Samba Schools (Escolas de Samba) are not traditional schools but a gathering of people from the same community who come together to rehearse the samba in preparation for Sambodrome parade during Carnival. Over seventy years ago, Samba Schools began in Rio de Janerio eventually developing into a main event of Carnival. Everyone who is part of the Samba School, novice to professional, all participate in Carnival. The performance is based on theme and includes the talents of the entire Samba School. Elements that are included in the parade are a master of ceremonies, flag bearer, bateria (drum section), and magnificently decorated floats. The top schools perform on Sunday and Monday night. The B group of schools perform on Tuesday night.

Every year, the school chooses an idea to focus on for the parade. Each Samba School brings 3,000 to 5,000 people and 6 to 8 floats to the parade as well as take over an hour for their performance. Foreigners are welcome to join in a Samba School, both Manguiera and Salguiero schools have a great mix of both locals and visitors.

Foreigners are welcome to join in a Samba School, both Manguiera (Rua Visconde de Niterio 1072, Manguiera, telephone: 2567 4637) and Salguiero (Rua Solva Teles 104, Andari, telephone: 2238 5564) are schools that have a great mix of both locals and visitors.

Rehearsals begin as early as August. Intro..
Further information on Carnival Rehersals

You can even buy your costume before arriving in Rio de Janeiro through online websites (www. Geocities.com/alavaisacudir) or by telephone. Costumes range in price between $200 and $300. A great resource providing more information about Samba Schools is a text entitled Samba by Alma Guillermoprieto (more information in our Resources section).

Grande Rio
Rua Almirante Barroso, 5 - Duque de Caxias
Telephone: 2771-2331
Website

Salgueiro
Rua Silva Teles, 104 - Tijuca
Telephone: 2288-3065 / 2281-3134
Website

Beija - Flor
Pracinha Wallace Paes Leme, 1.025 - Nilopolis
Telephone: 2791-2866
Website

Caprichosos de Plares
Rua Faleiros, 1 - Pilares
Telephone: 2592-5620
Website

Mangueira
Rua Visconde de Niteroi, 1.072 - Mangueira
Telephone: 2567-4637
Website

Imperatriz Leopoldinense
Rua Professor Lacê, 235 - Ramos
Telephone: 2560-8067
Website

Imperio Serrano
Av. Ministro Edgard Romero, 114 - Madureira
Telephone: 2489-8722
Website

Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel
Rua Coronel Tamarindo, 38 - Padre Miguel
Telephone: 3332-5823
Website

Portela
Rua Clara Nunes, 81 - Madureira
Telephone: 2489-6440
Website

Porto da Pedra
Rua Joao Silva, 84 - Porto da Pedra - Sao Goncalo
Telephone: 2605-2984
Website

Rocinha
Rua Bertha Lutz N. 80 - Sao Conrado
Telephone: 2322-5948
Website

Unidos da Tijuca
Av. Francisco Bicalho, 47 - Clube dos Portuarios - Sao Cristovao
Telephone: 2516-4053
Website

Unidos Do Viradouro
Av. do Contorno, 16 - Barreto - Niteroi
Telephone: 2628-7840
Website

Vila Isabel
Av. 28 de Setembro, 382 - Vila Isabel
Telephone: 3181-4869

Carnival Overview

 Background:
   History
   Music
   Samba Dance

 Schedule:
   Before Carnival
   Carnival Friday
   Carnival Saturday
   Carnival Sunday
   Carnival Monday
   Carnival Tuesday

 Attractions:
   Sambadrome
   Samba Parade
   Balls
   Street Processions
   Samba Schools
   Carnival Rehersals

 Trip Planning:
   Planning a Trip
   Lodgings
   Event Tickets
     Parade Seats

   Transportation
   Safety

 Resources:
   Movies, Books, CDs
   Carvinal Glossary