the sambódromo hosts this competition and consists of a long alley through which the floats and dancers pass, entertaining the crowds who line the passage.

fourteen samba teams parade in front of 70,000 spectators, showing off incredibly elaborate carnival costumes and floats, in what has been called the biggest show on earth.

female dancers, who head various sections of the samba parades, wow the spectators with elaborate routines while performing to impress the judges.