We hope you did not miss Carnival 98. It really was a lot of fun! It started unofficially on February 7, with Banda de Ipanema. On the next weekend Banda da Carmen Miranda went out the next marched Sunday February 15.

February 21, Carnival Saturday, was the first official day. In the afternoon Banda de Ipanema and several other street bands in Copacabana, Leblon and other parts of town began to set the atmosphere. At night the gala ball at Copacabana Palace Hotel attracted a cheering crowd to watch guests arrive in tuxedos, and luxury costumes.

On Sunday afternoon Simpatia é Quase Amor, another street band, attracted a crowd of almost 7,000 to Ipanema. At night the main event was at the Sambodrome, with the first seven schools of the special group marching from 8:00 p.m. until sunrise. Salgueiro, Mocidade and Portela were among the most popular schools.

On Monday 23, the remaining 7 schools in the special group made their way down the samba runway. Mangueira and Beija Flor, that would later tie as winners, marched on this day. Outside the Sambodrome, food stands and beer peddlers catered to the Concentration.

Tuesday 24, Mardi-Gras, was the last day. Banda de Ipanema went on until almost 9 p.m. At 11 p.m. Manchete network started broadcasting the hilarious Gala Gay Ball at Scala, in Leblon. A couple of reporters, one of them a transvestite, interviewed gay and straight couples, transsexuals, drag queens and other colorful characters that popped up from the streets. Hundreds of other balls all over town left good memories, and a taste for more...

Hours:	|Sunday (Feb. 22)	|Monday (Feb. 23)
8:00 p.m.	1- Caprichosos de Pilares	1- Tradição
9:30 p.m.	2-Salgueiro	2- Mangueira*
11:00 p.m.	3-Vila Isabel	3- Imperatriz
11:30 p.m.	4-Grande Rio	4-Unidos do Viradouro
1:00 a.m.	5-Porto da Pedra	5-Beija Flor*
2:30 a.m.	6-Mocidade	6-Unidos da Tijuca
3:30 a.m.	7-Portela	7- União da Ilha
*Winners of Carnival 1998 (there was a tie)