The vibrant and enchanting spirit of Brazil's world-famous Carnival finds its echo in the heart of Tokyo through the Asakusa Samba Carnival. This exuberant event, which began in 1981, has become a cherished tradition marking the end of summer in the lively Asakusa district. Inspired by the iconic carnival of Rio de Janeiro, this celebration has evolved into a dazzling extravaganza that captures the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Over the years, the Asakusa Samba Carnival has grown from its humble beginnings into a grand spectacle of dance, music and culture. Despite the challenges posed by current global circumstances, the event has continued to evolve and thrive thanks to the dedication and passion of the participating teams. The festival's unique blend of Japanese and Brazilian influences has created a vibrant display of color, rhythm and unity.
After a brief hiatus, the highly anticipated 39th Asakusa Samba Carnival returns to the streets of Asakusa with renewed vigor. In 2021 and 2022, the modified "Asakusa Samba Festa" took the stage, keeping the essence of the carnival alive during uncertain times. In September 2023, however, the grandeur of the Asakusa Samba Carnival will once again grace the vibrant streets of the district.
This year's carnival retains its magic, albeit in a scaled-down form. The parade follows a new route along Raimon-dori. The lively competition and support areas are skipped this time for safety reasons.
Excitingly, the parade reverses direction, starting at Sushiya-dori and ending at Kannon-dori. This shift offers a new perspective to participants and spectators alike.
With samba rhythms, vibrant costumes, and energetic dancing, the 39th Asakusa Samba Carnival showcases the resilience of culture and the unifying power of celebration. Smaller in scale but just as infectious in spirit, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.
For up-to-date information on the festival, please visit the official website:
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/ev028/index.html