Sambadrome

A sambadrome, or sambódromo, is a purpose-built parade venue used during Brazil's Carnival to host samba-school parades. It centers on a long, straight parade runway (passarela) flanked by tiered grandstands for tens of thousands of spectators, with dedicated space for judges, musicians, and production.

The most famous example is the Sambódromo Marquês de Sapucaí in Rio de Janeiro. Designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and opened in 1984, it consolidated the city’s Carnival parades into a single, permanent venue, replacing makeshift street routes. The complex includes a central runway, spectator seating on both sides, and facilities for judging, dressing, and staging.

In São Paulo, the Anhembi Sambódromo was built for the city's Carnival and opened in the early 1990s. Numerous other Brazilian cities have built similar structures or use temporary venues for regional carnivals, reflecting the national importance of samba schools and the festival.

Each year, samba schools perform sequences of songs, dances, and floats while competing for honors. The parades are typically held over two or more nights and draw large crowds, with live music, elaborate costumes, and percussion ensembles.