the climax, and most famous part of rio's carnival, is the contest among the best samba schools, with each school marching in the sambódromo, while portraying a different themes - it is estimated that over six million revelers turn out for the rio street carnival each year, many of whom join in the dancing in front of the many bands that take to the streets and animate hundreds of blocos (block parties). these block parties revolve around vibrant trucks with singers and loudspeakers, as they make their way through rio de janeiro's main streets playing music and songs to animate the crowds.

anticipation grows rapidly in the lead up to rio carnival and the whole city buzzes with energy and excitement. visitors can expect to be given a friendly reception, treated as if they were cariocas themselves - as the city comes together, united by friendship, music, and love for life.