Members of Portela Samba School parade at 2013 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucaí Smbodrome on February 11; 2013 in Rio de Janeiro; Brazil. Rio&#39;s two nights of Carnival parades began on February 10 in a burst of fireworks and to the cheers of thousands of turists and locals who have previously enjoyed Street celebrations (known as Blocos de rua) all around the city.