Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí

Welcome to the Sahm-bo-dro-mo Mar-keez jee Sah-poo-kah-ee, a place that serves as the architectural soul of Rio de Janeiro’s cultural identity. As we stand here, imagine the concrete structures around us not just as static…

We begin our journey at the northernmost point of the runway, known as Sector One. In many ways, this is the most raw and emotionally charged area of the entire Sahm-bo-dro-mo. …

As we move further down the runway, we come to the Ar-kee-ban-kah-das, or the grandstands. These are the high concrete bleachers that provide that iconic, wide-angle view of the parade. …

We have reached one of the most strategically important spots on the runway: the Recuo da Bateria, or the Battery Pit, located near Sector Six. In the competitive world of Samba, the percussion section—the Bah-te-ree-ah—is the…

For a completely different perspective, look down toward the edge of the runway at the Free-zas, or open-air boxes. These are ground-level seats that put you a mere arm’s length away from the performers. …

Above the Free-zas and tucked between the levels of the grandstands are the Kah-mah-ro-teez, or luxury suites. These are the most exclusive and expensive ways to experience the Sahm-bo-dro-mo. …

Our walking tour concludes at the southern end of the Sahm-bo-dro-mo, the Prah-sah dah Ah-po-tay-oh-zee, or Apotheosis Square. This is the grand finale of the seven-hundred-meter journey. …

As we conclude our tour of the Sahm-bo-dro-mo Mar-keez jee Sah-poo-kah-ee, reflect on the duality of this space. It is a rigid, concrete structure of modernist design, yet it plays host to the most fluid, organic, and explosive…