≡Samba schools have their roots in Afro-Brazilian culture
Samba schools have their roots in Afro-Brazilian culture and originated in Rio de Janeiro, at the beginning of the 20th century. The emergence of samba schools is associated with the process of urbanization and migration of the black population to Brazilian cities, mainly to Rio de Janeiro, then the country's capital. Initially, samba schools were not formal institutions, but rather groups of people who came together to celebrate Afro-Brazilian culture through samba, dance and percussion. These meetings took place in spaces such as backyards, Candomblé temples and bars.
The Origin of Samba Schools
The starting point of samba schools as we know them today occurred in 1928, with the founding of the first official school: Deixa Falar, created by Ismael Silva in the Estácio neighborhood.
Deixa Falar was a pioneer in organizing Carnival parades, paving the way for the modern model of samba schools in Rio de Janeiro.
Structure and Organization
Over the years, the schools became increasingly structured, creating:
Administrative boards
Departments for harmony and percussion
Costume sections and wings
This organization allowed parades to become more complex and artistic events, highlighting music, dance, and Brazilian culture.
Competition and Carnival
Carnival competitions became the highlight of the year. Each school showcases its artistic, narrative, and cultural skills, delighting audiences and demonstrating the richness of samba tradition.
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Discover some interesting facts about Carnival in Brazil
The History of the Sambódromo
Before the construction of the Sambódromo, the samba school parades in Rio de Janeiro took place at different locations around the city, such as Avenida Rio Branco and Presidente Vargas. With the growth of Carnival and increasing audiences, a permanent space was needed to host the spectacle.
The Oscar Niemeyer Project
In 1983, Governor Leonel Brizola commissioned the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer to create a definitive structure for the parades. The result was the Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí, inaugurated in 1984.
The venue features:
Permanent grandstands along the avenue
Exclusive boxes
Perfect visibility for the audience
A Stage for Culture and Education
The Sambódromo is not only the stage of the world's biggest Carnival. Throughout the year, it houses the Municipal School of Arts – Sambódromo CIEP, providing education for local children.
It has also hosted:
International shows
Sports competitions, including events during the 2016 Olympics
A Symbol of Rio Carnival
Since its inauguration, the Sambódromo has become an icon of Carnival. It immortalizes unforgettable moments and keeps the tradition of samba schools alive. With its imposing structure, it remains one of the most important stages in Brazilian culture.
The Emergence of the Drum Queen
The Queen of the Percussion Section is one of the most iconic figures of Brazilian Carnival. She leads the drummers, bringing charm, energy, and charisma to the parade.
This tradition began in the 1970s, when Adelaide Amaral, from the samba school Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, became the first woman to officially hold the position. Before that, the role was performed by drum masters or prominent passistas, but women gradually claimed their space in this role.
Glamour and Visibility
In the 1980s and 1990s, celebrities began taking on the role, making it even more competitive. Actresses, models, and TV personalities represented the schools, bringing glamour and visibility to the parades.
Even with famous figures, many schools still choose queens from within the community, honoring sambistas who grew up in the Carnival environment.
Dedication and Talent
Being a Queen of the Percussion Section requires more than beauty:
Represent the school with pride and responsibility
Attend intensive rehearsals
Build a strong connection with samba
Some queens have become legendary, such as:
Luma de Oliveira
Viviane Araújo
Gracyanne Barbosa
These performers have left their mark with unforgettable performances, cementing the Queen of the Percussion Section as a symbol of Brazilian Carnival.
The Grêmio Recreativo Cultural e Social Escola de Samba Vai-Vai
The Grêmio Recreativo Cultural e Social Escola de Samba Vai-Vai is one of the most traditional carnival associations in the city of São Paulo. Founded in 1930 by a group of friends in the Bixiga neighborhood, the school calls itself the "People's School" and has a rich and remarkable history in São Paulo's Carnival. The school originated from a group linked to the Cai-Cai football team, who decided to create a carnival cordon to liven up the games and parties. This group, known as "the Vae-Vae gang", gave rise to the Cordão Carnavalesco e Esportivo Vae-Vae, which later became the Vai-Vai samba school. With the colors black and white as a symbol, Vai-Vai parades with striking plots that often address relevant social and cultural themes.
The Tom Maior Samba School, based in the city of São Paulo
The Tom Maior Samba School, based in the city of São Paulo, has a rich and vibrant history in the world of carnival. Founded on July 14, 1973, Tom Maior had its name inspired by the verses of Martinho da Vila's song: "You will have to love freedom, you will only sing in Tom Maior, you will have the happiness of seeing a better Brazil... .". Its distinctive colors are red, yellow and white, with a notable predominance of the first two. The school's home community is the Sumaré neighborhood, but over the years, Tom Maior has frequently changed addresses, being based in different neighborhoods. Currently, its headquarters are in Fábrica do Samba, and its court in Bairro do Limão.
Mocidade Alegre is one of the most renowned samba schools in São Paulo
Mocidade Alegre is one of the most renowned samba schools in São Paulo, with a rich and vibrant history in the Carnival scene. Founded in 1967 by Juarez da Cruz and his brothers, the school had its origins in a group of revelers who paraded through the city's streets in the 1950s, initially under the name "Bloco das Primeiras Mariposas Recuperadas do Bom Retiro". Since its founding, Mocidade Alegre has stood out for its creativity and innovation in its parades, often addressing Afro-Brazilian and popular themes. His successful career in the São Paulo Carnival includes several titles.
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