Preparing for Carnaval in Brazil is an intense but thrilling experience for a sambista like me. My day is filled with rigorous physical exercises to build endurance and flexibility. Stretching, cardio workouts, and strength training are essential to keep me in top shape for the demanding dance routines. If I’m singing, I also spend time on vocal exercises, practicing scales and breathing techniques to make sure my voice is ready for the performances.

Perfecting our samba moves is a big part of my day. I join my fellow dancers for rehearsals, focusing on choreography and rhythm to achieve perfect coordination for the parade. Meanwhile, musicians are hard at work, syncing their instruments with our movements. It’s all about getting the drums, tambourines, and other instruments just right for a flawless performance.

Carnaval is famous for its vibrant costumes. I spend hours getting fitted, making adjustments, and sometimes even helping decorate my outfit. Makeup and hair trials are also part of the prep, making sure every detail enhances our overall look for the parade. Evening rehearsals bring everything together—dancers, musicians, and singers. We do full ensemble practices that can last several hours, ensuring every part of our performance is perfect. We run through the entire routine multiple times, fine-tuning entrances, exits, and special formations.

After rehearsals, I hang out with my samba school community. We bond, share meals, and talk about the day’s practice. Given the physical demands, I make sure to relax and get enough sleep to be ready for the next day.

Carnaval in Brazil isn’t just a festival; it’s a massive cultural event. It started from Portuguese traditions and has grown into a spectacular celebration with parades, music, dance, and stunning costumes. The festival usually happens in February or March, ending with four days of non-stop partying before Ash Wednesday.

Economically, Carnaval is huge for Brazil. It generates billions, with the 2020 Carnaval bringing in around $1 billion for Rio’s economy (The Rio Times). The festival draws millions of tourists, boosting local businesses in hospitality, transportation, and retail. Samba schools also create lots of jobs, from costume designers and choreographers to musicians and dancers.

Being part of Carnaval is a source of pride for many Brazilians. Samba schools are like community hubs, offering a sense of belonging and social cohesion. They provide opportunities to develop skills, gain confidence, and work as a team.

Even though leadership roles are often male-dominated, there’s a growing push for diversity. More women and minorities are being included in prominent positions, reflecting broader societal changes. Samba schools also play a crucial role in their communities, running social programs, educational initiatives, and cultural activities that help uplift marginalized groups and preserve our cultural heritage.

Daily Lives

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However, like many other organizations, samba schools face challenges. Declining attendance is a significant issue. Financial sustainability is another concern, especially for smaller schools. Larger schools can rely on substantial donations and diverse income streams, but smaller ones often struggle.

Adapting to technological changes is also crucial. Many samba schools have embraced online platforms to stay connected and reach a broader audience. Social media and virtual rehearsals have become essential parts of our operations.

Prompted By Joelcy Kay (Editor) “Sambista“ ChatGPT4.0