The Sambista Ala is ideal for intermediate to advanced Samba dancers. If you’re unsure whether you’re ready please send us a message, or if you attend an Escola de Samba chat to your instructor.
Passista and Musa positions are for experienced dancers and require a video audition. Positions will be decided directly by the schools we are affiliated with.
The Float experience is open to all. Participants often bring friends and family who join in and parade on the Float.
Yes. We have a local support team in Rio with extensive Carnaval experience who are a mix of English and Portuguese speakers. We have dedicated WhatsApp chats for the tour which we update real time. There will always be support available. You’re not on your own.
We will make sure you are well informed and prepared before you arrive in Rio. We have dedicated WhatsApp chats for the tour that we update with information along the way (including logistics, accommodation tips and linking you up with fellow tour buddies). We hold Zoom info sessions covering the school’s enredo (theme) and song (lyrics and meaning), dance and parading tips (how to prepare physically), parade mechanics (how judging works, what the harmonia does, formation), and practical prep (taping feet, securing your costume, what to pack). You'll also get a Carnaval Prep Pack covering everything from local shoe shops to transport tips, as well as a Portuguese language pack.
Like any major city, Rio requires street smarts. We provide detailed information to prepare you for the trip beforehand and will have support on the ground throughout the tour. Transport to and from the Carnaval parade to ensure safety is priority.
Yes. For Sambistas, Passistas and Float participants - your parade costume is included in the package price. We'll ask for your sizing details in advance. You'll also get guidance on how to fit and secure all elements of your costume before parade night. Musas are required to pay for their parade costumes and will be given a specific brief by the school.
You'll receive a detailed, step-by-step parade day plan well in advance: transport, timeline, where to meet, where to store your belongings, and how the parade works. We have a dedicated logistics team on the ground so you can focus on the experience, not the admin.
The Gold (Serie Ouro) division parade itself takes around 60 to 70 minutes from start to finish however each Ala (section) is on the Avenida for about 45 minutes. The parade night logistics involve arriving around 2 hours prior to your parade start time. There is an area called “the concentration” (concenctraçao) where we wait, line up and get into formation beforehand. Expect the full experience to run for several hours. It's a long night, but it's the best night of your life!
Yes. The schedule will allow for the opportunity to watch parade nights from the Sambodrome as well as parading yourself. Details on how to purchase tickets will be sent to all participants.
You’re welcome to join! Every year we have dancers from all over the globe join us in Rio. If you want some extra training, we also offer online courses!
Integrity is our hallmark. With us, you don't just parade and take workshops - you will have an immersive, grassroots and authentic experience of Carnaval with people who live and breathe the art and culture.
You’ll go inside the Samba schools, learn from the masters, experience being amongst the communities, take part in street rehearsals and soak up Carnaval culture firsthand.
Our relationships with Rio’s Carnaval leaders and renowned Samba schools span over a decade, and those relationships and the trust and respect we have built in Rio make all the difference.
Flights, accommodation, travel insurance, visa, meals, ubers and parade viewing tickets.