What is the first float of a Rio samba school called?

The first float of a Rio samba school is called the abre-alas.

The Portuguese expression means “opening wing,” and the abre-alas is the first allegorical float in the school’s procession. It commonly displays the samba school’s name, emblem, or a striking image from the year’s enredo, making it an immediate visual statement of the parade’s theme. Although it is a float, it should not be confused with the comissão de frente, the choreographed group that opens the parade on foot.

In the usual sequence, the comissão de frente appears first, followed by the abre-alas. The mestre-sala and porta-bandeira pair then presents the school’s flag, and additional alas, floats, performers, and the bateria continue through the Sambadrome. Exact staging can vary, but the abre-alas remains the identifying first float of a samba school.

The word “abre-alas” is also used more broadly in Brazilian Portuguese for something that leads or opens the way. In carnival context, however, it has this specific parade meaning. “Bloco” refers to a street-carnival group, trio elétrico to a sound truck used especially in Bahia, and carro de som to a sound vehicle—not Rio’s opening float.