Rio de Janeiro was elected Best gay destination in the world by Trip Out GayTravel website. In accordance to that, traditional Mocidade Samba School has recently disclosed that a new wing was created for 2010 Carnaval in Rio. The Gay wing will rely on gay merrymakers parading down Rio´s Sambadrome.

However, the school informs that it is not mandatory that the person is gay to be a part of the wing. All it takes is attending rehearsal at school court every Wednesday between 8:30 P.M and 10 P.M. According to Diguinho Mocidade and Maurício D’Paula, responsible for the wing, selection will take to consideration enthusiasm, attendance amongst other requirements. The costume to be used by wing members is very irreverent: a Leopard.

This is the first time a Rio Samba-School dedicates an entire wing to the gay community, and it came in great time since Rio is now recognized as one of the best destinies for gays in the world.

2010 Carnival Parade Schedule for the “Special Group” in Rio de Janeiro:

Sunday, February 14th Rio Samba-Schools Schedule:>

1st Approximate Time: 9:00 PM – União da Ilha Samba-School
2nd Approximate Time: 10:05 PM – Imperatriz Leopoldinense Samba-School
3rd Approximate Time: 11:10 PM – Unidos da Tijuca Samba-School
4th Approximate Time: 00:15 AM – Viradouro Samba-School
5th Approximate Time: 01:20 AM – Acadêmicos do Salgueiro Samba-School
6th Approximate Time: 02:20 AM – Beija-Flor Samba-School

Monday, February 15th Rio Samba-Schools Schedule:

1st – Approximate Time: 9:00 PM – Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel
2nd Approximate Time: 10:05 PM - Porto da Pedra
3rd Approximate Time: 11:10 PM – Portela Samba School
4th Approximate Time: 00:15 AM – Grande Rio
5th Approximate Time: 01:20 AM – Vila Isabel
6th Approximate Time: 02:20 AM – Mangueira Samba School

Mounted men personifying Sartiglia Knights ride ahead of the reenactment of the game Sartiglia in Oristano, west Sardinia on February 22, 2009 at the end of the 544th Carnival of Sardinia. Sartiglia, an equestrian game of ancient origins, where masked knights on horseback joust for a star hung along a track at man height. Contenders try to pass the star onto their sword as they ride along. (MARIO LAPORTA/AFP/Getty Images)

Revellers take part in the annual carnival in the Adriatic city of Imotski, Croatia on February 22, 2009. (REUTERS/Stringer)

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.

Below, a wing member of Mocidade Independente Padre Miguel Opening wing:

However, the school informs that it is not mandatory that the person is gay to be a part of the wing. All it takes is attending rehearsal at school court every Wednesday between 8:30 P.M and 10 P.M. According to Diguinho Mocidade and Maurício D’Paula, responsible for the wing, selection will take to consideration enthusiasm, attendance amongst other requirements. The costume to be used by wing members is very irreverent: a Leopard.

This is the first time a Rio Samba-School dedicates an entire wing to the gay community, and it came in great time since Rio is now recognized as one of the best destinies for gays in the world.

The carnival parade is filled with people and floats from various samba schools. A samba school can either be an actual school or just a collaboration of local neighbors that want to attend carnival. Samba schools include: Imperio Serrano, Academicos do Salgueiro, Unidos da Tijuca, and Beija-Flor de Nilopolis.

Besides the magnificent carnival parade, there are wonderful balls. Balls of every kind can be found in Rio including gala balls, balls for singles, and gay balls. The gala balls are the only luxury balls that are still around that can be enjoyed at the Copacabana Palace. Many different people attend the gala balls such as local socialites, soccer players, models, and international stars. The gala balls are a luxury event which requires black tie or fancy costumes. Besides the fancy gala balls are more casual and specific balls including the balls for singles and gays. Balls for singles are found at Copacabana Beach and a club called Scala. Gay balls are found at the Gala Gay at Scala and are open to everyone, especially for gays with alternative lifestyles.