Come applaud the best Samba schools in Rio during the magical Rio de Janeiro Carnival!
Each year, between February and March, Rio goes crazy for Carnival. Let yourself be whisked away by the amazing energy during this unforgettable time!
While the show does take place on the streets with various "blocos", which bring together people and costumed dancers, your Carnival experience wouldn't be complete without an evening (or whole night) spent in the Sambodrome.
The Sambodrome Marquês de Sapucaí is an avenue surrounded by permanent bleachers built by the famous Brazillian architect Oscar Niemeyer, and is where the best samba schools perfom during Carnival. Up to 88,500 people are able to watch.
Following a specific oder, each Samba school (2,000-4,000 participants) presents their program for 1 hour, dancing along the 700 meter long Marques de Sapucai Avenue. Their presentation must please both the crowd and the judges, and is judged based on the general harmony of the dancers, the music, costumes, and energy they give off. The show begins beginning of the evening and ends sometime in the early morning, still full of energy.
The shuttle bus will pick you up along the Rio beach and take you to the Sambodrome. Thanks to your pre-reserved ticket, you will have a chance to see the show from "Section 9" bleachers.Located in the middle of the parade route, this section offers the best views, and is the only numbered section. You will have pre-reserved seats, and special assistance.
The shuttle bus will pick up visitors at the end of each parade after the 3rd one, and take you back to the beach.
Program and 2020 Dates:
Sunday 23 and Monday 24 February: Special Group schools parade (7 parades on Sunday, 6 on Monday). These schools are the best of the best, and are fighting to earn the supreme title of best samba school.
Saturday 29 Feburary: Champions Parade. The program consists of the 6 best schools of the year, pulled from the Secial Groups. They will return to the Sambodrome for a purely festive parade, filled with emotion.