Rio Carnival: the 'old guard', guardian of traditions Fourteen of the best samba schools are scheduled to parade between Sunday and Tuesday at the Sambodrome in Brazil's iconic Rio de Janeiro. Each school consists of percussionists, flag bearers, dancers and also an "old guard". The 'old guard' are the oldest people in the school who ensure that its values are passed on to the youngest. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES during the first night of the parade of the best samba schools