The world famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival has a history of over two centuries old. Rooted in both pagan and religious festivals, the carnival is celebrated during the four days previous to the beginning of Lent. The Rio Carnival has always been the main attraction amongst tourists. Although Carnival is celebrated in many parts Brazil, it is Rio that is known as the Carnival capital of the world. The festival starts on Saturday and ends on a Fat Tuesday, with the beginning of Lent on Wednesday.
The Rio Carnival, as we know it today, was born in an attempt to make the festivities more “civilised” in the manner of European carnivals. Masks and rich costumes were introduced by the higher classes who paraded them up and down the city streets in their open carriages. The carnival also resembles parties with drinks, food and music that carry on throughout the day and into the early hours of the morning. People come out on to the streets and dance and sing, and all this finally concludes in what is known as the Samba Parade. People participating in the Samba parade are dressed in bright attires and Samba dancers perform the world famous Latin dance forms.
The samba originated from the blend of street music and African slave songs, and today its irresistible beats and rhythms have transformed it into the main dance of the Rio Carnival, and it is an inextricable part of the local identity.
Today the Carnival is the most popular and largest festival in the country, with four days of music and dance, taking place on the streets, as well as several costume gala balls held at the main hotels in the city.
The Samba Schools’ Parade(Desfile das Escolas de Samba) is the high point of the Carnival in Rio, and takes place in the Sambadrome’s Prof.
The Darcy Riveiro runway takes place during February 22nd and 23rd nights. The show starts at 9.00pm in the evening, lasting until the small hours of the following day. Six special groups of samba schools perform each night, having up to 80 minutes to march down the runway. The winner of the Samba Parade is elected on Wednesday and the Winners Parade is held on Saturday. It includes the six special group schools that made the best score, the winner of the access group, and other special attractions.
The Samba Schools’ rehearsals may also be attended, after paying a small fee. These often turn into parties and this is usually a good way to enjoy some samba music and a magnificent show.