Marquis de Sapucaí: history, curiosities and backstage of the world's largest stage of the Carnaval

One of the largest cultural symbols in Brazil, the Marquis de Sapucaí can overcome the barriers of being a simple avenue. She has the gift of connecting tradition, creativity and emotion that connect each year to give life to the Greatest Show on Earth: Carnaval carioca. Designed to be the final home of Samba School parades, Sapucaí brings together little known curiosities and striking stories that transform each parade into an unforgettable spectacle. Get to know some facts and details that help you understand why this space is so special for cariocas, Sambists and visitors from all over the world.

The origin

Before winning the form the world knows today, the Samba Passarella almost had another address. The initial proposal was that the parades take place at Av. Presidente Vargas, traditional stage of the Carnaval carioca until then. However, the then deputy governor Darcy Ribeiro argued that the new structure should be built on Av. Marquis de Sapucaí, in the vicinity of Plaza Eleven, a region considered one of the great cradles of our samba.

The choice of the place was not simple and generated debates, since there the factory of a famous brand of beer worked, which required negotiations and adaptations before the beginning of the works.

Niemeyer's project and record construction

To transform the idea into reality, the consecrated architect Oscar Niemeyer was invited to play the project. In 1983, he introduced the Sambódromo project with an innovative concept: to create a space that was at the same time the stage of the Carnaval and public equipment.

In line with the educational and cultural proposals of the time, Niemeyer included 115 classrooms under the stands of sectors 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9, reinforcing the social role of the work beyond the party. Its construction also entered history by speed. In just 110 days, about 2.5 thousand workers worked hard to deliver the work, inaugurated in March 1984. The result is a project with striking features of Niemeyer style: modern lines, symmetric structure and the use of concrete as the main element.

The official name of the Sambódromo

Although it is known worldwide as the Sambódromo of the Marquis de Sapucaí, the official name is Passarela Professor Darcy Ribeiro, a tribute to the anthropologist and creator of the change of the venue of the parades. The association with the avenue, however, was so strong that the popular name eventually became synonymous with the greatest spectacle on Earth.

Who was the Marquis of Sapucaí?

The name of the avenue arouses curiosity, since the honored character had no direct connection with the Carnaval. Cândido José de Araújo Vianna, the Marquis de Sapucaí, was born in Nova Lima, Minas Gerais, and lived during the Brazilian imperial period. Graduated from the University of Coimbra, he was a politician, judge and educator. He served as professor of D. Pedro II and his sisters, became tutor of the Emperor's daughters, was Minister of Finance and presided over the Historical and Geographic Institute of Brazil.

To Sapucaí today

Currently, the Sambódromo has 13 sectors, food squares, press room and structure prepared for major events. During the Carnaval, more than 120,000 people went through the Samba Passarella to accompany the parades of the Gold Series schools, the Special Group and the children's schools.

Washing Ceremony: Faith and Tradition

Following the tradition, the Lavagem da Sapucaí is a ritual of faith and purification that marks the end of technical trials with the participation of Bahians, masters-salas, banners and various religious groups, who walk along the avenue with flowers, herbs and smokers to open the paths to the spectacle, symbolizing the cleansing of energies and the union of all faiths to bless the event.

The Sapucaí Carnaval in 2026

The great moment of the Marquis de Sapucaí is coming back to be the center of attention of the samba world with an intense programming. The parades of Gold Series They happen on February 13th and 14th. The Special Group, main window of the Carnaval carioca, enters the avenue on three consecutive nights: 15, 16 and 17 February.

Closing the feast, the traditional Saturday of the Champions, on February 21, brings together the six best ranked schools, which gain the right to parade again, celebrating the success and excellence of the show.