Carnaval – Annual celebration throughout Brazil, similar to Mardi Gras in the United States. In Rio de Janeiro, samba school parades occur in the final days of carnaval. Escola de samba (samba school) – Community organization dedicated to samba music and dance.  Samba schools compete every year during Carnival.  Desfile (parade) – Competitive parade during Carnival.  Each samba school parade is comprised of many different elements:…