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RIO CARNAVAL BACKGROUND INFO

Sambadrome (Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí)

The Sambadrome, built in 1984, was designed by world famous architect Oscar Niemeyer, the same architect who designed, a.o., Brazil's capital Brasilia and the Contemporary Art Museum in Niteroi. It is a 700 meters long stadium that has capacity for 65.000 people. The Sambodromo consists of several independent concrete structures along both sides of Marques de Sapucai Avenue. The street itself is painted white, and becomes the place to be for the official carnaval parades during 4 consecutive nights. The parades of the Grupo Especial samba schools (on Sunday & Monday night) are by far the biggest attractions. Each samba school has a preset amount of time (80 minutes) to parade from one end of the Sambadrome to the other with all its thousands of dancers, its drum section (bateria), and a number of floats. Schools are graded by a jury, and the competition is ferocious. On Ash Wednesday (quarta-feira de cinzas), grades are gathered and one school is declared the winner. A Winners Parade (Desfile de Campeões) is held the following Saturday, featuring the five winning samba schools in the Grupo Especial category.

Sambadrome sectors (click on map)

The Sambodromo is divided in sectors, and each sector has different kinds of seats.

Camarotes (VIP Lounges) are the most coveted positions. This is where you get to meet international stars, socialites, soccer players, politicians, diplomats, and fashion models. Frisas (numbered seats) are numbered sets of six seats with a small coffee table. They are at street level, offering a very close view to the parade. There are only four rows of frisas in each odd sector, so the number of seats is quite limited. Arquibancadas (grand stands) are the most reasonably priced seats. The elevated position gives you a better idea of schools as a group. Grand stands are not much more than big concrete steps and most people stand to dance while the schools pass.

Which sector to buy? This will depend on your preferences and budget!

Some guidelines when buying tickets:

Sector 1: Not a great option. Offers a good view of the schools only as they are entering the Sambodrome.

Sector 2: For those who can afford to do it in style and comfort, this is the long 3level section of VIP boxes with an average capacity for 12 people. 2 A is the ground level, 2B the second level, 2C the top level.

Sector 3: Not a bad option. Lower priced than other odd-numbered sectors, while still offering descent views due to its proximity to the jury section.

Sector 4: Avoid as Sector 2 blocks the view from this sector!

Sector 5: Comparable to sector 3 - good option.

Sector 6: Behind sectors 2 and 4. Avoid this sector as from here you see the schools only as they are leaving.

Sector 7: Central location, great views, excellent option.

Sector 8: If you are offered tickets for this sector, do not purchase them. The sector does not exist!

Sector 9: This sector is reserved for tourists. Tickets are available through travel agencies. Expect to pay as much as double. Located near the drummers niche (recuo da bateria), this sector benefits from the infectious adrenaline exchanged between the percussion players and the performers. Numbered seats.

Sector 10: Please do not purchase tickets for this sector. See Sector 8.

Sector 11: comparable to sector 9. Numbered seats.

Sector 12: Please do not purchase tickets for this sector. See sector 8 and 10

Sector 13: See sector 6

We offer tickets for sectors 5, 7, 9 and 11 which are the best options to enjoy the parades. Price info on request. Should you wish to reserve tickets, please note that we will need full upfront payment (through Paypal or wire transfer into bank account). Tickets will be delivered at your check in.