It will be the final performance by Neguinho da Beija-Flor, 75, one of the country's most famous samba singers, who is retiring after leading 50 consecutive parades for the Beija-Flor - or Hummingbird - school.
At an event that brings together thousands of members from 12 samba schools, he is the most recognisable voice in Rio's elite carnival league, which operates like a championship, with a winner crowned each year.
"I can't wait to retire. After this parade, c'est fini," said Neguinho, with his constant smile and impeccably groomed afro - not a single grey strand in sight - just before heading into the studio for his final rehearsal.
He announced his retirement in November, a decision that surprised Rio's samba world, which follows the carnival parade with the same passion that other Brazilians have for football. His reason was exhaustion.
"Being a samba school singer requires the stamina of a marathon runner," he said. During the 70-80 minutes of a school's parade, it is the singer's job to maintain the energy of the audience - which can be almost twice the size of the crowd at Maracanã soccer stadium - chanting the year's samba-enredo theme in an endless loop. "It's a massive effort that has only become harder with age," Neguinho said.
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