although these popular aggregations existed for a long time, they only started to become truly popular in the dwindling days of the grand societies - with time the 'ranchos' would be superseded by the 'blocos' (blocks), semi-organized groups from specific neighborhoods and linked by purposely chosen thematic elements.

but it would be samba schools, large and organized groups which would eventually dominate the festivities and bring the world's attention to rio's carnival - the first of those samba schools had their inception in the first half of the 20th century and helped 'carioca' carnival become the long and intense festive season it is today.