Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí
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And to celebrate such a grandiose festival celebrated by many people, the ideal location is an equally large place which is where the Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí comes into play.
History
The Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí is actually the common name used to define the "Passarela Professor Darcy Ribeiro". Besides being a teacher, anthropologist, writer, politician and former minister, he was also the deputy governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro at the time of the construction.Built in 1984, the Sambódromo
was designed by the architect, Oscar Niemeyer , and ended up triggering the
construction of several other Sambódromos across the country. It was built in 120 days and is 2,297 feet long and 43 feet in width with regards to the track used for
the show.The total capacity of the Sambódromo is currently 75,518 people divided into the following sectors:
- VIP cabins with 7,056 places available
- Stalls to 11,498 people
- Special stands with 25,984 seats available
- Popular stands with 25,700 seats
- Individual seats for 2,280 people
How to Get There
To get to Sambódromo or to the Passarela Professor Darcy Ribeiro, located on the street of Marques de Sapucaí, the tourist can opt for a taxi or the subway, down at Estácio station. But
there are several bus lines that pass constantly through this place.
Where to Stay
Blue Zone is the best place for any tourist staying in Rio de Janeiro. The beachfront hotels are located in the most visited part of the city, between Copacabana and Ipanema.Visit During the Year
The Sambódromo can be visited throughout the year and not just during the carnival. It usually stays open throughout the day for the tourists who wish to stroll down the walkway and learn of the history of the place. Furthermore, during times of examination of samba schools, (from December) the visitors can also see the live trials.Landmark
The Samba Museum
The Museum of Samba, also designed by architect, Oscar Niemeyer, can be visited throughout the year. There, the tourists will experience and learn of the history of the Rio de Janeiro carnival, the story of the construction of the Sambódromo, the project made by Oscar Niemeyer and other various unique pieces relating to samba.The Apoteose Square
This square is one of the most popular landmarks of the city and also the Sambódromo. Created by the architect, Oscar Niemeyer, it consists of a large concrete parabolic arch with a pendant in the center.Those who have performed in this square include large national and international artists, including Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Supertramps, David Bowie, Rolling Stones and Fri Pistols on his comeback tour called Filthy Lucre.
The Carnival
The carnival at the Sambódromo is internationally known due to exuberant parades of the samba schools and the great music.Samba
Samba is an exclusive type of Brazilian music
originating in Rio de Janeiro, while the dancing of samba was invented by African-Brazilian people, centuries ago. The
word “samba” comes from the Angolan language and means something along the lines of "the blues".Samba Schools
The samba schools are famous for the Sambódromo beauty and glamor during the nights of February when a contest is held to choose the best samba school. They have the task of writing the themes, designing the costumes, writing songs, making the floats and still rehearsing throughout the year.So the Sambódromo Carnival is not for everyone. A physical and psychological preparation and a good financial investment is required.
Facts
Safety
Due to the large flow of people from all over the world during the five days of the carnival celebration in Rio de Janeiro, safety is an aspect to consider. Even with the increased number of police patrolling these streets, the main incidents are petty thefts and fights caused by rebels.Do you see any omissions, errors or want to add information to this page? Sign up.
Author: Laryssa Balduino. Last updated: May 15, 2015
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