SAMBÓDROMO DA MARQUÊS DE SAPUCAÍ
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800 m of secure open-air avenue, surrounded by vertiginous terraces, hosting a carnival of samba schools
The Sambodrome is an open-air avenue dedicated to Carnival surrounded by vertiginous tiers, west of Centro and Lapa. The site, called Marquês de Sapucaí Avenue, is closed all year round and is the focal point of Rio's carnival during the festival days. It is here, since 1984, that the schools of samba parade in front of a crowd of nearly 90 000 people each year. There are the jury that will elect the best school, Cariocas fanatics of this unique event and of course fans and tourists from around the world. Designed by the architect Oscar Niemeyer, the avenue is 800 m long, of which 650 m are run in front of the attentive judges. It was completely renovated for the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Tips. In the months leading up to Carnival, all the samba schools come to the Sambodrome for what are called ensaios técnicos, the "technical rehearsals", with costumes and a meticulous parade so that everything is perfect on the big day. Every Saturday and Sunday, three samba schools parade here, and the show is free! Take advantage of it. For the complete program, check the "Ensaios tecnicos no Sambodromo" section of the Sambodrome's official website or www.rio-carnival.net. The place is secure, so it's no problem to bring your camera, but the area around the Sambodrome is very crowded. Come and go by cab (which are waiting quietly in front of the security cordon).
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