Every year around Ash Wednesday the Rio de Janeiro Carnival kicks off. This Carnival begins every year with the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro handing the keys of the city to a Dionysian character called "King Momo." Once this happens the city turns into a constant party town for the next five days.

The Rio de Janeiro Carnival is planned for months on end and usually attracts 300,000 visitors. The focus of the event is mainly the parading samba schools. These schools train all year round to participate in these rhythmic contests that happen during the Carnival.

Carnival and the Samba Schools
There are two classes of samba schools--those that parade on the Avenida Rio Branco and those at the Sambodrome. Both of these schools are top quality dancing machines but the Avenida Rio Branco is considered less prestigious than the Sambodrome. If you are interested in watching these dancing schools during the Carnival you have two options--free and paid. The Avenida Rio Branco is free and open to the public. However, the Sambodrome can be quite expensive with tickets ranging in price from $200 to $700.

The Rio de Janeiro Carnival is not only made up of rhythmic dancing but also confetti, floats, masquerades, and Carnival balls. The rich and the poor can experience the Carnival since there are so many different things to do and see during Carnival week. This once a year extravaganza is famous around the world and is considered by some to be the "biggest party in the world."

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