carnival celebrations include hundreds of street parties called 'blocos', along with the main all-night parades at the sambódromo during which the various samba schools compete against one another by showing off their stunning floats, elaborate costumes, captivating music, dances, and gorgeous queens.

carnival culminates in the announcement of the carnival champion at the end of the week - we devoted an entire section of this guide to carnival. 

throughout the final 3-week period leading up to the main carnival events, all samba schools hold special gathering, samba dances, and rehearsals both at their headquarters and at the sambódromo - these side events are worth attending especially for visitors not in rio for the actual carnival celebrations.