The 12 schools in the special group presented their enredos on the Monday and Tuesday of Carnaval. Each school invests millions in just one parade. They buy supplies and contract handymen to turn feathers, plastic, metal, and fabrics into art to enchant the spectators. Plastic artists, seamstress’, embroiders’, metal workers, joiners, and all other workers put their heart and soul into the project to help make it the best.
After the parading ends, these samba school associations immediately start worrying about next year’s Carnaval. In March and April the `enredos’ are defined, in September the samba-enredos are chosen, and in October, they start rehearsals in the squares and warehouses. After this starts, the technical rehearsals on the runway begin so that all will be perfect when the time arrives.
Even if you don’t visit Rio during the time of Carnaval, you can still attend and participate in the rehearsals and get a taste of the Brazilian spirit. Frequenting the squares and warehouses during rehearsals is a great way to view Rio Carnaval at a different angle. In December, the technical rehearsals in the Sambódromo are realized. This is a preview of what the presentation in February will be for those who can’t attend the official show.