Doni Clemons
The Sambadrome ("Sambódromo" in Portuguese) is the site of one of the biggest parties on the planet. If you've already seen a samba parade in pictures, then you've likely seen the Sambadrome. It's stadium that is built like a giant catwalk for a fashion show, 700 m of Marquês de Sapucaí street was converted into a permanent parade ground with bleachers built on either side for spectators.
The venue was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and built in 1984. The official Carnival parades take place just before the start of Lent. Outside the Carnival season, Apotheosis Square is occasionally used as a major concert venue in Rio de Janeiro. People like Bon Jovi, David Bowie, the Black Eyed Peas, Pearl Jam, Elton John, Coldplay, and Whitney Houston have performed here.
