the parade of the masked aristocrats became an attraction in itself, originating the grand societies - although this institution would eventually die out in the early 20th century, it created the staple for the parades still held today.

while the grand societies were specifically for the aristocracy, the masses, in their turn, engaged in 'ranchos', spontaneous aggregations which paraded in the streets of rio de janeiro playing instruments and led by a king and queen chosen specifically for the event.

it were the 'ranchos' which brought the now prevalent african and indigenous elements to the 'carioca' street carnival.