Rio Carnival 2024 – Meet the 5 Fabulous Samba Schools Taking the Stage
22 November, 2023The Rio Carnival is a festival that takes place every year before Lent and is considered the biggest carnival in the world. Over 2 million people from all around the world attend the carnival to experience a dazzling, colorful, and cultural event.
What’s more, the parades at the Sambadrome are the main attraction, but there’s also the legendary Rio Ball to take part in. But what truly makes this event a possibility is all the Samba schools that take part in the carnival.
Today, we talk about the top 5 Samba schools taking center stage at the Rio Carnival in 2024! So put on your party hats, and let’s dive into what makes this festival the biggest event in the world!
What do the Samba Schools do at the Rio Carnival?
The Samba schools in Rio are responsible for creating massive and elaborate floats for the Rio Carnival. Professionals from these schools also make flashy costumes and choreograph the most uplifting dance moves.
These schools also showcase Brazilian culture to the world. They also offer career opportunities to anyone who’s interested in being in the entertainment industry. The schools are also sponsored by major corporations, and they’re responsible for collecting money throughout the year for charities.
5 Major Samba Schools Taking Part in the Rio Carnival 2024
- Beija Flor
Beija Flor is one of the most popular schools that take part in the Rio Carnival every year. They have a massive fan base because of their striking costumes and fabulous Samba queens. The school was established in 1948 and continues to amaze fans around the world.
This Samba school has won at least 14 parades at the Rio Carnival for its stunning floats. In the years, they’ve made various themed floats like golden hummingbirds and even one dedicated to Native American culture.
- Mangueira
Mangueira is one of the oldest schools that was developed in 1928 and has a carnival director, producer, and singer. It was one of the first schools that allowed women to be a part of the parades. They are the ones that keep the party going at the Rio Carnival, as they’re scheduled to appear at 1:45 a.m. on February 12th.
This Samba school also has its own colors of pink and green and allows women to play percussion, which was previously only done by males. The Mangueira school is known for fighting against the norm.
In 2020, their parade was a direct attack on political governance and demanded attention for minority groups. They waved a pink and green flag and also paid homage to the late Marielle Franco, which won them first prize.
- Salgueiro
The Salgueiro is a diverse school and has red and white costumes. These colors represent the school’s unique African influence when choreographing its dances. In 2024, they will heat up the night in Rio with their themed parade, Delusions of a Red Paradise.
Further to your pursuit of the right samba-themed ambiance might be to enjoy this great Rio-themed game, helping to get you salsa-ing in the right direction!
Salgueiro also has a song with the lyrics, “In the sublime touch of love, The prophet painted paradise, Intense red that dyes emotion.” Each school has a song that they sing at the parade to start their performance.
Their most famous parades are Festa Para Um Rei Negro, Peguei Um Ita no Norte and Skindô! Skindô! Most fans can’t wait to see what the Salgueiro’s float is going to look like and what dances they have planned for the 2024 Rio Carnival. It’s one school that attracts the most tourists.
- Mocidade
The Mocidade school was founded in 1955, and its colors are green and white. They have a drummer queen named Giovana Angélica, and their art director is Marcus Ferreira. They’ll be performing at the Rio Carnival on February 11th at 10 p.m.
Morcidade’s parade storyline in 2024 is Land of My Sky, Stars of My Floor, and will be interpreted by Nino do Milênio.
- Grande Rio
The Grande Rio school was founded in 1988, so it’s not as old as the other popular schools, but they put on a dazzling show. Their colors are green and red, and they have a crown with drums on their logo. This school is classified as one of the special groups that will take place in the Rio Carnival.
Fans can catch them on stage at 11:15 p.m. There’s a hint of what the storyline for their parade will be on the official Rio Carnival website with the words, “ Hey Zeca, where is the pagoda? I walked barefoot, cart and train, looking for Xerém to see you.”
Final Thoughts
Are you excited for the Rio Carnival in 2024? If you can’t attend the show, You can catch it live on Carnival TV.
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