An initiative to democratize and expand access to culture
Rio Carnaval Expo expands its borders to bring the history, art, and cultural richness of Carioca Carnival to audiences in different cities and regions across Brazil and the world. As part of our commitment to democratizing access to culture, we have gathered free digital content in this space, allowing visitors to discover the origins of Carnival, the journey of the samba schools, the figures who marked its history, and the creative processes that bring the greatest show on Earth to life.
Organized into thematic chapters, the content features historical information, fun facts, traditions, and local knowledge, along with quotes, samba lyrics, and educational materials that highlight the professionals and communities behind this cultural expression. Visitors can also explore the exhibition spaces through a virtual tour, stepping behind the scenes into the atmosphere of Cidade do Samba.
This initiative expands the educational and cultural reach of Rio Carnaval Expo, offering students, teachers, researchers, and Carnival enthusiasts the opportunity to explore, learn about, and share this Brazilian cultural heritage, regardless of their geographic location.
Explore the chapters
Discover the stories, characters, wisdom, and behind-the-scenes moments that make samba schools one of the greatest expressions of Brazilian culture.
Rei Momo, Pequena África, and the birth of the schools
02Who Makes CarnivalArtisans, Carnival Designers, and Collective Creation
03Costumes and FloatsArt, Techniques, Materials, and Engineering
04Samba comes to lifeDrum sections, dance, samba-enredo, and tradition
05The Characters of the AvenidaThe Sections and Their Stories
06From the Staging Area to SapucaíPreparation, Parade, and Judging
07Memory of the championsTitles, iconic parades, and historic facts
08Map of the schoolsOrigins and identities of the 12 organizations of 2027
09Samba QuotesVoices, thoughts, and verses that convey the history and emotion of Carnival.

