like several other samba schools in rio de janeiro, the g. r. e. s. arranco, portuguese for 'rip', started its existence as a carnival bloc.

this happened back in the 1960s, and the congregation had its first official parade in 1965.

making its parades in the streets of the engenho de dentro neighborhood, it earned its name because of the revelers' habit to 'rip' people out of their homes when they passed by, so they would join in the festivities.