Each Samba School is allowed to bring from 6 to 8 floats to the
Samba Parade. They play a key role in the performance of schools,
and with judges assigned specifically to analyze them. Floats can
be really huge, sometimes 10 meters high (about 30 feet). If they
are too wide or long, though, they may have problems with the
sharp turn from the concentration to the entrance of the samba
runway.
Some floats have moving parts, and most are quite
sophisticated. They may be motorized, or pushed by men from the
community. Floats are populated by
floatees (destaques). Their costumes are the most luxurious and
expensive. Some are so heavy that they have to be attached to the
structure. For contrast, some floats come chock-full of semi-naked
beauties. Either way they are always a feast to the eyes!