the escolas de samba, or samba schools, are not actually schools, but neighborhood organizations that plan and prepare all year for their moment in the sun.

samba schools are distinguishable by the acronym 'g. r. e. s.' before the name of their organization, standing for grêmio recreativo escola de samba, and meaning recreational guild samba team. 

throughout the year, most samba schools meet regularly to dance and celebrate at the sound of samba and, as carnaval approaches, to rehearse for the main parade.