With such a good atmosphere, it’s easy to forget that Rio Carnival is actually a competition. For months leading up to February, the Samba Schools to prepare their flamboyant costumes, build their elaborate floats, and rehearse their winning dance routines for the Sambadrome.

Each Samba School represents a different area of Rio, with most coming from working class communities and favelas. There can be up to 4000 participants in each school, and even tourists can purchase a costume and join in with the parade.

So here is our guide to the Rio Carnival Samba Schools to look out for next February!

Hundreds join Samba Schools each year to participate in the Carnival

Mangueira

Established: 1928

Neighbourhood: Mangueira in central Rio de Janeiro

Colours: Green and pink

Wins: They won the first ever parade in the Sambadrome and always place highly

Info: Mangueira is the oldest and best loved Samba School in Rio, with a loyal following. They retain their traditions well, and are one of the most consistent schools at the carnival.

Beija-Flor

Established: 1948

Neighbourhood: Nilópolis, the smallest municipality in the state, southwest of Rio

Colours: Blue and white

Wins: Winning streak from 2003-2008, with its first win in 1998

Info: Arguably the best Samba School in Rio, with a great winning streak and more creative designers than any other school, the Beija-Flor, or Hummingbird, is known for its bright, creative, inspiration floats and perfectly rehearsed dance routines.

Mocidade Independente

Established: 1955

Neighbourhood: Padre Miguel, a middle class neighbourhood in the west of the city

Colours: Green and White

Wins: Won a number of times in the 90’s and continue to rank highly

Info: Another old school, though not as popular as Mangueira, Moccidade is known for its futuristic themes, neon colour-schemes, and being the only school to ever fly a performer through the Sambadrome.

Sao Clemente

Established: 1961

Neighbourhood: Botafogo

Colours: Yellow, black and gold

Wins: They normally do fairly well but rarely win

Info: An often controversial school, who feature social and political themes in their parades, Sao Clemente have highlighted many problems Rio has faced in the past, from crime and gangs to homelessness, but retain a certain level of humour and fun.

Imperatriz Leopoldinense

Established: 1959

Neighbourhood: Ramos

Colours: Green, white and gold

Wins: Had a winning streak over the millennium and always place highly

Info: Imperatriz Leopoldinense had a spate of wins around the millennium, and still remains a firm favourite. Its theme is usually playful and reminiscent of a fairy tale, with very technically challenging routines.

Portela

Established: 1923

Neighbourhood: Madureira

Colours: Blue and white

Wins: Holds the top win record of 21, but not as strong as they used to be

Info: Another old school, Portela holds the record for the most carnival wins, 21. Although its performances have slipped in recent years, its fans and supporters ensure it retains its reputation as one of the best Samba Schools in Rio.

Uniao da Ilha

Established: 1953

Neighbourhood: Ilha do Governador

Colours: Blue, red and white

Wins: They’ve never won but their songs remain the most popular of all the Samba Schools’

Info: Uniao da Ilha are a school of the people, often considered the underdogs but always putting on a lively and extremely entertaining show. Some of their samba songs have also come to represent Rio Carnival as a whole.

Imperatriz Leopoldinense always put on a good show

More Rio Carnival Samba Schools…

For more information about Rio Carnival Samba Schools check out the parades official website…

February is the busiest time in Brazil, and everything books up fast, so for more information on Rio Carnival holidays read our carnival blog or check out our guide pages!