Carnival Parades in the Sambódromo

The Parades at the Sambódromo are a unique event that you most promise yourself to attend at least once in your lifetime. Although the main Carnival Samba Parades (Carnival Sunday and Monday) are broadcast live on television, it is not the same as experiencing it "live and in person". In fact, there are even opportunities for you to march in the parade! Attending the main event, can be a bit expensive, but well worth the investment.

In addition to the Main parade on Carnival Sunday and Monday, there are free and less expensive parades at the Sambódromo during Carnival week that are also sensational. The parades are also a serious competition among the samba schools who are either vying for entry into the elite "Special Group" or to be crowned Champion.

There are many different parades each year that follow a traditional pattern:

- The Children's Samba School Parade - Carnival Friday

- Samba Schools (Access Group A) - Carnival Saturday

- The Main Parade (Special Group) - Carnival Sunday and Monday

- Samba Schools (Access Group B) - Carnival Tuesday

- The Parade of Champions - Saturday After Carnival

Children's Samba School Parade - Carnival Friday - February 17, 2012

The Carnival celebration is launched with a charming (and free) parade offered by the children’s samba schools. This isn't an "ordinary" children's parade - these samba schools are divisions of the genuine samba schools based in Rio. As such, the parade offers many of the same elements of the big event - there is a theme that is matched with a float, samba song, elaborate costumes and fantastic energy. Although guided by adults, the children develop and produce all of the parade elements.

Twelve samba schools (Escolas de samba Mirins) participate in the event and it is enjoyed each year with great anticipation. The show kicks off at 5 pm (17:00) and is a great way to experience Carnival with the future generations of Samba masters.

Samba Schools (Access Group A) - Carnival Saturday - February 18, 2012

The "Access Group A" parade participants are one step away from the main event. These samba schools have as much talent, history and creativity as the "Special Group" and produce a Samba Parade that is nearly equal in intensity and artistry. Access Group A schools are either on their way "up" or were recently bumped "down" from the Special Group as the competition to march on Carnival Sunday and Monday each year is fierce. The winner of the Access Group A competition is promoted to the Special Group for the following year. Thousands of people come to the Sambódromo to watch the spectacle as these samba schools put on an unbelievable show. The event is less expensive to attend and the motivation of the Samba Schools to join the elite makes for an especially exciting show.

The Main Parade (Special Group) - Carnival Sunday and Monday - February 19 and 20, 2012

These parades mark the main event! The samba schools that are members of the Special Group are the "best of the best". Each year, twelve samba schools participate in a two day extravaganza that captures the world's attention for its artistry, color and joy. (This year an exception was made and we have thirteen schools marching). The samba schools work year round to produce the most dramatic floats, elaborate costumes, memorable samba songs and musical & dancing artistry that thrill audiences with their brilliant innovational and emotional power. Who will be crowned this year's Champion?

Samba Schools (Access Group B) - Carnival Tuesday - February 21, 2012

If you were unable to attend any of the previous parades, you may choose to enjoy the smaller samba schools as they take center stage in the Sambódromo. Although lacking some of the resources of the larger samba schools, these parades are just as passionate, meticulously planned and orchestrated as the main event. These samba schools are trying to attract sponsors as they work their way up to the Access Group A - and with time - hopefully the Special Group. Each school has about 1,500 participants and the cost to attend is much less expensive.

The Parade of Champions - February 25, 2012

Carnival celebrations come to a close with the Parade of Champions. The results of the Special Group competition are announced on Ash Wednesday and the top six schools have one more opportunity to delight the crowds. Many consider this parade to be even more "joyful" as the samba schools are relaxed knowing that the judging is over and they are free to just enjoy themselves and entertain the crowd. Their months of hard work have been rewarded with their entry into this "exclusive club" and they can march with unbridled pride and happiness.

(To see the samba schools and their individual parade times, see the detail schedule here).

For free Carnival Street Parades, see the complete Bandas and Blocos event schedule).