"Tourists can come to see, but there are no courtesy visits from rivals allowed," he said.
In fact, rivalry between troupes may even increase, which could encroach further on the original carefree spirit of the Carnival.
premier league
Only the premier-league groups can work in the new complex. Each year the lowest-ranking school leaves the top 14 and the champion of the second division takes its place. Schools get marks for costumes, music, dancing and other criteria.
Still, both Medina and representatives of samba schools brushed off concerns that Carnival was becoming too commercial and losing its roots in the poor neighborhoods of Rio.
"The artists who create the show are the same popular artists and artisans from the community, who will simply now have better tools," said Castanheira.
The headquarters of samba schools where musical rehearsals occur will stay where they are, mainly in or near Rio's slums -- the center of the Carnival
tradition.
The organizers say Samba City won't be only for tourists. "The project is for Rio dwellers as well, we expect them to cram the venue on most days ... The Carnival spirit will be alive there," Medina said.
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