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Carnival Parade Experience

Posted by Glaucos Ribeiro on July 03, 2019



We had the pleasure of watching the Samba Schools Parade in Rio de Janeiro for the first time, and it was the highlight of our trip to that beautiful city.

On March 3rd, a transfer picked us up at our hotel and brought us in approx. 30 min. to the Sambódromo. When we arrived, a bilingual guided gave us instructions about our transfer back to the hotel, and where we should sit in the grandstand. There were 7 schools performing that night. Each school takes around 1 hour to complete their way to the samba runaways, with judges seated in specific locations along the parade route - analysing the songs, dance and costumes, and checking for enthusiasm and audience engagement.

We were in section 9, just in front of the judges’ section, which was nice because the performers would always do a special trick in that particular area. There are other good sections too, like the Frisa, where you can be very close to the performers. Between each school there was a 15-minute break, during which we had time to go to the food kiosks close to our section to grab some snacks and drinks.

Each Samba school was received with fireworks and cheers by their fans and enthusiasts. The schools present their theme of the year with lavishly decorated floats, professional dancers and costumes. Their music choice is related to the theme, which can be fun, meaningful or dramatic.

We were both in love with every school. Their costumes looked fun and shiny, the floats were perfectly detailed and masterful in their size, and their songs were inviting to dance. The entire show lasts all through the night, and ends once the sun is already up again. The transfers back to the hotel leave during each break between the different schools. To watch the full parade, it is important to rest well during the day. It´s an amazing marathon.

It is a lifetime experience that we recommend to everyone, it’s simply unforgettable!


Carolina Muniz & Renata Oliveira

Ideia Tours