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Unidos do Viradouro will bring to Marquês de Sapucaí, in 2025, the plot Malunguinho: The Messenger of Three Worlds, written by carnival designer Tarcísio Zanon. The school will tell the story of Malunguinho, an Afro-indigenous entity that moves between worlds as Caboclo, Mestre and Exu/Trunqueiro, a symbol of resistance and freedom.
The narrative returns to the 19th century, in Pernambuco, highlighting the Quilombo do Catucá, where João Batista, the last quilombola leader to adopt the name Malunguinho, faced harsh persecution for his libertarian actions. The plot will bring to the avenue the strength of the quilombola struggle, the ancestry and the fusion between Afro and indigenous cultures, honoring the popular spirituality of the Northeast.
With a powerful and historic parade, Viradouro promises to move the public by highlighting the faith, courage and legacy of Malunguinho in the fight against oppression.
Excerpt from the Samba-Enredo:
Acenda tudo que for de acender,
Deixa a fumaça entrar,
Sobô nirê mafá, sobô nirê,
Evoco, desperto, nação coroada,
Não temo inimigo,
Calopo na estrada, a noite é abrigo,...

Estação Primeira de Mangueira will take to Marquês de Sapucaí, in 2025, the plot À Flor da Terra – No Rio da Negritude Entre Dores e Paixões, developed by carnival designer Sidnei França. The school promises a parade of recovery and reflection, addressing the black presence in the central region of Rio de Janeiro from the influence of the Bantu people to the challenges faced today.
The narrative seeks to excavate the past to highlight the resistance and contribution of the black population in the construction of the Carioca identity, highlighting stories that have been silenced over time. The plot will also bring the strength of Afro-Brazilian cultural and religious manifestations, exalting the fight against historical erasure and marginalization.
With its traditional combination of social criticism and poetry, Mangueira promises to move the audience and reaffirm its position as one of the greatest representatives of samba culture and history.
Excerpt from the Samba-Enredo:
Sou luanda e benguela
A dor que se rebela, morte e vida no oceano
Resistência quilombola dos pretos novos de angola
De cabinda, suburbano
Tronco forte em ribanceira, flor da terra de mangueira...

Unidos da Tijuca announced the theme Logun-Edé: Santo Menino Que Velho Respeita for the 2025 Carnival. The four-time champion of Rio's Carnival will take to Sapucaí the story of the orixá son of Oxum and Oxóssi, who carries the same colors as the school: yellow and blue.
With a proposal to value Afro-Brazilian culture, the theme will highlight the duality of Logun-Edé, an orixá who combines the sweetness and richness of the fresh waters of his mother, Oxum, with the strength and hunting skills inherited from his father, Oxóssi. In the promotional video, the school emphasizes the importance of presenting this tradition to the general public, promoting knowledge and respect for religions of African origin.
Promising a visual and cultural journey, Unidos da Tijuca intends to move the public with a parade full of symbolism and representation, reinforcing the connection between the sacred and samba.
Excerpt from the Samba-Enredo:
Reflete o espelho… Orisun
Nas águas de Oxum
À luz de Orunmilá
Magia que desaguou na ribeira
E fez o caçador se encantar
Sou eu, sou eu...

Beija-Flor de Nilópolis announced that its theme for Carnival 2025 will be Laíla de todos os santos, Laíla de todos os Sambas, a tribute to one of the school's greatest stalwarts. Under the signature of carnival designer João Vitor Araújo and research by Bianca Behrends, Vivian Pereira and Guilherme Niegro, the parade will exalt Laíla's trajectory, her religiosity and her devotion to Xangô, in addition to highlighting her contribution to Carnival.
A key figure in the history of Beija-Flor, Laíla was one of the people largely responsible for revolutionizing the parades, becoming a reference in the harmony and development of the performances. The plot also promises an exciting moment by recreating a symbolic reunion between Laíla and Joãosinho Trinta on the spiritual plane, reliving the partnership that marked the Rio carnival.
With this tribute, Beija-Flor is preparing a parade full of emotion, faith and the grandeur that consecrated Nilópolis at the top of samba.
Excerpt from the samba-enredo:
Da casa de Ogum, Xangô me guia
Da casa de Ogum, Xangô me guia
Dobram atabaques no quilombo Beija-Flor
Terreiro deKaô meu velho!
Volta e me dá os caminhos
Conduz outra vez meu destino
Traz os ventos de Oyá... Laíla, meu griô...

Unidos de Vila Isabel promises to send shivers down the spines of the audience at Marquês de Sapucaí with the theme The more I pray, the more ghosts appear, written by carnival designer Paulo Barros. For Carnival 2025, the blue and white school will delve into the universe of fear and ghosts that inhabit the popular imagination, whether in childhood or adulthood.
With an innovative approach, the school will explore suspense and fantasy, bringing urban legends, supernatural figures and spine-chilling stories to the avenue. Time suspended. Terror. Chills down the spine. Breath held. Fear of the fantastic, of that which torments us, highlighted the official profile of Vila, instigating the curiosity of the audience.
Known for his surprising productions, Paulo Barros will bet on special effects and immersive allegories to create a dark and intriguing atmosphere. With this plot, Vila Isabel promises a remarkable parade, transforming fear into a spectacle in Sapucaí.
Excerpt from the samba-enredo:
Embarque nesse trem da ilusão
Não tenha medo de se entregar
Pois nosso maquinista é capitão
E comanda a legião que vem lá do Boulevard...

Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel will embark on a futuristic journey at Marquês de Sapucaí with the theme Back to the future, there are no limits to dreaming in Carnival 2025. The school from the West Zone promises a grand parade, mixing science fiction and reflection on the direction of humanity.
According to the official announcement, Mocidade will take an intergalactic journey, reconnecting with the brilliance of a Young Star. The theme proposes a manifesto for the future, questioning the paths that society should follow. The school, known for its innovations and striking parades, relies on a bold and technological visual approach to enchant the public.
With this bold plot, Mocidade reinforces its tradition of impactful shows, promising a parade full of visual effects, references to pop culture and an inspiring message about the importance of dreams in building the future.
Excerpt from the samba-enredo:
O céu vai clarear
Iluminar a zona oeste da cidade
E Deus vai desfilar
Pra ver o mago recriar a Mocidade...

Unidos de Padre Miguel promises to thrill the audience at Carnival 2025 with the theme "Egbé Iyá Nassô",, developed by carnival designers Alexandre Louzada and Lucas Milato. The school from Vila Vintém will pay a grand tribute to Iyá Nassô, a central figure in the history of Candomblé in Brazil. The parade will tell her story from Oyó, in Africa, to her arrival in Salvador, where she founded Ilê Axé Iyá Nassô Oká, better known as Casa Branca do Engenho Velho, considered the birthplace of the Afro-Brazilian faith.
With red and white in reverence to Xangô, UPM will bring to the avenue the black resistance and feminine power of the ialorixás, who perpetuated a legacy of struggle and spirituality. The school will exalt the ancestral Axé that sprouted in Bahia and spread throughout Brazil, giving rise to temples such as Gantois and Axé Opô Afonjá. Under the strong singing of the community and the beating of the drums, Unidos reaffirms its identity and promises a show of faith, culture and emotion.
Excerpt from the samba-enredo:
Awurê Obá kaô! Awurê Obá kaô!
Vila Vintém é terra de macumbeiro!
No meu Egbé governado por mulher
Iyá Nassô é rainha do candomblé!...

Acadêmicos do Salgueiro will take to Marquês de Sapucaí the theme Salgueiro de Corpo Fechado, written by carnival designer Jorge Silveira and scriptwriter Igor Ricardo. The red and white theme will delve into the human relationship with spiritual protection, addressing beliefs, rituals and amulets that ward off evil and guarantee strength and balance.
The theme promises a parade full of symbolism, bringing elements from African-based religions, blessings, charms and other forms of defense against negative energies. Known for its tradition and power on the avenue, Salgueiro should combine beauty, mystery and faith, providing an engaging and vibrant show.
The expectation is for a remarkable parade, where Axé, devotion and popular culture will be in tune with the samba and the energy of Sapucaí, reinforcing the motto: Salgueiro, with a closed body and an illuminated soul!
The beginning of the school's Samba-Enredo:
Salve, seu Zé, que alumia nosso morro
Estende o chapéu a quem pede socorro
Vermelho e branco no linho trajado
Sou eu malandragem de corpo fechado...

O Paraíso do Tuiuti will take the story of Xica Manicongo, considered the first transvestite in Brazil, to Marquês de Sapucaí as the theme for Carnival 2025. The school from São Cristóvão promises a powerful and exciting parade, addressing resistance and the fight against prejudice since colonial times.
Xica was brought from Congo to Salvador in the 16th century, where she lived as a slave and defied the norms of the time by refusing to wear men's clothing. Initially documented as a homosexual man, his trajectory was reinterpreted by activist Marjorie Marchi, becoming an icon of the transvestite and transsexual community.
With a plot of strong social and historical impact, Tuiuti promises a show that unites ancestry, diversity and representation, reaffirming its tradition of taking themes of resistance to the avenue. The school seeks to move the audience and highlight the importance of Xica Manicongo as a symbol of the fight for freedom and gender identity.
Excerpt from the samba-enredo:
Só não venha me julgar, ô ô
Pela boca que eu beijo
Pela cor da minha blusa
E a fé que eu professar...

Acadêmicos do Grande Rio will dive into the mystical waters of the Brazilian North with the theme Pororocas parawaras: as águas dos meus encantos nas contas dos curimbós, written by carnival artists Gabriel Haddad and Leonardo Bora. Inspired by the song Quatro Contas, by Dona Onete, the school will bring to Sapucaí the stories of the enchanted entities that inhabit the meeting of the river's waters with the sea.
The parade promises an immersion in Amazonian culture, highlighting the Carimbó and the mystical figures of the Belas Turcas — Mariana, Jarina and Herondina — in addition to the powerful Cabocla Jurema, who personifies the forest itself. Grande Rio promises a spectacle of colors, rhythms and spirituality, exalting the strength of the enchanted and the ancestry of Northern Brazil.
With its brand of innovation and impactful plots, the school from Duque de Caxias seeks to thrill and surprise the public, bringing the energy of the pororocas and the sound of the curimbós to the avenue.
Excerpt from the samba-enredo:
A Mina é Cocoriô
Feitiçaria Parawara
A mesma Lua da Turquia
Na travessia foi encantada
Maresia me guia sem medo...

Portela will celebrate the greatness of Milton Nascimento at Carnival 2025 with the theme Singing will be searching for the path that will lead to the sun – A tribute to Milton Nascimento, developed by André Rodrigues and Antônio Gonzaga. For the first time, the blue and white school from Madureira will pay tribute to a still-living personality, exalting the trajectory of the singer and composer who left his mark on Brazilian music.
Portela promises to transform Sapucaí into a grand stage for Milton's poetry and melody, touching on his roots in Minas Gerais, his emotionally charged songs and his defense of black and indigenous culture and people. "Our procession leaves from Madureira, and it is the road that will make the dream come true!", declares the school, reinforcing the connection between samba and MPB. With the strength of its 22 titles, the Portela eagle will fly to the sound of "Travessia", "Maria, Maria" and many other immortal hymns, bringing a spectacle of art and resistance to the avenue.
Excerpt from the samba-enredo:
Iyá chamou Oxalá preto rei pra sambar
Iyá chamou Oxalá preto rei pra sambar
Anjo negro é o Sol que faz a Portela cantar
Anjo negro é o Sol na minha Portela...