Samba schools, which began in Rio de Janeiro in 1928, have evolved into the centerpiece event of the Rio Carnaval. The schools parade down a street lined with grandstands, thousands of members per school dressed in coordinated costumes, dancing a rehearsed samba routine to original music. Each school's presentation must have a central theme, such as a historical event, famous figure or a Brazilian Indian legend. The samba song must recount the theme and the huge floats that accompany each school must detail the theme through costumes, paintings or papier-mache sculpture. Each Samba school rehearses all year long for this event and members, whether expert or not, all participate. It is a place where people who always wanted to write a song or play a percussion instrument or choreograph a routine have their opportunity; unlike the Rose Parade, which has largely been taken over by high-budget professionals, the samba parade is the work of communities working together
