carnival balls, also called carnival bailes, galas, or dances, are private parties and celebrations based on european tradition, and taking place in rio over the carnival period - understanding the origin of carnival ball costumes and the role they played, as opposed to blocos' costumes, can much enrich the overall carnival experience.

ball events were initially frequented by affluent crowds, today carnival dances are open to the public and are easily accesible by everyone - costumes typically were accompanied by masks, which were originally the most important and distinctive social element of carnival baile costumes.

rio carnival dances date back as far as 1641, when governor salvator correia de sá e benevides dedicated the first rio carnival to king dom dom joão iv.