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There are 5 different parades in the Sambodromo:
1. Samba Schools in the Special Group
Sunday, February 14th and Monday, February 15th – See time-table
This is the “THE” Parade, the highlight of the Rio Carnival. The must-see show which has made Rio de Janeiro the Carnival capital of the world. All the Carnival world revolves around these two nights.
The schools belonging to this group are especially magnificent and sumptuous.
The two nights are similar in terms of set-up. 6 of the best 12 samba schools march on both Sunday and Monday. Choose the one which best fits into your schedule. Doors open at 17:00, opening ceremony at 20:00, parades start at 21:00.
Rehearsals – The schools’ 2010 samba songs
2. Champions Parade
Saturday, February 20th – See time-table
Starts at 21:00 but a small Italian school already parades at 20:00
The 6 best samba schools of the Special Group, from Sunday and Monday, parade in all their splendor once more, with fireworks.
{It is beautiful, however much quieter and cheaper than the principal competition days on Sunday and Monday. This is the second best parade.}
3. Samba Schools in the Access Group (Group A)
Saturday, February 13th , starts at 21:00
There are 12 large samba schools in this group, following the best 12 schools in the Special Group. The champion of this parade ascends to the Special Group.
4. Samba Schools in Group “B”
Tuesday, February 16th, starts at 21:00
This is called the base group, from which the big schools originated. They are small, each school having approximately 1,500 participants. Nevertheless they also parade with much vigor to defend their status. {Rather go to the Champions´ Parade or Access Group.}
5. Children’s Samba Schools
Friday, February 12th, 19:00 (doors open at 17:00)
These are branches of the big samba schools, formed by children of each community.
Their parade follows the procedure of the big schools.