Several aspects are judged by a jury of experts chosen by LIESA, the league of Samba Schools. Judges are strategically stationed in odd and even sectors, to make sure the schools do their best all the way through.The 6 schools that score best earn the coveted honor of marching again the following weekend, at the Winners Parade on Saturday.


Of course all Cariocas consider themselves experts when it comes to judging a samba school. Many keep a personal score to compare (and inevitably disagree) with the final result. Cariocas support their favorite school just like they support their soccer team - with a lot of passion. In Portuguese you do not say yousupport Mangueira or Flamengo. You say what would translate simply to I am Mangueira or I am Flamengo.