THE FIRST CARNIVAL IN THE WORLD TWINNED WITH THE CARNIVAL OF RIO DE JANEIRO AND THE FIRST TO PARADE IN THE SAMBODROMO FOR THE NIGHT OF THE CHAMPIONS
In 1993 the Carnival of Cento became the first carnival in the world to be officially twinned with the Rio Carnival.
This record has given the Carnival of Cento a significant international reputation. It also allowed Cento to participate, as the only carnival in the world, in the famous and evocative “Night of Champions”, parading with its own allegorical float at the Sambodromo in Rio de Janeiro. Every year since 1994 an Italian delegation has plunged into this unforgettable carioca adventure and represented Italy in the legendary Sambodromo. They have been acclaimed by the warm and joyful crowd of 400 thousand spectators and followed live on “Rete Globo” and “Rete Manchete” by over 90 million viewers. Numerous stars, invited by the Patron Ivano Manservisi, have accompanied the Cento “team” during the annual Brazilian trip: Enzo Arbore, Miriana Trevisan, Susy Blady and Patrizio Roversi, and in 2001 the special guest was Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia.
The spectacular aspect of this unique event has gained even greater importance than the singing and dancing, which are still the raison d’être of the Rio carnival. While maintaining its liberating, satirical and playful soul, the evolution of the carnival from popular party to media show has also generated a transformation in the audience attracted by this event. An increasing number of people, hailing from the most disparate levels of society, wish to take an active part in the show. They want to experience the thrill and excitement that only an uninhibited and festive town can give. However, only samba schools are allowed to take part in the carnival. This is why it was truly exceptional for the European Carnival of Cento to take part in the famous “Desfiles des Campeas” in the prestigious Sambodromo in Rio de Janeiro.
A BRAZILIAN GROUP WILL LAND IN CENTO DIRECTLY FROM THE CARIOCA CARNIVAL
To mark this historic and important twinning with the Rio Carnival, every carnival Sunday a large group of Brazilian dancers and percussionists belonging to one of Rio’s most famous samba schools, the Bejia Flor, will perform in Cento. This will be one of the most engaging and caliente moments of the Carnival of Cento, with dancers and wild percussionists warming the cold atmosphere of Emilia to the sound of the carioca samba, enchanting and involving audiences.For five Sundays you will breathe the air do Brazil!
