Being the birthplace of Samba, there are many more Samba Schools that the ones that parade with the Special Group. It is restricted only to twelve schools, that receive generous grants from the city and sponsors to produce the Greatest Show on Earth.

But these are only the tip of the iceberg. There are many more Samba Schools that either have already been with the Special Group, or really, really want to be there! They used to be called "Access Group Samba Schools". Not anymore!

Now they have founded a new association, LIERJ. The name changed to GROUP A, and now they parade on Carnaval Friday and Saturday!

Here is the complete line-up of Samba Schools marching on each night, courtesy of LIERJ. The event is currently being broadcast only to the State of Rio de Janeiro. Tickets are lower-priced, and so are costumes! If you want to participate in the parade they are a wonderful choice! The parade is being broadcast live online at the website kept by Rede Globo Television.