
The top league is called the Special Group and is made up of the 14 best and most creative samba schools. Spain's Best Carnivals - 12 Amazing Places in Spain to Celebrate Carnival! Each year all the samba schools compete because they want to move up to higher leagues or remain in the top league.

Some samba schools are at the forefront of the samba scene and take the parades very seriously. The background and economic status of each of the schools varies widely. These Samba schools are large social groups with around 3000 – 5000 members. Each samba school has their own colors, flag and distinct costume styles. The Samba Schools are like football teams, each neighborhood has a samba school representing their neighborhood and they also have a loyal fan following. Rio de Janeiro is home to over 100 samba schools and they are the reason that Rio Carnival is so spectacular and unique.

Samba is a core part of Brazil’s cultural heritage and the Samba Parades reflect Brazil’s passion, culture and history.

The Samba Parades held in the Sambadrome during Rio Carnival have consistently been called the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’! Watching the Rio Carnival Samba Parades is a one-of-a-kind experience.
