What is a Samba School?
In case you are getting completely mixed up: Samba Schools are not teaching institutions. A Samba School is basically an association of people from the same neighborhood, usually a working class community (or favela) in most cases located in a suburban area. They get together on a regular basis for samba nights and rehearsals (ensaios) at their samba court (quadra). Samba schools provide invaluable jobs to the community, that is employed year-round in the production of costumes and floats. Each year samba schools choose a different theme. In the year 2000, for instance, schools highlighted different periods of Brazilian history, celebrating the country’s 500th anniversary. In 2004, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sambodrome, samba schools were allowed to re-edit their favorite Carnival themes from the past. Samba Schools may take to the Parade anything from 3,000 to 5,000 members, and from 6 to 8 floats. They try to illustrate the theme chosen. All costumes and floats are orig
