2005 Samba Palace

In 2005 we did visit the oldest and most traditional samba school of Rio namely Mangueira. We enjoyed watching the rehearsals for Carnival. It was an amazing night witnessing the great energy of the samba school. When the best samba drummers and dancers started dancing the remainder of the audience could not stand still and danced along.

The colors of Mangueira are green and pink.

The Samba school "Primeira Estação Mangueira", founded in 1928, played an important role in shaping the cultural landscape of samba. Over the years, Mangueira has become a symbol of resistance and empowerment, embracing Afro−Brazilian heritage and promoting social inclusion. The school's vibrant performances often highlight themes related to Brazil's history, folklore, and social issues. Mangueira has produced some of the most iconic samba songs and dance routines, contributing significantly to the evolution of Carnival celebrations. Its success in Carnival competitions has solidified its status as one of the most influential and beloved samba schools in Brazil.

2024 Samba Palace

In 2019 Mangueira was crowned the winner of Rio's carnival with the samba titled "A Bedtime Story for Grown−Ups" by creative director Leandro Viera. The Samba school did honor the unsung Brazilian heroes, many of them indigenous, black or females, such as Rio councilwoman Marielle Franco who got assassinated.

Rio de Janeiro

Samba Carnival

The Samba Parade in the Sambódrome in Rio de Janeiro is considered to be the most spectacular carnival event worldwide.

Each Samba School is made up of thousands of performers.The Carnavalesco or Carnival Designer is responsible for the direction and production of the entire performance. The Wings or "Alas" of the parade will wear a particular costume and perform the same role.

The Front Commission opens the school’s parade. The Flag Bearer or “Porta−bandeira” who carries the school's flag and her symbolically appointed protector or "Mestre−sala" are usually the most highly skilled dancers. The Queen or "Rainha" of the Samba school leads the procession in her elaborate costume. In between the wings are usually 8 and 10 floats, which are highly decorated according to the theme and often carry special guests. The school's "Bateria" is its 250 – 300 strong percussion band. The Sound Truck carries the Vocalists – usually led by a powerful lead male vocal – who sing the Samba school's theme song over powerful mikes.The Samba Dancers or "Passistas" are amongst the best dancers of the school.

Each Samba School has a Samba song which is representative of the theme that the Samba school has chosen for the year. In the specially designed Sambodromo around 70000 spectators watch the amazing show.

Salvador & Pelourinho

Trios Elétricos & Olodum

During Carnival you will see large trucks with live music performances (also called 'trios életricos') moving through the streets of Salvador, creating a massive street party. You can enjoy high−energy music, including axé and other Afro−Brazilian rhythms, with participants following the trios.

In addition there is a much smaller party in Pelourinho. In 2024 Olodum, the world famous percussion band, is celebrating their 45 years anniversary and they will be present again for their traditional Olodum Parade through the historic center of Pelourinho. During Carnival the Africa−Salvador connection will be visible once again with their theme of the "Wodaabe people," nomadic cattle−herders and traders from the African Sahel, which is a story of diversity and power. On Carnival Monday there is also the children's carnival with percussion from the Olodum school with children and teenagers from all over the city.

"They Don't Care About Us" is a song by American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson, released in April 16, 1996. The song was accompanied by a music video directed by Spike Lee and was shot in Pelourinho where he collaborated with 200 members of the cultural group Olodum.

Listed by the UN as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the State of Bahia, Olodum became one of the most important expressions of world music.

Recife & Olinda

Frevo Carnival

Recife and Olinda's carnival in Pernambuco is characterised by frevo and maracatu music, vibrant costumes, and a unique mix of parades and street celebrations.

The passion for frevo is felt the strongest at the Carnival in Recife, with the unique native Indian and African maracatu beats leaving the revelers craving for more. Frevo is a lively dance style that include jumps, coordinated fast leg movements, leg flexions, tumbling, with colorful umbrella movements.

Olinda has a style of its own where much of the fun takes place on the streets and small squares and it is an excellent choice if you want to celebrate the Carnival with a native Brazilian feel. The highlight of Carnival is the parade of the "Bonecos de Olinda", where the famous giant dolls parade through the streets of the city. Initially, the dolls portrayed saints of the Church, but with the passing of time, famous personalities began to be portrayed, like Ivete Sangalo and Roberto Carlos.

The Embassy of Pernambuco (Embaixada de Pernambuco) in Recife, also known as the Museum of the Giant or Olinda Dolls, is well worth a visit. It is a permanent exhibition that showcases popular allegories and features 30 giant dolls, out of the 60 that exist. These dolls represent various icons, including Michael Jackson, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Barack Obama, Pelé and many others.

São Paulo

Samba Carnival

The grand samba school parades, similar to those in Rio de Janeiro, but with its own unique flair can be watched from the Anhembi Sambadrome in São Paulo. The parade consists of large−scale productions with diverse themes, showcasing the creativity and skills of the different samba schools.

In São Paulo, celebrations begin on Carnival Friday and continue through until Tuesday. The nonstop party attracts thousands of overseas visitors. While all eyes are focused on the Anhembi Sambadrome, many other events go on late into the night. The competitive spirit of the Carnival reaches a climax on Ash Wednesday when the judges read out the scores and decide on the winning team.

Bloco Parade

Street Parties

The Bloco Parades or Street parties are more informal, with participants dressing up in costumes and joining the lively processions across the streets in Brazil.

The Parades are accompanied with various music genres being played, including samba, funk, and other regional styles.

Although, there are a number of formal balls and masquerade parties it's worthwile to join some blocos and bandas and enjoy the best street parties that Brazil has to offer. You will soon find yourself in the middle of hundreds of thousands of sweaty and semi−naked crowd dancing fueled by the drums and horns from the street band.

Carnatal 2005

Carnatal is the Largest Off−Season Carnival

In 2005 we did participate in Carnatal as part of the 'blocos' O Burro Elétrico and O Bicho and it was an unforgettable experience.

This off−season carnival (also called micareta) is held annually in Natal in December. It is different from the traditional samba school parades as the central feature of a micareta is a large truck called a "trio elétrico". The trio elétrico is wired with loudspeakers and has a live band performing on the trailer. The truck drives slowly along the streets. The crowd follows the trio elétrico singing, dancing, and jumping to the sound of the music. To be allowed to follow the truck, one must buy admittance (a T−shirt or an "abadá") to one of the several 'blocos' or groups.