Samba schools competing for first place in their cities; electric trios with artists from the first time on them and thousands of followers around; bars crowded with revelers and their glasses always full; fantasies filled with color and creativity. If this text is read, not with a look enthusiast who defends the carnival, but with economic prospects and tourism, will have the same weight.

The numbers of some of the great cities of the festival promoters have shown that a vibrant supply chain under the pulsating drums. The subject is so relevant that even the economist and former president of BNDES, Carlos Lessa, was expressed during the seminar ’Samba as economy of culture’, held in Rio de Janeiro. "There is no denying the importance of Carnival to the economy. All of the special schools of Rio generate more jobs and income than many Brazilian company. " And he has reasons that support his thesis.

In Salvador, the importance of Carnival to the economy is relatively greater. Who is the director says of Salvador Tourism (Saltur), responsible for organizing the party: "If not for the carnival and other festivals that attract tourists, we would have difficulty meeting our daily needs. The carnival is a matter of survival for Salvador. " The Saltur estimates that the party turned $ 1 billion in 2012. There were about 500 000 tourists, and to meet this flow, 17,000 people worked directly on the party.

In Rio de Janeiro, each of the special schools in Rio this year expected to invest between $ 5 million and $ 7 million to go, in just over an hour, the Samba. Resources are allocated, suppliers of props and costumes, makers of Styrofoam and paint for the floats.

And who needs, leverages the carnival days to earn an extra income. The Hawker Edmilson Silva (53), lives in the studied area in the west of Rio, but since last Friday (17) does not return home. "I’m up all night, just nap during the day. It ensures that it’s worth:" All in a day of carnival can sell 1200 beer cans outside the water. "

In Recife, has been released the balance of the carnival season. The number of tourists exceeded expectations, with 710,000 visitors recorded in the period. Of these, 39% were from other cities in Pernambuco, Northeast were 31%, 24% came from the rest of Brazil and 6% were foreigners.

"At the carnival, Recife is seen as one of the cultural capitals of Brazil, which is extremely positive for the city," says the municipal secretary of culture, Renato Lins. The hotels of the capital was 95% occupied. And the average length of stay was 11 days.

The mayor of Recife, Joao da Costa said it had generated U.S. $ 595 million during the Carnival of 2012, 15% more than last year. He also said that the increases in the economy and time occurred because the structure cleaning, transportation and security was higher this year.

In nearby Olinda, approximately 2.1 million revelers circled the slopes of the Historic Site. Of these, 70,000 were tourists, 15% more than in the past. The party had investments of approximately $ 8 million, of which R $ 6.4 million were from the private sector.

According to city Department of Tourism, 95% of beds were occupied hotel chain. "I believe that the increase has taken place for several reasons: ease of transport, attractive programming, network services, tranquility and beauty that offers Olinda," said the secretary, Mauricio Galvao.

On the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Angra dos Reios stands out as a promoter of carnival. According to the Tourism Foundation (TurisAngra), about 250 000 tourists and vacationers passed by the municipality, from Friday to Tuesday. "The numbers exceeded expectations. With the crowded city, supermarkets and bakeries were rows and rows. For the first time in 39 years, I miss ice in the city. As much as we are expecting the trade movement, arrives at a certain time that the stock does not flow, "said executive director TurisAngra, Cristiane Brazil.

She said this shows how Angra has been developing in tourism: Each year we are improving our tourism. Creek continues with incredible natural beauty. We are one of 65 destinations in Brazil, the Big Island is the wonders of the state, and we have much to offer tourists from around the world. "