Two competitions are held on different days: the junior and the adult competitions. In both cases, the Comparsa street band competition rolls out various of Carnival’s greatest attractions: rhythm, dance and colour. 

The Comparsa is an iconic element of the Carnival. With costumes full of colour, to the beat of the Batucada drums and Latin sounds, the Comparsa members liven up both the streets and the stages set up for the festivities. 

The adult Comparsa contest is one of the Carnival’s classic events, with the first edition being held in 1978.

Groups from different city neighbourhoods take part in the contest, competing for three prizes for performance, another three for costume and one prize for rhythm, orchestration and harmony. Being a winner is a ticket to perform in the festivities’ principal galas.