A typical maracatu (the name given to a group who dances and plays maracatu) consists of:
| Name: (Port/ Eng) | Role: | Description: | Notes: |
| Rei/King | Dressed in fine royal robes including crown, carries a sword | ||
| Raínha/Queen | She oversees the rest of the court | (as above) | A part traditionally played by a black woman |
| Porta Estandarte/Standard Bearer | First in the parade, he leads the maracatu | Dressed in a period costume (typically Louis XV), he holds the flag with the name, symbols and colours of the Maracatu | Also known as Embaixador/ Ambassador |
| Damas de Paço/Ladies of the Palace | To hold a/ the Calunga doll, attends the Raínha | Dressed in a period costumes (typically Louis XV) similar to that worn by the Queen, usually younger than the Queen | |
| Damas de Buquê/Ladies of the Bouquet | Dressed in a period costume (typically Louis XV), hold bouquets of flowers | ||
| Pagens/Pages | To hold the flowing royal robes | Dressed in a period costume (typically Louis XV), typically played by children | |
| Escravo/Slave | To hold a parasol over the Rei and Raínha | Often wears a turban and no shirt. parades barefoot | Some slaves carry lanterns when groups parade at night |
| Lanceiros/Spearmen | Warriors of the court | Dressed as warriors, they form two rows protecting the maracatu on its parade | |
| Baianas | Typically older women, they wear wide hooped skirts and traditional headdresses (similar to a Samba parade) | They maintain the connection with Afro Brazilian religion(s) | |
| Batuqueiros/Drummers | Provide the music | There is usually a separate uniform for the drummers. it is deemed traditional to parade barefoot | See the rhythms page for more information on the music |
| Caboclo de Pena/Indian of ‘Pity’ | Guide and protector of the (African) Maracatu | Dressed in simple native indian costume | Not often seen in modern maracatus |
Notes
Calunga: a small doll, traditionally made of wax and wood or cloth and dressed in a costume similar to that of the Dama de Paço or Raínha. Calungas can be male or female and maracatus sometimes have more than one. It is said that they represent African spirits and are given names of previous members of the royal court.