the other part of rio's carnival to experience are the official carnival parades, held in the sambódromo.

there are three ways to experience these parades to fully appreciate them.

first and foremost parades must be seen - so one night should be devoted to watching them from either the grandstands or the camarotes at the sambódromo, depending on budget and personal taste.

the best and most famous parades are the ones of the grupo especial, taking place on the sunday and monday of carnival period.

those who want to get deeper into what these parades feel like, should also march in one of them.