The
high spot of Rio's fun-in-the-sun calendar, Carnival is closely identified with
the nation's roots and traditions. From Friday evening through to the following
Tuesday, Carnival revelers dance through the streets. The highlight is undoubtedly
the world-famous Samba School Parade in the Sambadrome downtown. This is surely
the world's largest and liveliest street festival, involving locals and foreigners
alike with its irresistible excitement. Months of intensive preparation include
sewing elaborate costumes, rehearsing at the samba schools and try-outs for
neighborhood samba groups. Rio gears up for the great day, eager to welcome
visitors with typical Carioca warmth.
Surrounded
by a dazzling array of costumes and floats, quick-footed samba stars dance to
the driving percussion beat of deafening drums as the public cheers. This is
truly the people's festival, with everyone welcome to join in the fun, swept
away by the dazzle and excitement of this unique event. Smaller informal groups
dance through the streets to the music of neighborhood bands, while Carnaval
Balls organized by clubs and hotels all over town confirm that Carnaval in Rio
weaves gaiety and music, lore and light, into a bewitching blend
of
myth and magic.
Since
1984, the Samba Parade found a permanent home at the Sambodrome, in the Downtown
area. It consists of several independent concrete structures along both sides
of Av. Marquês de Sapucaí, the samba runway. They lead to to the Apotheosis
Square, crowned by a concrete M that brings to mind the symbol of a fast-food
chain. During the
school
year, parts of the structure are used as classrooms by public schools. The Square
is often stage for shows, and major bands have already performed here. When
Carnival magic takes over, the Sambodrome is the setting for the greatest show
on earth.
