there are dozens of samba schools in rio, divided by groups according to how the scored in the overall parades the year before.

the parades that are broadcast around the world are the parades held at the sambódromo by the top samba schools, part of the grupo especial.

the other schools are divided in grupo de acesso (the runner ups), also parading on the sambódromo one night before the top schools, and the grupo rio, smaller samba schools parading in other parts of the city and aiming to rise in rank - there are even children's parades, called samba mirins, and parading before the grupo de acesso. 

on this link, and on this additional page, we published our pictures of the sambódromo parades, giving an up-close look to the costumes, the smiles, and the energy of some of the thousands of participants in this amazing show.