Carnival in Rio: União da Ilha 2010 - Narrated in English

Samba School: União da Ilha do Governador - February, 2010. The highlight of Brazil Carnival is undoubtedly the Rio Samba Schools Parade, a totally unique event in the world. The Rio Samba Parade is the review of a fierce competition between the Rio samba schools. The judges and spectators watch the principal parades in the Sambodromo which was especially built for this event. The Samba Parade is something everybody should experience at least once in their life. The event is broadcast live to several countries. The Rio Samba Parade is very distinctive from all other street parades held at some other places in the world. It is not a street happening where people move chaotically about as they like, but more of a highly orchestrated show of vast proportions. Every parader has a specific role and place according to his costume in a particular wing, of a particular section of the samba school he/she is parading in support of. Each year each school chooses a different theme for the Samba Parade. It can be a celebration of a particular period, or, of famous figures of Brazilian history. It may highlight a special event or speak of anything that might move the spirit and imagination; like a special animal, or one of the elements; water or fire, etc. The school has to illustrate the chosen theme through all its work: • the samba tunes, which are especially written for that year • the richly decorated floats and costumes of their 3,000 to 5,000 parading members designed by the...