The largest samba festival outside Rio has been held in Coburg, Franconia, since 1992. Well over 3,000 artists and 200,000 visitors from all over the world conjure up Brazilian flair in Coburg's city center. For three days, the small Franconian town on the River Itz is transformed into "little Rio". During his recent visit to the Samba Festival, former professional footballer Giovane Elber reported that he felt almost at home in Brazil. The festival has become one of Coburg's major figureheads, as well as an image and economic factor for the city. In 2011, the festival was awarded the "Bavarian Export Prize" by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs. According to calculations, around an additional 4.5 million euros flow into the city during the Samba weekend, from which hotels, restaurateurs and stand operators in particular benefit. In 2014, the festival was also delighted to receive the "Best Samba Event Outside Brazil" award, presented by the Edison Carneiro Prize. In 2018, the Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder awarded the Samba Festival the Bavarian Homeland Prize.
In 2021, the Samba Festival will take place from July 9 to 11. 3,000 sambistas from ten nations will once again transform the ducal city of Coburg into the "Franconian Rio". Samba specialties for every taste, spirited dancers in colourful costumes, imaginative shows, Brazilian street samba and a varied supporting program attract crowds of visitors to the Samba Festival in Coburg. 100 groups with their musicians, drummers and dancers bring the temperament of the Coburgers and their guests to the boil. The highlight of the festival is the colorful samba parade through the alleys and streets of Coburg.
A huge spectacle with all the trimmings. Hot rhythms, driving drumbeats and exotic dances transform the town into a seething cauldron. Not a foot stands still. There is dancing, singing and partying - on historic squares, in winding alleyways, in quaint pubs, trendy cafés and bars.
July 9 to 11, 2021
