BRAZIL: RIO CARNIVAL PREPARATIONS

Описание: (9 Feb 1999) Portuguese/Nat

Brazilians are busy making final preparations for the greatest show on earth - the Rio Carnival.

The fourteen largest samba schools in Rio de Janeiro are working round the clock to make sure they are ready for the opening day on Sunday in the city's Sambadrome.

About 140-thousand people will watch the opening parade, with millions more tuning in to watch it on television.

The troubled Brazilian economy will be forgotten as the country launches into this year's carnival.

Warehouses in downtown Rio de Janeiro are alive to the furious beat of last-minute preparations.

Drummers are tightening up their set, costumes are being cleaned up, and dancers are running through their routines.

This is the Mangueira Samba school - last year's joint champions.

Two-hundred people have been working round the clock since August to ensure that the mantle of the best samba school in the city stays with them.

Their mission is clear.

Alexandre Louzada has been organising the group's annual outing for 28 years.

SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese)
"We will tell the story of samba, which is the reason of our existence, and in this context we're inviting all the 'sambistas' (samba dancers) who have passed away to come back during that magical moment of carnival to parade with 'Mangueira' and bless all the people who are still following their steps, to allow samba to survive into the next millennium for many centuries."
SUPER CAPTION: Alexandre Louzada, Organiser for 'Mangueira Samba School'

The first day of the parade is on Sunday at the city's Sambadrome - Rio's specially built carnival stadium.

During two days of parades, 140-thousand people will watch the best of Rio.

Millions will tune into the carnival on their television sets.

More than a quarter of a (m) million tourists are expected to land in Rio this week for the one of the biggest street parties on earth.

'Imperio Serrano', another contender in the race for the best samba school, practice through the streets of their 'favela' (slum).

For them, street rehearsals embody the spirit of Brazil's carnival.

Luciano Lacraia is the group's central 'passista' (samba dancer).

He has danced six hours a day for the last five months in preparation for the event.

SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese)
"I've been getting ready for the past four or five months, in order to win more prizes. I'm very grateful and happy because I work hard and it's a great satisfaction to work with 'Imperio Serrano'. This is my first year with them."
SUPER CAPTION: Luciano Lacraia, Samba dancer

For the next seven days the city's streets will resound to the rhythm of samba.

Even an unusual downpour does not dampen their spirits.

And for the people of Brazil, they can once again do what comes naturally - celebrate.

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