beautiful muses, colorful giant floats, thousands of people singing, dancing, and marching in perfect accord - these are the images that traveled the globe and made of rio's carnival the most famous carnival in the world, and rightfully so.

the world famous rio samba parades are spectacular, highly orchestrated and professional shows that take place in the purpose-built sambódromo the weekend of carnival.

yet, these shows are a lot more than just parades - they are real competitions with strict sets of rules, and a title at stake.