Maracatus are groups of richly attired men, women and children enjoying carnival to the sound of the percussion. Although there are maracatu groups elsewhere in Brazil, most of them are found in Northeast Brazil. Their special characteristics are the Royal Court where all players are black: king, queen, her ladies, an ambassador, Brazilian Indians, Bahian women and vassals. This court parades through the streets protected by huge parasols decorated with fringes, lace and mirrors, dancing and singing songs and to their own music. The procession is stunningly beautiful.