The Marquês de Sapucaí, also known as Sambódromo, is the legendary heart of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival. Located in the city centre, this iconic space was designed by renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer and officially inaugurated in 1984. Built especially for the great Carnival show, the Sambódromo transforms, each year, into a vibrant sea of colors, sounds and movement, while the samba schools feature unforgettable performances in an intense and passionate competition. With an extent of 700 meters, the venue accommodates more than 70,000 spectators and offers a variety of seating options, including benches, VIP cabins and outdoor areas. More than just a stage, the Sambódromo is a symbol of the cultural wealth of Brazil and the tradition of samba. Although it receives numerous events and concerts throughout the year, it is during the Carnival that it gets real life, becoming the pulsing heart of one of the most electrifying celebrations in the world.