placement, two daily meals, and 24/7 local support. Before departure, you get guidance from your IVHQ Program Manager and access to training tools to help you feel prepared. Programs start every Monday. You will join a diverse international volunteer community and have the chance to immerse yourself in Brazil’s lively culture, iconic Carnival celebrations, warm communities, and beautiful surroundings while contributing to impactful work.

Program Highlights

Programs start every first and third Monday of the month.

Program duration ranges from 2 to 24 weeks.

Includes airport pick up, orientation, dormitory-style hostel accommodation, meals, and 24/7 in-country support.

Volunteer up to 5 hours per day helping leading Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro with costume, float, music and dance preparations for Carnival.

Work supports low-income communities and gives volunteers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Brazilian culture, arts and music while contributing to a major cultural celebration.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Tours
Causes:
  • Arts
  • Community Centers
  • Community Development
  • Culture
  • Drama
  • Festivals
  • Music
  • Recreation
  • Youth
  • Youth Development
Types:
  • Volunteering
Guidelines:
  • Asian
  • All Nationalities
  • Kiwi
  • South African
  • European
  • American
  • Canadian
  • Australian
See all program details
Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 20252025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad ProgramNotable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer AbroadTop Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022Zero CarbonNotable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

1

Time of my life!

March 30, 2016by: Annie - Australia
5

Wow! The whole experience of volunteering for Carnaval and spending a month in Rio with the other volunteers was magical. I found the volunteering program exciting and inspiring! I was totally blown away by the level of industry and passion the local, people for the Carnaval. Living with a bunch of other volunteers was fun - there was always someone to share experiences with. This was the perfect way to explore a dangerous city like Rio, with a support network around you. Although you never feel 100% safe in Rio, I was impressed with our Orientation and instruction on how to keep ourselves safe and to make the most of the city. Did I mention how much fun the Lapa nightlife and beaches are? The Brazilian people are beautiful and friendly, so your volunteering efforts are greatly appreciated. Rio will touch your heart in ways you never expected - and you'll forever have a yearning to return. I encourage you to try it.... you won't be disappointed!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewMarch 30, 2016

Hi Annie, Wow! What a review! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and we are so glad to hear that you had such a positive experience in Rio. It’s great to have you as an IVHQer and we hope to welcome you back on another IVHQ program again in the future.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Tours
  • Causes
  • Arts
  • Community Centers
  • Community Development
  • Culture
  • Drama
  • Festivals
  • Music
  • Recreation
  • Youth
  • Youth Development
  • Types
  • Volunteering

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
Gap Year Timing:
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Post High School

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the IVHQ Carnival in Rio de Janeiro volunteer program?

    The Carnival program with IVHQ Brazil allows you to work behind the scenes with Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro on costume and float preparations.

    * Located in Rio de Janeiro at leading Samba schools.
    * Helps with creative tasks like cutting and pasting for costumes.
    * Participation in the parade is not included in the program.

    What are the start dates & duration options for the Carnival program?

    The IVHQ Carnival program in Rio de Janeiro offers start dates every first and third Monday of the month and durations ranging from 2-24 weeks.

    * Programs start every first and third Monday of each month.
    * Volunteers can choose durations between 2 and 24 weeks.
    * Volunteers must arrive Sunday before orientation.

    What are the requirements to join the IVHQ Carnival program?

    To join the IVHQ Brazil Carnival program you must be 18 or older and submit a criminal background check before departure as listed in the program requirements.

    * Volunteers aged 18+ on their start date.
    * Criminal background check required before departure.
    * Must speak English and have volunteer travel insurance.

    What kind of accommodation and support does IVHQ provide?

    The IVHQ Brazil Carnival project includes dormitory-style hostel accommodation in Rio de Janeiro and full local team support from their Brazil office.

    * Accommodation is dormitory-style hostel based in Rio.
    * Airport pick-up is included in the program fee.
    * Orientation is hosted by the Brazil team at their Rio office.

    What kind of work will you do in the IVHQ Carnival program?

    Volunteers on the IVHQ Brazil Carnival program help Samba schools from low-income communities prepare for Carnival by assisting with costume, float and celebration preparations.

    * Volunteers assist Samba schools from favela communities.
    * Work may involve creative arts, crafts, music and dance.
    * Volunteer hours are up to 5 hours per day for this project.

    International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

    International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

    5Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    Experience the world’s most famous festival while making a difference with International Volunteer HQ’s Carnival in Rio de Janeiro program in Brazil. Based in the energetic and colorful city of Rio de Janeiro, this placement lets you combine cultural immersion with meaningful volunteering. As a volunteer, you will support community projects and outreach efforts before, during, and after Carnival. You may help with childcare, community development, event support, or local initiatives that support under-resourced communities. This opportunity is ideal for people seeking a cultural experience with purpose. Your hosted volunteer experience includes airport pick-up, a full orientation, shared volunteer house or homestay accommodation depending on placement, two daily meals, and 24/7 local sup...

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