Sambadrome and the Rio Carnival Parades
The famous Sambadrone in Rio comes to life every year during Carnival Days
The Sambadrome is a special parade route constructed along both sides of Marquês de Sapucaí street in Rio de Janeiro's old city centre. It consists of permanent spectator stands, viewing boxes, and event lights running for 700 metres along both sides of the street.
The unique design of the Sambadrome allows up to 90,000 spectators to view the parade within along a much shorter route that would normally be required. Built in 1984 the Sambadrome was designed by the well known Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.
The Sambadrome is primarily used for the official Rio Carnival Parade events in which samba schools compete with one another, each getting exactly 90 minutes to complete their vivacious routines which consist of thousands of dancers in vibrant colorful costumes along with a section of drums and several lavish floats. They take this competition very seriously and are judged on a wide range of aspects.
At the end of the parade the parade participants gather together in Apotheosis Square. This square has spectator stands that are set farther back. This space has been used for many big name concerts over the years.
During the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio the Sambadrome served as a venue for the archery and athletic marathon events.
Even if you aren't attending an event at the Sambadrome you may want to swing by and take a look at it, to give you a better idea of the atmosphere when you watch one of the famous carnival parades on TV.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes - for events and paradesAddress: R. Marquês de Sapucaí - Santo Cristo, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20220-007, Brazil
Phone: (21) 2976-7310
Official Website: Sambadrome and the Rio Carnival Parades
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange | Praça Onze | 4 Minutes |
How to get to Sambadrome and the Rio Carnival Parades by Metro
Exit the metro at Praça Onze and walk north to Rua Bendito Hipolito and go right (east). The Sambadrome is just one block east of the station.
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Reviews
Rated out of 5
Samba and good time. Amazing choreography, music, costumes and show. I attended on 2018 and 2016, both times on Sunday for Grupos Especial. Planning to go again in the future. A show that must be experienced live. Tickets could be bought also on the street but be carefull. Leaving the area by car (uber or taxi) could be difficult since most of the streets are closed for the event. Walking the area to find a open street could be un-safe, despite many police agents watching the surroundings.
Emanuel Panga - 1 month ago
Samba and good time. Amazing choreography, music, costumes and show. I attended on 2018 and 2016, both times on Sunday for Grupos Especial. Planning to go again in the future. A show that must be experienced live. Tickets could be bought also on the street but be carefull. Leaving the area by car (uber or taxi) could be difficult since most of the streets are closed for the event. Walking the area to find a open street could be un-safe, despite many police agents watching the surroundings.
Speechless... probably it's because I've been there with 0 expectations but it was one of my best moment in my life. Music, dancing, colors, lights, people, everything perfect. It was one of my 100 to do list and I guess it should be part of any list of anyone. One per life... guys... do not miss it...
Marco Passalacqua - 1 month ago
Speechless... probably it's because I've been there with 0 expectations but it was one of my best moment in my life. Music, dancing, colors, lights, people, everything perfect. It was one of my 100 to do list and I guess it should be part of any list of anyone. One per life... guys... do not miss it...
Jacob Constable - 1 month ago
Medi Natanzi - 2 months ago
Video
Photo Gallery
Fireworks at the Sambadrome in Rio cc licensed photo by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo 
Watching a parade in the Sambadrome cc licensed photo by Ben Tavener 
Viewing Boxes for the 'privileged' and celebrities at the Sambadrome - Yes it looks a little dangerous cc licensed photo by Sarah.Ahearn -
Êxtase cc licensed photo by Leandro's World Tour -
Passista da Portela cc licensed photo by Leandro's World Tour -
Na corte da rainha Njinga cc licensed photo by Leandro's World Tour -
Vila Isabel e a savana africana cc licensed photo by Leandro's World Tour -
Anjos / Angels cc licensed photo by Leandro's World Tour -
Do barro se fez a vida - detalhe cc licensed photo by Leandro's World Tour -
Mestre sala e Porta-bandeira cc licensed photo by Leandro's World Tour -
Cordel branco e encarnado cc licensed photo by Leandro's World Tour -
Ala Cordel cc licensed photo by Leandro's World Tour
