

Buy a costume directly through a samba school

You can find tips on choosing the right costume and parading etiquette here. The costumes change every year and are meant to represent a specific aspect of the school’s theme for that year. Schools usually don’t require you to even join any of the rehearsals (but I definitely recommend you do!), and you can find the school’s song on the main Rio Carnival website. By purchasing the costume, you are actually purchasing your entry into the parade. Caminhos Language School also offer their students the chance to buy a costume for one of the Access Group schools. Their service usually involves getting your measurements and having your chosen costume prepared for you, then either delivering it to you or having it available to pick up from a central location (most Samba schools are quite far out of town). You can also find smaller agencies that are recommended by local tour operators and hotels. Warning! They can be expensive ($100-700). The most common way to do this is through websites like Rio-Carnaval, RioCostumes, Rio.com, or Brazil Bookers. To take part in the parade, even as a non-dancer, all you need is to purchase a costume. Here are three ways to take part in the Rio Carnival Parade: 1. There are two divisions, Division 1 called the Special Group with the most famous samba schools, and Division 2 called the Access Group, which are ranked just below the Special Group, but are still spectacular. The Carnival lasts for six days, where 200 of the city’s Samba schools compete for first place based on the performance in the parade.
#Costume rio carnival pro#
But what if you could also take part-even if you’re not a professional dancer? Whether you’re a pro at Samba or have never danced a single Samba step, it’s much easier than you think to take part in what is known as the greatest show on earth.

Just the idea of Rio Carnival brings up images of gigantic diamante-studded costumes and feather headdresses, tropical toucans, Samba, and its beating drums, as dancers parade in costume down the Sambadrome Marquês de Supucaí.
