Cars are pushed by men from the community, either in white T-shirts, or wearing costumes designed to blend in . Before ideas of slave work and indignities start popping in your mind, try to understand that everybody is happy to contribute in whichever way they can. Being a part of the samba parade is an honor, and these guys would probably look awkward in a baiana costume , anyway. Even though complete nudity is not officially allowed, sometimes floats carry topless and even stark naked beauties, male and female. The best looking men and women are hand-picked for these special spots.
Some alas are mandatory, and play a very important role in the school's performance.
Velha guarda is the group of men in the traditional white suit and Panama hat, representing the malandro , a traditional Carioca character. They are usually the last ala to march. Ala das baianas is a section with women dressed in big round colonial-style skirts. It is one of the most colorful and captivating of them all. These positions are reserved for ladies of the community, and the very expensive costumes are subsidized.