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The São Paulo Carnival, also called “Carnaval”, is a festival held annually in The Anhembi Sambadrome of São Paulo. A little different from Rio Carnival, their carnival takes places on the Friday and Saturday night of the week of Carnival. Carnival originated in Brazil in 1973 when three different islands of immigrants introduced The Entrudo. Immigrants showed celebration for the festival by throwing buckets filled with water, mud and even food at one another. Sau Paulo Carnival originated with the sounds of Samba in the 1970s. Samba is a form of music with different rhythms and tempos created in the Afro-Brazilian communities in Bahia in the late 19th Century. During São Paulo Carnival, different ‘samba schools’ compete for a trophy by showing their talents in design, art and dance by decorating massive floats and costumes. São Paulo carnival is held on Friday and Saturday the week prior to Ash Wednesday.

Anhembi Sambadrome
The Anhembi Sambadrome was built in 1991, and was created by architect Oscar Niemeyer. The Sambadrome holds approximately 103, 000 people. Carnival festival begins in the beginning of The Sambadrome, and travels the 530 meter long stretch to the end of the drome. Carnival Judges are seated towards the end of the Sambadrome, where they decide on the top "Samba Schools" dance, float, and costume designs to win the first prize Trophy of Carnival.

Samba Schools
‘Samba Schools’ are “dancing, marching, and drumming clubs.” Not an actual school per say, Samba Schools are not where you go to in order to obtain formal learning. The ‘schools’ are usually linked to underdeveloped communities throughout the country. During the year, Samba Schools host small events where they rehearse their song and dance that they perform during Carnival. Schools in São Paulo differ from other carnivals throughout Brazil, because of the huge Afro-Brazilian cultural mix.The very best Samba Schools are known to represent popular soccer teams in Brazil. In total, 13 Samba Schools compete for top prizes and trophies. Primeira Sao Paulo was the first samba school to be established in the city in 1935. Official competition did not start until 1950. The first official Samba parade was not held until 1968 on Avenida Sau Joao.

Blocos and Bandas
Sau Paulo holds smaller carnival events for tourists and locals who want to participate in the festival in a lesser capacity. These festivals are held in the smaller cities in the state of Sao Paulo. Much like the event held in the Sambadrome, Blocos and Bandas parade through the local neighborhoods singing and dancing. Blocos are known to be more inviting and popular with the LGBTQ+ community in Brazil.Along with Samba, marchinha, frevo, maracatu, and axé.

Participation
In order for one to attend São Paulo Carnival, you need to purchase tickets internationally. The events are for patrons 21 and up only. Bookers International is a tourism agency that helps with all official ticket sales for the carnivals in Brazil, including São Paulo.