The annual calendar of festivals in Manaus is quite extensive to say the least, meaning that there will likely be additional things to do and enjoy during your stay, along with the expected attractions of the Amazon.
Held each year in late February / early March, the Manaus carnival (carnaval) celebrations are a good start to upcoming events and include traditional processions and samba dancing at the Sambódromo in the Centro de Convencoes (Convention Centre).
May is a popular time to pay a visit to Manaus, since the city hosts both the Ponta Negra Music and the Amazonas de Opera festivals during this month, each of which are extremely popular events in their own right. Staged at the famous Teatro Amazonas, the Opera Festival lasts around three weeks and usually runs into early June.
Manaus Calendar of Festivals and Events 2012 / 2013
June sees the arrival of the Festival Floclorico do Amazonas (Amazonas Folklore Festival), which has grown to become a major event in Manaus. Expect a huge array of folk dancing and music, culminating in the Procissao Fluvial de Sao Pedro (St. Peter River Procession), when literally hundreds of riverboats sail along the Rio Negro, honouring the patron saint of fishermen.
October 24th is another date to add to your calendar, since it was on this day in 1848 that Manaus legally became a city. This anniversary is always cause for a party or two, culminating in fireworks at the end of the day. Those in the city during November may like to check out a screening or two at the week-long Amazonas Film Festival, with films and documentaries often emphasising ecology, ethnology and human relationships.
