Experience an authentic samba school rehearsal in Rio de Janeiro city. Spend a vibrant evening immersed in music, rhythm, and Afro-Brazilian culture.

From the moment you step in Samba School headquarter, you’re swept into a spectacle of Afro-Brazilian culture. The evening opens with a live pagode performance - intimate, joyful samba that invites you to sing, sway, and feel the music.

Next, the Velha Guarda (The seniors) takes the stage - veteran sambistas who carry decades of tradition, history, and pride. Their presence is a powerful reminder that samba is not just a genre, but a legacy.

Then comes the show:
- The dazzling Rainha da Bateria (Queen of the Drums),
- The energy of the passistas - professional samba dancers who ignite the floor,
- And the thunderous power of the bateria, the live percussion ensemble that drives the heartbeat of every samba school.

It’s not a performance. It’s a celebration and you’re part of it.

What’s Included:

• Evening visit to a samba school rehearsal in a headquarter.

• Insights into samba’s history and cultural roots.

• Watch a Performance by a top-tier drum section.

Interaction with the samba community and rhythm immersion

On Friday – Portela Samba School (Rio’s North Zone):

Founded in 1923 in the historic neighborhood of Oswaldo Cruz, Portela is one of Rio’s most legendary samba schools known as "The Majestic One" for its elegance, tradition, and unmatched contribution to the culture of samba.

With over 20 championship titles, Portela has shaped the history of Rio’s Carnival and is deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian heritage. Its quadra is not just a rehearsal space - it’s a temple of music, memory, and community.

On Saturday – Salgueiro Smba School (Rio’s North Zone):
Founded in 1953 in the vibrant hills of the Salgueiro neighborhood, Acadêmicos do Salgueiro is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most influential samba schools, widely recognized for its bold creativity, powerful drumming, and groundbreaking Afro-Brazilian narratives.

With multiple championship titles, Salgueiro has played a central role in redefining Carnival aesthetics, bringing themes of African ancestry, Black resistance, and popular culture to the heart of the Sambadrome. Its quadra is a living cultural space where rhythm, identity, and collective memory pulse together—an authentic expression of Rio’s North Zone soul.

Tour Details:

• Duration: 4,5 hours.

• Start Time: 10:00 PM.

• End Time: At 2:30 AM you'll be back to your hotel..

• Meeting point: At your hotel.

• Includes: bilingual guide, rehearsal tickets, historical introduction, and transport (car/van/bus).

• Not included: food and drinks.

Tables are available for guests who book the experience at least one (01) week in advance. Due to high demand, availability cannot be guaranteed for bookings made after this period.

We strongly recommend booking your experience in advance due to high demand.

If you wish to require a customized quote for a larger group, please contact our customer service at our WhatsApp +55 (21) 97949-5085 or via email at etniasturismo@gmail.com, copying contato@etniasturismoecultura.com, please.