It is an event discussed and anticipated for months in advance, with samba bloco rehearsals, costume purchases and endless discussions.

Carnivals most identifiable date of origin is 1872, when an immigrant from Bahia called Hilário Jovino da Silva introduced to Rio a festival called 'Ranchos Carnavelescos' - a working class event in which participants would parade around in costume accompanied by orchestras.

These festivities gained widespread acclaim and popularity in 1911, at which point the festival organizers set in motion a number of organized competitions and small events.