The expectation for the Rio Carnival of 2023 It's getting hot! Partygoers are already counting down to the biggest popular festival in Brazil. Are you ready for the greatest show on earth?!
To ease some of the longing for Rio Carnival, let's dive into the behind-the-scenes of this party. Check it out!
Backstage at the Rio Carnival samba schools
Anyone who sees a Samba School passing by on the avenue has little idea of the months of work that professionals and volunteers dedicate to the event that is a landmark of Rio de Janeiro. For each community to parade at the Sambadrome, seamstresses, welders, painters, composers and other artists — yes, artists. Not just anyone can perform such tasks masterfully — work long hours for at least nine months. Quite a long time, right?!
Throughout this article, we will present a little more behind the scenes of this show organized in the Marvelous City!
Drums
“Hello, drums” — the famous phrase said by samba-enredo performers is repeated throughout the year in the school’s weekly rehearsals. Do you think this is a joke?!
Surdo, chocalho, tamborim, cuíca and reco-reco are among the instruments played by the school’s percussionists. Speaking of this group, we couldn’t fail to highlight that the drums of the Special Group must have between 250 and 300 musicians. The Sambadrome “trembles” with this incredible energy!
carnivalesque
The carnival designer is responsible for planning the parade, creating innovative and luxurious costumes and floats. So, if the school's samba theme is Ancient Egypt, expect nothing less than floats with mummies, pyramids and pharaohs.
floats
We have to agree that the floats are a spectacle in themselves. Full of lights, feathers and colors, these floats are artistic expressions that tell the story of the samba theme. Since they are very flashy, carnival designers need to take special care with the finishing touches of this item to avoid losing points at Sapucaí.
In addition to the carnival designer, prop makers, painters and welders are involved in the production of a float.
Costumes
The costumes are made by seamstresses, some of whom are volunteers. This is essential for the samba school to achieve a good score.
It is worth noting that people outside the community can also parade. Just look for the sector responsible for the wings. It is a unique experience!
Carnival in Rio generates income
And we couldn't fail to mention the importance of Rio Carnival for the movement of the economy in the state. It is estimated that, in 2020, around 8.1 thousand jobs were created during Carnival in Rio. Part of this movement occurred in the warehouses of the samba schools.
Hundreds of people, sometimes entire families, are hired every year to provide services to carnival associations.
Get to know the backstage of the carioca carnival
Did you want to know what goes behind the scenes? carioca carnival? With the Carnival Experience, Rio de Janeiro Carnival Tourism and Culture Program, you know the samba school warehouses, the place where the magic of carnival happens. Live this unique experience. Contact us!