Mini Desfiles at Cidade do Samba

Two weekends ago Cidade do Samba had a little preview show of the Grupo Especial parades that will happen in the Sambodromo next February. The different components were there such as bateria, baianas, porta bandeira & mestre sala, passistas, various alas etc. but in smaller numbers than the typical parade.  For example, I heard that the bateria was limited to 50 people. So of course they took their best players and put on a great show! 

A few groups even rolled out some mini floats and confetti cannons. Those of you who know me know that I love a disco ball and a confetti cannon.

The groups went in order of how they will be presented at Carnaval.

I took 360 video of each group passing. With 360 video you can turn the view and look at whatever you want to look at. If you use your phone you can physically turn your phone to see what you want to see. Try it out!

Below the bateria for Imperatriz Leopoldinense.  Playlist of all the groups: Link to the YouTube Playlist.

My only complaint was that the bateria went by too fast. I would have liked for them to go slower. It seemed like the Comissão de Frente took for ever to pass but the baterias sailed by. 

Here is Mangueira

They did have a pricier ticket that you could buy to watch the start of the parade and therefore see the bateria play for a longer time. This would definitely have been the way to go. 

Tip: if you ever go to this event in the future spring for the slightly more expensive tickets.

What is Cidade do Samba?

Cidade do Samba (Samba City) is a complex of warehouses where the Grupo Especial schools build their floats, create their costumes, and produce all the "stuff" to make a big parade. There are a lot of costume makers, designers, welders, plastics artists etc who are employed at Cidade do Samba. 

In the videos above you'll see the giant doors for the warehouses with the various escolas' logos marking where their warehouse is. 

In the middle of these warehouses is an area with a stage, bars, festival tent structures, and a mini street where they do the mini parades. 

Let me know what you think and what you'd like to see.