the schools from the grupo especial and the grupo de acesso take part and each are allotted two technical rehearsals, with 82 minutes given for each parade.

the rehearsals follow a strict schedule, allowing people to go to the rehearsals of their favorite schools, and take place more frequently the closer one gets to carnival.

the final rehearsal before the official parades is the sound and lighting test run, and it is the most magnificent of all the rehearsals.

the champions from the previous year's parade rehearse with full illumination, sound, full costumes, and even floats.

at these technical rehearsals it is common to see celebrities, singers, and samba schools' queens, attend and take part in the event.