the carnaval celebration in rio de janeiro is unlike anything else in the world, for a variety of reasons - the block parties that range from the laid-back gatherings on the beach in copacabana to frenetic romps through the streets of lapa, the beautiful and unmatched surroundings, the unique and indomitable carioca spirit and, of course, the annual samba parade.

the parade's history goes back to at least the early twentieth century, when in 1926 deixa falar, the first samba school, was formed - establishing the first requirements to be a 'samba school' including musical style, and requirement for an orquestra.

shortly thereafter, different parades began to be combined into one event in downtown rio, the shows became official and a new organizational method was needed so that every samba school could be seen.