0:00:00 > 0:00:04- Of all the celebrated, beautiful, - romantic cities in the world...
0:00:04 > 0:00:06- ..to me, one name stands out.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- People have composed songs about it.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12- The world's stars - come here on their holidays.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- Novels have been written - about this city.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- But more than anything, - Hogia'r Wyddfa sang about it.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22- The city's name?
0:00:23 > 0:00:24- Rio de Janeiro.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- # Y Ferch Ar Y Cei Yn Rio # - Hogia'r Wyddfa
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- Thanks, Hogs. Next!
0:01:58 > 0:02:00- Yes! Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- Famous for sun, music, dancing.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- The people are exciting, - friendly and extrovert.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- But more than anything, - famous for the carnival.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12- That's why we're here.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- We're with a samba school - called Paraiso Do Tuiuti.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- The Bird of Paradise school - has taken part in 45 carnivals.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- Last year, the Tuiuti - was elevated to division one.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30- Their dream this year - is staying there.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- See that? My drum teacher said - I sounded just like Ginger Rogers.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- I think he meant Ginger Baker.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- He said I danced like Ginger Baker!
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- Carnival is important to everyone, - inspiring people of all ages.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58- They rehearse - song and dance routines...
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- ..or bang drums non-stop all day - - and most of the night as well.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- I was gradually - drawn into the experience.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- The beat was starting - to get a hold on me.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- Rehearsals aren't child's play, - either.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- Everyone takes it deadly seriously, - concentrating on each note.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- Although I'd only been there a few - days, I started to feel part of it.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- I worried - whether they'd succeed or not.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- The people's enthusiasm - was getting to me.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- So many beautiful people!
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- And they could all dance!
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- If that was a practice, I'm - looking forward to the real thing.
0:04:57 > 0:04:58- Goodness!
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- The Tuiuti centre - is under this busy flyover.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28- They ingeniously hire it out as - a car park to raise carnival money.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- This wall chronicles their history.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- In 1994, they came tenth in Group C, - one of the inferior groups.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- They improved from 5th to 3rd and - eventually became group winners.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- They were promoted to group B.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- They were elevated to group A - in 2000, winning by half a mark.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- They've now joined 'Grupo Especial.'
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- It's a special group of 14 schools.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- Their goal this year - is to stay in Grupo Especial.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- Excitement fills the air. Everyone - contributes in one way or another.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11- Guess what?
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- I've been invited to join them - in the carnival.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- It involves so much work - and nearly 3,000 people.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- They all need their own costumes.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- Here's the list. - Each one has a number.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- I'm looking forward - to discover what I'll get.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- Waltinho is the creative director.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- He interprets the themes - and keeps the momentum going.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- My costume has arrived.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- This year's theme - is 'Moor in the Castle'...
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- ..inspired by - Paulo Georges Bourdoukan's book.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- There are five days to go.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- I wouldn't say they're panicking - but they work 10-12 hours a day.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- Good grief!
0:07:06 > 0:07:12- Bourdoukan recounts a Moor captain's - voyage from Africa to Brazil.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- They have seven floats and seven - sections in the procession.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- Each reflects a different aspect - of the Moor's life.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- The theme's only one - of ten different elements.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- They include samba, song, - costume, flag waving, decoration...
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- ..and drums. Each element - wins marks on the big night.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- Samba and carnival - belong to the African culture.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- It started amongst plantation slaves - in the last century.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- The only location remaining - for slaves to build houses...
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- ..was the worthless, steep hills - surrounding the city.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- Samba developed - in the favelas - the shanty towns.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- Pedro De Sao established the first - official samba school in the '20s.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- Influenced by European emigrants, - it's become vital to the culture.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- It evolved into a magnificent, - world famous pageant.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- Favelas are still out of bounds - to gringos like me.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- But our hosts looked after us...
0:08:26 > 0:08:31- ..as we talked to residents - about the carnival.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37- I'm 40 and I've been part of - the Tuiuti procession for 30 years.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- I'm an army fireman. I once escaped - in order to take part.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- I was imprisoned for 30 days.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- But it was worth it, because the - Tuiuti were the champions that year.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- The carnival - makes life worthwhile.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- I've taken part for 25 years.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- I started as a drummer before - joining the Maria Augusta section.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- Drug gangs have made this place - hazardous to strangers.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- But I'm safe with Dona Iolanda.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- She's a member of a well known - family in the area.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- She's appeared in the carnival - every year since she was a child.
0:09:22 > 0:09:28- I'm so used to being part of - the school, I'd be lost without it.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- It fills my heart.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- According to Dona, the Tuiuti's - success is down to one person.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- Amarildo Felipe, the presidente.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- The area and school - are steeped in history.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- The samba school was popular amongst - the people from the very beginning.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- We forged links - with local businesses...
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- ..to raise money - in order to take part.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- The Carnival is an expensive - business and we were poor.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- There's nothing for the people - in the favela, nor in the city.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- If the school closed, - there'd be mayhem.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- People would die as a result.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- # The girl from Allt-y-Blaca - out walking
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- # I ask her, "How are you doing?" #
0:10:32 > 0:10:33- No.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- # The girl from Pontlotyn
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- # Stepping out - with a bloke from Scotland #
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- What's this place called, Hughes?
0:10:46 > 0:10:47- Ipanema.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48- Ipanema.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- # The girl from Ipanema out walking
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- # I ask her how she's feeling #
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- That's better, isn't it?
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- # The Girl From Ipanema #
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- Any boy's dream, on any beach, - anywhere in Brazil...
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- ..is scoring a goal - for his country here...
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- ..the world's biggest stadium - - The Maracana.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- The football last night was good.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- Tonight, we've a choice, Hughes.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- A lecture about traditional - folk dancing in the museum.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- Or the Erotic Ball in La Scala.
0:12:46 > 0:12:47- Hm.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- Tonight's the carnival's big night. - The Gay Ball.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- This is where we've come.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- Not that I'm gay myself. - I help out when they're busy.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- Come on, Hughes. - Did you have to wear that skirt?
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- As you can see, Gwyn Erfyl's - conducting a few interviews.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37- Emyr Wyn's behind me, surrounded - by prominent Gorsedd members.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- I thought tomorrow - was meant to be wild!
0:14:28 > 0:14:30-
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- The big day finally arrives.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- The Passarella do Samba day - or Sambadromo.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- Everyone's clutching a costume - with eager anticipation.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- What will the boys say, - back in the rugby club?
0:15:28 > 0:15:33- Some people who've worked for - a year on the floats and costumes...
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- ..can't afford to come into - the Sambadrome itself.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- They come here to wish us well.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- It's terribly hot - and there are two hours to go.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Like the two blokes in the sauna.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- One has high blood pressure, - the other has water on the brain.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- One says, "It's hot in here." - The other whistles like a kettle!
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- The Sambadrome - has a 60,000 capacity.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- 14 schools compete over two nights - for the first prize.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29- Problems.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- My costume's coming apart.
0:16:34 > 0:16:35- OK, love?
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- OK, love? - - These pieces... Don't you 'love' me.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- I can see them watching this - in the rugby club.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- As new arrivals - to the first division...
0:16:45 > 0:16:50- ..Paraiso Do Tuiuti will lead - the procession. That's unfortunate.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- We'll have to warm up the crowd.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- We've heard rumours some members - are late. They'll miss the start.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- I'm too nervous to waffle on here.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- And the hat isn't going to stay on, - I know that now. See?
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- I'll put it on the other way.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- Oh, I'm all nerves now.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- I still haven't learnt the song.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- # Lleucu Llwyd #
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- They'll never know, will they?
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- # Lleucu Llwyd #
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- You know...
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- ..these floats are OK - but it's us, the performers...
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- ..who make the carnival come alive.
0:18:25 > 0:18:26- We're off!
0:18:28 > 0:18:29- Off we go!
0:21:57 > 0:21:58- That's it!
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- I've been waiting for- him - for about an hour.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- It takes an hour - for the procession to pass through.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- I enjoyed that - - it was worse than a rugby game.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- I've cooled down - after sweating buckets.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- I want to know - what people thought of us.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- I reckon we looked alright. - The crowd reacted.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- Better than being - in the national stadium.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- What did the people think?
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- Amazing. What did you think?
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- We'll stay in the first division.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- The crowd responded well. - Maybe we won't get a good result...
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- ..but it was a great experience - and very good for our community.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- I feel a little sad. - We could have been better.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- We'll have to wait for the result. - My heart's racing.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- I think things went well - but there were problems.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- Our lack of experience at competing - at the highest level showed.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- But I feel the Tuiuti demonstrated - their nature and character.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- I've been running around all day - and arrived here feeling stressed.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- Maybe it's just me - who feels a little low.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- I hope they stay - in the first division.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- It's the competing that counts, - isn't it, Hughes?
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- No, you're right. - Winning's important.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- We later heard - the Tuiuti were unsuccessful.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- They drop out of the first division.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- A great disappointment to us all.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- This year's champions - were Imperiatriz Leopoldinese.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59- And fair play to them, - they deserved to win.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- But there you go, - their day will come.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16- And next year, who knows?
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- In the world of the Sambadrome - - anything's possible.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- Goodnight, children.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26- S4C Subtitles by- GWEAD