located in one of rio de janeiro's neighboring cities, duque de caxias, acadêmicos do grande rio is one of rio's biggest samba schools outside of the capital city - only fully established in 1988, it is also one of the youngest samba schools to consistently be in the 'special group' of the rio carnival.

due to being such a new school, the grande rio has yet to obtain a full carnival victory, however have been vice-champions three times. grande rio has gained a reputation for using celebrities in their parades, and often bringing famous actresses out to help their cause.