Rio de Janeiro Gets Ready for Carnival

The countdown has begun for the world’s biggest party.

It’s less than two weeks until Rio’s famous Carnival and local samba troupes are working tirelessly to prepare for the city’s lavish parades.

The Beija-Flor troupe says this year it’ll pay tribute to Brazil’s popular Grammy Award-winning singer Roberto Carlos, also known as as „The King.“

[Victor de Souza, Beija-Flor Samba Coordinator]:

„Roberto’s popularity, Roberto’s influence is huge. So throughout our samba preparations we have been observing the excitement grow since the beginning and we know that the climax will be at the sambadrome.“

Roberto Carlos has sold over 120 million albums worldwide, and is considered one of Brazil’s most influential artists.

Costume designers say the troupe’s parade will be as rich and colorful as the singer’s career.

[Sandra de Jesus, Beija-Flor Costume Director]:

„One of the great things about a samba school is that it tells a story. Telling the story of Roberto Carlos was great because we are showing many details which most people never knew about and these details will be seen during the parade. It is very exciting to be here helping tell this story on the sambadrome.“

Carnival is a major business in Rio’s slums, which are home to the city’s top league schools.

The troupes are rigorously judged on their choreography, floats, costumes and song lyrics.

And then there’s always the party.

Foto: NTDTV