It doesn't make much of a difference whether you stay on an elevated position at the bleachers (arquibancada) or on street level in a runway box (frisa). The effect of a succession of wings is always a feast to the eyes. Costumes and floats illustrate the theme chosen by each school. If you know what this theme is, you will appreciate the parade much better. A glossy magazine with info and photos is distributed free at the Sambodrome. Just go through the pages to find out, the info is available in Portuguese and English.