The National Day of Samba came about as the initiative of one councilman from Bahia, Luis Monteiro da Costa, to pay tribute to the Brazilian composer Ary Barroso. Barroso had already composed his first hit called Na Baixa do Sapateiro, an ode to the city of Salvador even though he had never set foot in Bahia at the time. December 2nd was the date he visited Salvador for the first time and the party was spread throughout Brazil and became a national samba celebration.IN PICTURE: Members of a samba orchestra arrive at Oswaldo Cruz station after traveling in the Samba Train. (Photo | AP)