the costumes at the high-end carnival balls were first conceived by the upper class to briefly break the very rules and behaviors of the society they normally upheld.

after costumes used at the parades  in the sambódromo, these are usually the most sophisticated fantasias used during carnival, with many revelers choosing to rent the outfits as opposed to buying them.

both locals and visitors often still dress up without taking part in street or official parades - these costumes are impressively crafty and part of the fun as well.