How to take part in the Rio Carnival parade

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. 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.

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. 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.

Here are three ways to take part in the Rio Carnival Parade:

1. Buy a costume through an agency

To take part in the parade, even as a non-dancer, all you need is to purchase a costume. The most common way to do this is through websites like Rio-Carnaval, RioCostumes, Rio.com, or Brazil Bookers. Warning! They can be expensive ($100-700). You can also find smaller agencies that are recommended by local tour operators and hotels. 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). Caminhos Language School also offer their students the chance to buy a costume for one of the Access Group schools. By purchasing the costume, you are actually purchasing your entry into the parade. 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. The costumes change every year and are meant to represent a specific aspect of the school’s theme for that year. You can find tips on choosing the right costume and parading etiquette here.

2. Buy a costume directly through a samba school

You can also buy a costume directly with the school, which was what I did when I paraded with my school Beija Flor in 2017. This is logistically more difficult, but might end up being slightly less costly without going through an agency, while also making sure that everything you pay goes to the school. It will also make you feel more part of the school. If you don’t speak Portuguese, you can hire an interpreter locally or online through sites like fiverr and upwork, or if you’re already there and staying in a hotel, ask their receptionist or concierge. You never know! They can call the school and find you the right contact to buy the costume directly.

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3. Join a samba school as an official passista 

This one is maybe for advanced or professional dancers. It’s not so common, but there are foreign Passistas, or official dancers, dancing in Rio’s samba schools. This will be a bigger investment both in time and costs in learning Portuguese and Samba training with the school. But it’s a great idea for a sabbatical with total immersion if you have the chance to take a few months off. Research the different samba schools and contact the ones you might like to dance with, and see what would be involved. You might want to start off with language classes at Caminhos Language School, who have affordable classes with excellent teachers, but also offer lots of social activities so you’ll make lots of friends in your first week.

Want to experience Rio Carnival but not take part in the parade? 

You can still take part by going to see a Samba school rehearsal, buying tickets to the parade as a spectator, where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the Samba schools’ performances and sparkling floats, or by joining the city’s incredible street parties known as blocos. There’s a whole programme and even a number of apps listing the different blocos taking part all over town.

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