Brazil In Hot Pants

2012 Carnival Parades in Rio de Janeiro – 04

Anton Steeman — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:00:31 +0000

Renata Santos, Queen of the drums of Mangueira - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

This second article about the second night of parades of samba schools in the Special Group of Rio de Janeiro relates the parades of samba schools Mangueira, Unidos da Tijuca and Grande Rio.

With the opening float and the theme 'Sou Cacique, Sou Mangueira' the parade of Mangueira thrilled the audience in Sapucaí - photo: Vanderlei Almeida / AFP

Runner-up of 2011, Unidos da Tijuca led to the Avenue a tribute to composer Luiz Gonzaga, in its attempt to win the title. With the theme “O dia em que toda a realeza desembarcou na Avenida para coroar o Rei Luiz do Sertão” (The day that in all the royal landed in the avenue to crown King Louis of the Wilderness), written by carnivalesque Paulo Barros, the yellow and blue from northern Rio celebrated and consecrated the Rei do Baião (the King of Grande Baiha) and Brazil’s northeast.

Highlights of the parade of Mangueira - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

A year after losing its shack in a fire in Cidade do Samba (Samba City) in the docklands of Rio, Acadêmicos da Grande Rio closed the parades of the Special Group with examples how to overcome a disastre. The tricolour thrilled the audiences with stories that have become icons in the world, like the ones of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, and the conductor and pianist João Carlos Martins.

4th – Mangueira
In the carnival this year, Mangueira showed that the Marquês de Sapucaí can also be the stage for the traditional street blocks. The green and pink celebrated the popular joy and fun of street carnival telling the story of the block Cacique de Ramos, who turned 50 years in 2011.

Highlights of the parade of Mangueira - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

To win the 19th title of Carnival, Mangueira brought the storyline “Vou festejar! Sou Cacique, sou Mangueira” (I go celebrate! I am the Chief, I am Mangueira), developed by carnivalesque Cid Carvalho, who made his debut in the samba school. The carnival relived the atmosphere of street carnivals and popular festivals of the district Ramos in the north of Rio, the birthplace of the block, sponsored by the green and pink.

Dancer of Mangueira drew attention by using a micro-fantasy - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

For the third consecutive year, the queen Renata Santos reigned supreme in front of the drums section commanded by Master Ailton. The master of ceremonies and the standard-bearer Raphael Rodrigues and Marcella Alves completed the team of Mangueira in search of the so desired championship.

Renata Santos, Queen of the drums of Mangueira - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Muse of the samba school Mangueira - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

Scheila Carvalho paraded as one of the highlights of samba school Mangureira - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Allegoric floats of samba school Mangueira - photo: Ricardo Moraes / Reuters

Queen Renata Santos, in front of the drum band of Mangueira - photo: Sergio Moraes / Reuters

Muse of Mangueira - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

Aerial view of the parade of Mangueira - photo: Victor R Caivano / AP

Scheila Carvalho paraded with the samba school Mangureira - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Details of the fantasy used by a member of Mangueira - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

Samba school Mangueira brought 'paradona' of the drum band as a novelty in the parade this year - photo: Alexandre Macieira / Riotur

Renata Santos, Queen of the drum of Mangueira, during the parade - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

5th – Unidos da Tijuca
After traveling through the history of film in 2011, Unidos da Tijuca made a new ride at the carnival this year, but this time, the places visited were the scenarios that served as inspiration for Luiz Gonzaga. Kings and queens invited the public to visit places like the San Francisco Valley to the sound of the accordion and the “bailão”.

Lifted high into the air by a crane, a member of Unidos da Tijuca represented the, by the parade honoured, Luiz Gonzaga - photo: Ricardo Moraes / Reuters

With the theme “O dia em que toda a realeza desembarcou na Avenida para coroar o Rei Luiz do Sertão” (The day that all the royalty landed in the avenue to crown King Luiz of the Wilderness), arranged by the carnivalesque Paulo Barros, yellow and blue of the North Zone of Rio celebrated and consecrated the King of Baião and north-eastern Brazil, his inspiration. Barros made a call to all the monarchs of the world to participate in this festival that ends with a Coronation in the Avenue.

Muse of Unidos da Tijuca dances the samba - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

One of the highlights this year was the drum band commanded by Master Casagrande. To pack the story about the King of Baião, the percussionists dared mixing the dance with the famous “paradinhas”. In front of the musicians came its Queen Gracyanne Barbosa, who made her debut. The samba school took 3,600 dancers, divided in 33 groups to the Avenue.

In the colour of clay, master of ceremonies and teh standard-bearer parade for the Unidos da Tijuca - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Queen of the drums of Unidos da Tijuca, Gracyanne Barbosa dances the samba - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

The float of Unidos da Tijuca 'Do barro, se fez a vida' (From clay life is made) - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Muse of the samba school Unidos da Tijuca sings the samba-enredo and forms a heart with her fingers - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Gracyanne Barbosa in the parade of Unidos da Tijuca - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Muse on top of a float of Unidos da Tijuca has a fantasy adorned with feathers - photo: Victor R - photo: Caivano / AP

Muses dance the samba on top of a float of Unidos da Tijuca visualising a vessel, with the theme 'O rio São Francisco vai bater no mei' do mar' (The river São Francisco will hit in mid-sea) - photo: Victor R Caivano / AP

Gracyanne Barbosa in the parade of Unidos da Tijuca. The 'Rei do Baião' (King of Baião), Luiz Gonzaga, is the theme of the samba school this year - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

'Asa branca' (White Wing) was the last float of the parade of Unidos da Tijuca - photo: AFP

6th – Acadêmicos da Rio Grande
After losing everything last year in the fire in Cidade do Samba (Samba City), samba school Rio Grande made a comeback and talked about overcoming the disaster. The fire destroyed several sheds and Rio Grande was the most affected of all samba schools. Carnivalesque Cahê Rodrigues arranged the theme “Eu acredito em você! E você?” (I believe in you! And you?). Issues addressed survival through love, as the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the victims of Haïti, the Jewish feeling and the apartheid with Nelson Mandela.

An animated Muse of Grande Rio, visualising the capricious bio and ox - photo: AFP

The school also visualised the overcome in sport. Paralympic athletes had a high profile and were honoured in the parade. Grand allegories with much luxury and technology. So was the parade of Rio Grande. As the samba school was already known for attracting many celebrities to the Avenue, this year it brought together a large number of people who have learned to overcome. The tricolour brought to the Avenue 3,800 dancers, divided in 32 groups.

Actress Mônica Carvalho also danced in the parade of Grande Rio - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Because of the fire, the Rio Grande did not dispute the title in 2011. This year, the samba school will be the last to parade. The Queen of the drums, commanded by Master Ciça, is actress Ana Furtado, and the couple master of ceremonies and standard-bearer Luiz Felipe and Squel.

Ex-BBB Maria paraded with Grande Rio - photo: Christophe Simon/AFP

Mirella Santos shined in Sapucaí - photo Alexander Durão/G1

Mayra Cardi danced in the parade of Grande Rio - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

The float 'Derrubando gigantes' (Knocking down giants) highlighted the fighter Minotaur - photo: Victor R - photo: Caivano / AP

One of the highlights of Grande Rio dancing the samba down the avenue - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito / G1

The actress Susana Vieira, godmother of Rio Grande, paraded in Sapucaí - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito / G1

The float 'Anjos anunciam a luz que vem do céu' (Angels announce the light that comes from heaven) opened the parade of Rio Grande - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito / G1

Ana Hickmann paraded with Rio Grande. In São Paulo, she represented Vai-Vai - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Ana Furtado, godmother of the drums of Grande Rio - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Members on top of a float of Grande Rio, which brought the stories of overcoming in Sapucaí - photo: AFP

Member of Rio Grande dances the samba - photo: AFP

Actress Cristiane Torloni on top of the opening float 'Anjos anunciam a luz que vem do céu' (Angels announce the light that comes from heaven) - photo:' Rodrigo Gorosito / G1

Geovana Tominaga represented the Japanese delicacy in the parade of Grande Rio - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

Luis Felipe and Squel Jorgea form the first couple of master of ceremonies and standard-bearer - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito / G1

The group 'Bailarina Negra' (Black Dancer) is a tribute to Mercedes Batista - photo: AFP

Muse of Grande Rio in Sapucaí on top of the float 'Derrubando gigantes' (Knocking down giants) - photo: AFP

Groups of Rio Grande devoted to names that represent the overcoming in sports. Lars Grael, Ronaldo Fenômeno and Clodoaldo Silva were among those honoured - photo: AFP

That was carnival 2012. I hope you enjoyed the photos. Back to normal life.

Tagged: Brazil Carnival 2012, Carnival 2012, carnival muses, carnival parades, Grande Rio, Mangueira, Marquês de Sapucaí, passista, Rio de Janeiro, samba dancers, samba schools, Sambódromo, Unidos da Tijuca

2012 Carnival Parades in Rio de Janeiro – 03

Anton Steeman — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 04:59:44 +0000

One of the highlights of samba school São Clemente.- photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

The second night of parades of samba schools in the Special Group of Rio de Janeiro had a bit of everything: from a trip to London, through stories of resilience and fever for great musicals. Six samba schools were present on Monday (20) in Marquês de Sapucaí: São Clemente, União da Ilha, Salgueiro, Mangueira, Unidos da Tijuca and Grande Rio. The first parade started at 21h.
In this article the first three samba schools.

The parade was opened by São Clemente, which suffered a last place in 2011. The samba school from Botafogo told the story “Uma aventura musical na Sapucaí” (A musical adventure in Sapucaí) written by the carnivalesque Fabio Ricardo.

Float of São Clemente.- photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

Runner-up of 2011, Unidos da Tijuca led to the Avenue a tribute to composer Luiz Gonzaga, in its attempt to win the title. With the theme “O dia em que toda a realeza desembarcou na Avenida para coroar o Rei Luiz do Sertão” (The day that in all the royal landed in the avenue to crown King Louis of the Wilderness), written by carnivalesque Paulo Barros, the yellow and blue from northern Rio will celebrate and consecrate the Rei do Baião (the King of Grande Baiha) and Brazil’s northeast.

Percussionist of samba school São Clemente alongside muses - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

1st – São Clemente
From “Cats” à “Ópera do malandro” (Cats” to “Opera of the Trickster”) São Clemente transformed the Marquês de Sapucaí in a kind of “Brazilian Broadway”. To achieve the (never won) dream title of Rio’s Carnival, the samba school brought a bold and colourful parade, assembled characters who made history in music. After bringing a slum into a huge lifeboat to the Avenue, the school drew public attention with a replica of the Statue of Liberty in a bikini and an ice cream in hand.

Globeleza, Aline Prado, at the opening of the second day of parades of São Clemente in Sapucaí - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

São Clemente led about 3,300 dancers, divided into 34 groups and seven floats to the Avenue. For the second year in the Special Group, the parade started with a lavish masked ball, making reference to the musical “The Phantom of the Opera.” Hits like “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Sound of Music” and “Cabaret” were remembered.

São Clemente took a balloon representing a mulatto to the Avenue. It was made by the same company that makes the balloons for Thanksgiving in New York (USA) - photo: Rodrigo Vianna/G1

Founded in 1951, São Clemente wanted to celebrate 50 years of samba in style. Being in the last place in 2011, the school started as the first to pass the Avenue.

The parade of São Clemente viewed from above - photo: Felipe Dana / AP

Baianas during the parade of São Clemente - photo: Felipe Dana / AP

Bruna Almeida, queen of São Clemente, dancing the samba in front of a percussionist - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

One of the highlights of São Clemente, which opened the second day of parades in Sapucaí - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Beautiful women called attention to the parade of São Clemente - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

Muse of the samba school São Clemente.- photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

Muse of São Clemente sings the samba-enredo during the parade - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

Float of samba school São Clemente - photo: Ricardo Moraes / Reuters

Queen of the drums of São Clemente, Bruna Almeida during the parade - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Allegoric floats of samba school São Clemente - photo: Victor R. Caivano / AP

Muse of São Clemente dancing the samba during the parade of the samba school - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

Karen Motta, Karen Motta during the of São Clemente in Sapucaí - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Carnival beauty of São Clemente - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Muse of samba school São Clemente during the parade in Sapucaí - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

São Clemente enthused the public during the parade in Sapucaí - photo: Ricardo Moraes / Reuters

Member of São Clemente during the parade Sapucaí - photo: Sergio Moraes / Reuters

2nd – União da Ilha do Governado
Alice, Elizabeth Taylor, Lady Di and Harry Potter. These were some of the characters that the União da Ilha brought to the Marquês de Sapucaí to tell the story “De Londres ao Rio: Era uma vez uma… Ilha” (From London to Rio: There was once an …… isle”. The tricolour transformed Sapucaí in the capital of England. Site of the 2012 Olympics, London had is story told and sung during the 82-minute parade.

A tripod and a float visualising the gates of Buckingham Palace opened the parade of União da Ilha do Governador. The allegories talk about the early history of London - photo: Felipe Dana / AP

The typical British humour was present in seven floats and the costumes of 4,000 dancers, divided into 33 groups. With five large silver heads, capable of reaching up to 9.5 meters high, the opening float of the União da Ilha visualised the Celtic people and their achievements.

The most perfect palace guards ever seen. The float visualized the gates of Buckingham Palace with beautiful guards at attention. From this gate, samba school União da Ilha do Governador travelled back in time telling the story of England - photo: Paloma Pietrobelli / G1

Due to the fire, União da Ilha was not present at the carnival last year, but this time, the school says they are confident and ready to enter the Avenue where they paraded as the second, between 22.05 and 22h22. Again, the queen Bruna Bruno danced in front of the drum band commanded by the Master Riquinho.

Bruna Bruno, queen of União da Ilha do Governador, gave a show - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Muse sings the samba-enredo of União da Ilha do Governador. The samba school also talked about the Olympics - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Muse of União da Ilha do Governador shows the samba dance on the boulevard - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Dancer of União da Ilha do Governador was one of the a highlights of the school - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Muse of União da Ilha do Governador parades in the avenue - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

Highlight on the ground during the parade of União da Ilha do Governador, the second school to parade on the closing day of the Rio carnival - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

The openings float of União da Ilha do Governador enters Sapucaí at the begiing of the parade - photo: Rodrigo Vianna / G1

The Front Committee of União da Ilha do Governador presented themselves in Sapucaí. Renato Smile (orange), famous for cleaning the avenue, joined them - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito / G1

The Front Committee of União da Ilha do Governador visualized a parody of parades of the English Royal Court - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito / G1

Member of União da Ilha do Governador sings the samba of the school. The school brought four thousand dancers to the avenue - photo: Felipe Dana / AP

The float of União da Ilha do Governador 'Alice's Tea' brought the English tradition to the Rio carnival, mixing tea with rum - photo: Ricardo Moraes / Reuters

3rd – Acadêmicos do Salgueiro
Verses and rhymes about twines were the inspiration for the carnival of Acadêmicos do Salgueiro this year. Poetic, playful and delighted was the parade of red and white from northern Rio. The samba school brought to the Marquês de Sapucaí the plot “Cordel branco e encantado” (Cordel white and delighted). Note: Cordel was a popular author of fiction from the northeast. It also means a string, a small cord). The samba school presented the works, characters and scenarios that made history with the serials around the country.

The float of Acadêmicos do Salgueiro 'O reino do cordel' (The kingdom of the string) represents the 'land of hot sun', with typical elements of northeastern Brazil - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Theme with biased rustic, folk and regionalist roots, the string literature also inspired the “furious”, as is called the drum band of Salgueiro, commanded by Master Marcão. Bass drum, accordion and triangles joined the tambourines and drums in a daring blend of samba with Baião. According to Marcão, the musicians responsible for the “new sound” are from the community itself.

Viviane Araujo plays the tambourine during the parade of her samba school Acadêmicos do Salgueiro - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

With the fifth place in 2011, Salgueiro was the third school to parade and did so with 3,800 dancers in 35 groups.

The actress Sophie Charlotte paraded with Acadêmicos do Salgueiro - photo: Wagner Meier/Fotoarena/AE

Adriana Bombom during the parade with Acadêmicos do Salgueiro - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

The float of Acadêmicos do Salgueiro 'Imagens poéticas do meu sertão' (Poetic images of my wilderness) shows the importance of the wilderness in the serial literature - photo: Nelson Perez / Riotur

The last car of samba school Acadêmicos do Salgueiro 'The Coronation' celebrates the north-eastern poetry and folklore - photo: Nelson Perez / Riotur

Musa parades with Acadêmicos do Salgueiro during the second day of carnival in Rio - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

The group of baianas of samba school Acadêmicos do Salgueiro represented the Maria Bonita, the wife of Lampião, known as 'a rainha do cangaço' (the Queen of the highwaymen) - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

Muse of Acadêmicos do Salgueiro - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

With her inseparable tambourine, the queen of 'Furious', Viviane Araújo in the parade of Acadêmicos do Salgueiro - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Muse of Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, Valesca Popozuda paraded as 'demoness' highlighting the float - photo: Felipe Dana / AP

'Devils' dance on the float of Acadêmicos do Salgueiro - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Members Acadêmicos do Salgueiro represent the gang of Lampiâo (Lantern) - photo: Ricardo Moraes / Reuters

Muse of Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, Valesca Popozuda paraded as 'demoness' highlighting the float - photo: Christophe Simon/AFP

This was the first lot. In the next article the last three samba school of Rio. After that carnival 2012 is over and finally the serious part of the year can begin. In Brazil nothing is accomplished before carnival is over.

Tagged: Brazil Carnival 2012, Carnival 2012, carnival muses, carnival parades, Marquês de Sapucaí, passista, Rio de Janeiro, Salgueiro, samba dancers, samba schools, Sambódromo, São Clemente, União da Ilha

2012 Carnival Parades in Rio de Janeiro – 02

Anton Steeman — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:43:18 +0000

Ângela Bismarchi pictured a medieval warrior in the parade of Mocidade Independente - photo: Alexandre Durão/ G1

The last four samba schools of the first day in Rio were, in order, Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, Porto da Pedra, Beija-Flor de Nilópolis and Unidos de Vila Isabel.

Decorated float 'Ainda vivemos em guerra, porém sonhamos com paz' (We are still at war, but we dream of peace). The last great work of Portinari were the paintings 'War and Peace' - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

There were two very specials in this group of four. Beija-Flor, the 2011 champion, attempted to win its 13th title, as the school invested in the theme “São Luís, o poema encantado do Maranhão” (São Luis, the enchanted poem of Maranhão), about the capital of the federal state of Maranhão.

Member of Mocidade showed much sympathy in the parade - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

And with the responsibility to close the first night of the parades, Vila Isabel put the entire audience to dance to the sound of drums with the theme “Você semba lá… que eu sambo cá – o canto livre de Angola” (You semba there … I sambo here – the free song of Angola), written by carnival enthusiast Rosa Magalhães. The blue and white showed in the Sambódromo the cultural ties between Brazil and the African country.
Here we go.

Mulatas of Mocidade danced the samba in Sapucaí - photo: Carolina Lauriano/G1

4th – Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel
Instead of silk and sprays, brushes and crayons. In this year’s carnival samba school Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel created colourful costumes and allegories painted by hand to tell the story ‘Por Ti, Portinari. Rompendo a tela, a realidade’ (For You, Portinari. Breaking the screen, the reality), of carnivalesque Alexandre Louzada. The inspiration came from the artist’s works.

Members of Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel danced the samba on top of a allegoric float - photo: Sergio Moraes/Reuters

The paintings in crayons were mixed with crystals, feathers and sequins, giving effect to the craftsmanship and detail of Mocidade’s carnival. Alexandre Louzada said that many panels of the painter Cândido Portinari were made with crayons, less toxic than paint, so he wanted to make this reference in the clothes of the 3,500 dancers and the drums group of the masters Bereco and Dudu.

Antônia Fontenelle, Queen of the drums of Mocidade, before the parade started. She said she wants to leave the Avenue with a sense of accomplishment - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

The “grand finale” is the panel on “Guerra e Paz” (War and Peace), considered the masterpiece of the artist, who was present in the last float. The fourth school which paraded on Sunday (19 Febr.), samba school Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel took eight floats, three tripods and 30 dancing groups to the avenue.

Mocidade Independente de Padre brought colourful costumes to tell the story of Portinari - photo: Serio Moraes / Reuters

Float of Mocidade recalled the coffee pickers, emblematic characters in the paintings of Portinari - photo: Serio Moraes / Reuters

Member of Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel samba in the Sapucaí- photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Outstanding allegoric float of Mocidade - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Member of Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel samba in the Sapucaí- photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Members of Mocidade danced the samba on top of a float during the parade in Sapucaí - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

One of the highlights of Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

The fifth float of Mocidadepictured the exodus from the sertanejo (backlands) - photo: Alexandre Durão/ G1

Mocidade brought handpainted colorful costumes to tell the story 'Por Ti, Portinari. Rompendo a tela, a realidade' (For You, Portinari. Breaking the screen, the reality) - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito / G1

Antônia Fontenelle, Queen of the drums, in front of the instrumentalists - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

5th – Porto da Pedra
In 2011 Porto da Pedra dared to take one of its members trapped in a gas balloon to Sapucaí, in the carnival this year, the samba school exuded the sweet smell of yoghurt in the Avenue. The school from São Gonçalo made sure that an exhilarating and delightful parade showed the benefits of yogurt to mankind. In its attempt to achieve the (still a dream) title, Porto da Pedra bet on the theme “Da seiva materna ao equilíbrio da vida” (From maternal sap to the balance in life), developed by carnivalesque James Cesario.

Decorated float 'Iguarias do Imperador Chinês' (Delicacies of the Chinese Emperor) - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

The school travelled along derivatives such as cheese until reaching yogurt to show how the product won the civilization of China to Europe: “Yogurt is the greatest symbol of health, joy and vitality, synonymous with our carnival. The samba schools main intention of this parade is: seducing Sapucaí with a plot about yogurt and leave everyone with a watering mouth”.

Muses of samba school Porto da Pedra - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

For the second year ahead of the drummers of Master Thiago Diogo, the queen of drums, the actress Ellen Roche, visualised the “richness of milk”. After winning the eighth place in the carnival session of 2011, Porto da Pedra was the fifth school to parade on Sunday (19 Febr.), and took seven floats, 3,800 dancers divided in 33 groups to the avenue. The couple of master of ceremonies and standard-bearer Fabricio Pirez and Cristiane Caldas completed the parade.

Fabiane Rodrigues, was oneof the highlights of a float of Porto da Pedra - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Dancing with Porto da Pedra - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Ellen Roche, queen of the drums of Porto da Pedra during the parade in Sapucaí - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

One of the highlights of samba school Porto da Pedra - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Dancer of samba school Porto da Pedra during the parade- photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

Members of the dancing group 'Ritos Tribais' (Tribal Rites), of samba school Porto da Pedra - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Dancers baianas of Porto da Pedra - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Fabiane Rodrigues, was the attraction of an allegoric float of Porto da Pedra - photo: Felipe Dana / AP

Solange Gomes, queen of the samba school Porto da Pedra - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Solange Gomes, queen of samba school Porto da Pedra - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Ellen Roche, queen of the drums of Porto da Pedra, poses as a tigress - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

One of the highlights on the ground of samba school Porto da Pedra - photo: Nacho Doce / Reuters

Parade of samba school Porto da Pedra in the Avenue - photo: Vanderlei Almeida / AFP

Ellen Roche, Queen of the drums, with her drummers in the parade of Porto da Pedra - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

Allegoric float of Porto da Pedra - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

6th – Beija-Flor de Nilópolis
Full of legends, beliefs and mysticism, samba school Beija-Flor de Nilópolis, of Rio de Janeiro, attempted to achieve the 13th title of the carnival with the theme “São Luís, o poema encantado do Maranhão” (São Luís, the enchanted poem of Maranhão). To tell the story of the capital of Maranhão, the actual champion of Rio spared no efforts and brought to the Avenue about five tons of shells. Linking one section to the other, Beija-Flor de Nilópolis took the public on a tour through the culture of Maranhão.

Front detail of a float with the sombre theme of Beija-Flor - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

African culture was much present in this parade. To develop the plot, the carnival committee of the samba school went to São Luís do Maranhão. It was during one of these visits, that the committee realized the strong influence of African Negros in the city. Therefore, not only the culture but also the religion and folklore as “bumba meu boi” was visualised in the parade.

Selminha Sorriso and Claudinho form the first couple of master of ceremonies and standard-bearer of Beija-Flor - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

The blue and white intended to terminate its show with a moving tribute to carnivalesque Joãosinho Trinta, who died on December 17 last year. About the fantasies of the first couple of master of ceremonies and standard-bearer Selmynha Sorriso and Claudinho, and the Queen of the drums Raíssa Oliveira, the photos speak for themselves. With the voice of Neguinho of Beija-Flor and the drums tuned under the command of Masters Pliny and Rodney, Beija-Flor was the sixth school that went through the Avenue.

Raíssa Oliveira, queen of Beija-Flor de Nilópolis - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

The Queen of Beija-Flor de Nilópolis, Raissa Oliveira - photo: G1

The Beija-Flor group 'Angústia dos grilhões' (Anguish of the chains) visualised the suffering of the slaves who worked in the construction of São Luís - photo: Victor R. Caivano / AP

Beija-Flor brought the storyline about São Luís do Maranhão and honoured Joãosinho Trinta, ex-president of the samba school - photo: Alexandre Durão/ G1

The float 'O inverossímil imaginário ludovicense' (The unbelievable imagination ludovicense) represents the legends of the island - photo: Alexandre Durão/ G1

Dancers of Beija-Flor sing the samba-enredo - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

One of the highlights in the parade of Beija-Flor - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Members of Beija-Flor dressed as 'sinhazinha do boi' (missy Ox), the farmer's daughter of the Festa do Boi (Feast of the Ox), which represents the European culture - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Dancers of the group 'Bumba-meu-boi me faz dançar' (Bumba-meu-boi makes me dance) during the parade of Beija-Flor - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

The parade of Beija-Flor represented the popular festivals in São Luís - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Allegoric float of Beija-Flor in the Carnival in 2012 parade visualised Bumba Meu Boi, a festival typical of São Luís - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

Women dance on top of a float of the Beija-Flor titled 'Lamentos de dor no balanço do mar' (Lament of pain on the waves of the sea) - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

Detail of the head of the giant snake that composes the front-committee of Beija-Flor. Full of legends, beliefs and mysticism, the samba school Beija-Flor de Nilópolis sought the 13th title of Carnival with the theme 'São Luís, o poema encantado do Maranhão' (São Luís, the enchanted poem of Maranhão) - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Muse of Beija-Flor invited the public to join in singing the samba-enredo of the school - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

7th – Unidos de Vila Isabel
Unidos de Vila Isabel showed the cultural links between Brazil and the African country Angola, with the theme “Você Semba Lá… Que Eu Sambo Cá. O Canto Livre de Angola!” (You Semba there … What I Sambo Here. The Free Song of Angola). The musical rhythm came with Angolan slaves: about 4 million Negros were brought from the region. Vila Isabel also brought to the Avenue a wide variety of African prints, which perceived in the fantasies of the 4,000 dancers, and even in decoration of the seven floats.

Muse of Vila Isabel dancing in front of a float - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Angolan sacred symbol, the baobab, a tree which reaches heights of 5 to 25 meters, came in the form of allegory. It is forbidden to cut this tree, it is very venerable, because it has a lot of utilities, it serves to eat its fruit and leaf, used to store water like a cistern, and when it was war, the tree also served as a refuge.

Member of Vila Isabel visualises the fauna of Africa - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

The colours, incidentally, were one of the strengths of the parade of the blue and white. The parade ended with a tribute to Martinho da Vila, a musician who maintains strong musical links with the country. The photos tell all about the costumes of the queen of the drums Sabrina Sato and the first couple of master of ceremonies and standard-bearer Julinho and Ruth.

Quitéria Chagas, one of the highlights of samba school Vila Isabel - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Muse of Vila Isabel - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

After parading with X-9 Paulistana in São Paulo, Luize Altenhofen was also the muse of Vila Isabel - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

One of the highlights during the Vila Isabel parade in Rio - photo: Victor R. Caivano / AP

Muse Sabrina Sato danced the samba alongside the percussionists of Vila Isabel - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Sabrina Sato, Queen of the drums of samba school Vila Isabel - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Vila Isabel was the last samba school to join the parade on the first day of the Special Group - photo: Ricardo Moraes / Reuters

Muse of Vila Isabel - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

Members of samba school Vila Isabel during the parade - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

One of the highlights of samba school Vila Isabel - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

The day was dawning when Vila Isabel closed its parade - photo: Felipe Dana / AP

That was the first day. Next article the first three of a total of seven samba schools of the second carnival’s day in Rio de Janeiro.

Tagged: Beija-Flor de Nilópolis, Brazil Carnival 2012, Carnival 2012, carnival muses, carnival parades, Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, porto da pedra, Rio de Janeiro, Sambódromo, São Paulo, Unidos de Vila Isabel

2012 Carnival Parades in Rio de Janeiro – 01

Anton Steeman — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:08:47 +0000

One of the highlights of samba School Renascer de Jacarepaguá during the parade Sapucaí - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

On the first day (Sunday 19 Febr.) of the carnival parades in Rio de Janeiro seven samba schools of the Special Group entered the Marquês de Sapucaí.
Samba school Renascer de Jacarepaguá opened the night with a theme about Brazilian artist Romero Britto. The 2011 champion, Beija-Flor, performed its show as the sixth school in Sapucaí.

A Muse on top of a float of Renascer de Jacarepaguá - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

After going through a reform, the Marquês de Sapucaí, in Rio de Janeiro, was (almost) ready to receive the samba schools of the Special Group. Seven carnival associations opened the first day of the parade, including Beija-Flor, the 2011 champion. To win its 13th title, the school invested in the theme “São Luís, o poema encantado do Maranhão” (São Luis, the enchanted poem of Maranhão), about the capital of the federal state of Maranhão.

After seven years parading with Portela, the model Gleicy Santos paraded with Renascer de Jacarepaguá - photo: Bernardo Tabak/G1

With the responsibility to close the first night of the parades, Vila Isabel put the entire audience to dance to the sound of drums with the theme “Você semba lá… que eu sambo cá – o canto livre de Angola” (You semba there … I sambo here – the free song of Angola), written by carnival enthusiast Rosa Magalhães. The blue and white showed in the Sambódromo the cultural ties between Brazil and the African country.

The artist Romero Britto during the parade of Renascer de Jacarepaguá - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

It took nine months of construction work to provide the Passarela do Samba (the Samba Avenue) with the original track designed by Oscar Niemeyer in 1983 and to increase the grandstand to 72,500 seats.

A Globeleza, Aline Prado during the parade of Renascer de Jacarepaguá in Sapucaí - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

In this first article about the first night of carnival parades in Rio, the first three samba schools, in order, Renascer de Jacarepaguá, Portela and Imperatriz Leopoldinense. In my opinion, the carnival parades in Rio show much more creativity than the ones in São Paulo. Consequently the number of beautiful and emotional photos in larger and as such I have to cut the two carnival nights in small parts.

Outstanding allegoric float of Renascer de Jacarepaguá- photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

1st – Renascer de Jacarepaguá
Champion of the Access Group last year, Renascer de Jacarepaguá coloured the Avenue. To frighten away the ghost of humiliation, the samba school paid homage to the artist Romero Britto, with the theme “O artista da alegria dá o tom na folia” (The artist sets the tone of joy in revelry). To recount the life of the painter, the red and white coloured brought allegories, luxuries and with the face and the traces of the artist, considered an icon of the modern world pop culture.

Andrea Machado, muse of Renascer de Jacarepaguá, which opened the parade of the Special Group in Sapucaí - photo: Rodrigo Vianna/G1

In its attempt to win the title, the school took seven floats, three tripods, 34 dancing groups and 3,500 members to Sapucaí. The characteristic black in the works of Romero Britto was represented by the drums, commanded by Master Paulão.

Drawing attention on the ground during the parade of Renascer de Jacarepaguá in Sapucaí - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Dancer entused the public during the parade of Renascer de Jacarepaguá in Sapucaí - photo: Juliana Briggs/G1

Member of Renascer de Jacarepaguá tells the storyline of the samba-school during the parade in Sapucaí - photo: Silvia Izquierdo / AP

Dancer of Renascer de Jacarepaguá during the parade of the Special Group - photo: Silvia Izquierdo / AP

Outstanding float of Renascer de Jacarepaguá - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Decorated float 'Conhecimento Vivo' (Living Knowledge) of Renascer de Jacarepaguá, which features a large library - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

Dancer of Renascer de Jacarepaguá parade in the Marquês de Sapucaí - photo: Sergio Moraes / Reuters

Aerial view of the parade of Renascer de Jacarepaguá in Marquês de Sapucaí - photo: Vanderlei Almeida / AFP

View of the Sambódromo in Rio, during the parade of Renascer de Jacarepaguá, on the first day of parades of the schools in the Special Group - photo: Vanderlei Almeida / AFP

Patricia Nery, Queen of the drums of Renascer de Jacarepaguá, samba in front of the drummers - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

2nd – Portela
A Bahian party spiced by Portela. This is how samba school Portela, considered one of the most traditional of Rio, presented its carnival this year.

Muse of Portela animated the avenue - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

To tell the story: “E o povo na rua cantando. É feito uma reza, um ritual…” (And the people in the street singing. It’s becoming a prayer, a ritual … “, the blue and white showed the major festivals of Bahia in the parade. And as host of this “festival”, the singer Clara Nunes, the big honouree, who, if still alive, would be completing 70 years in 2012. On the avenue, she was represented by singer Vanessa da Matta.

The sister football player Vagner Love, Vanya Love is a muse of Portela - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

The school showed the celebrations derived from African traditions and the ones originated in the Catholic Church, such as the festivities of Senhor do Bonfim, of Iemanjá, of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia and Saints Cosmas and Damian. The traditional revelry of Carnival in Bahia, as the carnivals of Afoxé, of Olodum, of Timbalada and the Sons of Gandhi were also visualised.

Shayene Cesário was one of the muses to parade with Portela - photo: G1

The second school which paraded on Sunday, Portela brought to the Avenue seven floats, five tripods and 4,100 dancers, divided into 35 groups.

A wheelchair group of the samba school Portela - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Muse of Portela waved to the camera - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Dancer of Portela danced the samba and earned the sympathy of the public Sapucaí - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Sheron Menezes, Queen of the drums of samba school Portela - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

Member of Portela group of baianas danced the samba - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Traditionally the Eagle of Portela as the float car which opened the parade. On top of the float, the musicians Paulinho da Viola and Marisa Monte parade once again with the school - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Vanya Love during the parade of Portela - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

A float visualising the African theme of Portela was pushed through Sapucaí - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Muses on top of a float sing the samba-enredo of Portela - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Decorated float of Portela had as theme underwater life - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Dancers baianas of different ages paraded in the dancing groups of Portela - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

3rd – Imperatriz Leopoldinense
Imperatriz Leopoldinense asked attention and dived into the world of Bahian writer Jorge Amado. Characters like Gabriela, Perpétua and Dona Flor left the pages of his books and came into life in the Marquês of Sapucaí. From Pelourinho to the washing of Bonfim. The green and white from Ramos brought some features of Bahia, cited by the author in his works, the theme “Jorge, Amado Jorge”, the carnivalesque samba-enrede of Max Lopes.

Muses on top of an allegoric float of samba school Imperatriz Leopoldinense during the parade - photo: Victor R. Caivano / AP

The crown, symbol of the club, opened the parade of the school, which talked about religion. The first section made an allusion to the orixás (deities). Synonymous for beauty, glamour and class of the carnival in Rio, queen Luiza Brunet came from Bahia to lead the drum band, commanded by Master Márcio (Noca).

View of the parade of samba school Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Felipe Dana / AP

The theme also made reference to Bahian carnival and other popular events in that state. The literature was represented in one of the floats.

Members of Imperatriz Leopoldinense displayed painted bodies during the parade in Sapucaí - photo: Victor R. Caivano / AP

Philipe and Rafaela, the couple master of ceremonies and standard-bearer of Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Members of the group 'Faculdade de Direito' (Law School) of Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

One of the highlights of Imperatriz Leopoldinense during the parade of the samba school in the avenue - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

Outstanding allegoric float of the samba school Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Outstanding allegoric float of samba school Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

Detail of the opening float of Imperatriz Leopoldinense "O Mar de Yemanjá e a Coroa de Oxalá" (The Sea of Yemanjá and the Crown of Oxalá) - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

A Muse on top of the opening float of Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Rodrigo Gorosito/G1

A highlight of samba school Imperatriz Leopoldinense during its parade in Sapucaí - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

The float of Imperatriz Leopoldinense visualising the 'Amada Igreja do Bonfim' (Beloved Church of Bonfim)- photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

The opening float of Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Alexandre Durão/G1

The float 'Amada Igreja do Bonfim' (Beloved Church of Bonfim),' of Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Victor R. Caivano / AP

A trio of Asian descent during the parade of Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Nacho Doce / Reuters

The opening float of Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

One of the highlights in the parade of samba school Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

One of the highlight of the parade of Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Christophe Simon / AFP

Percussionists of the drum band of Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

Luiza Brunet, queen of the drums of Imperatriz Leopoldinense - photo: Antonio Scorza / AFP

Next article the four last samba schools of the first day of carnival parades in Rio de Janeiro.

Tagged: Brazil Carnival 2012, Carnival 2012, carnival muses, carnival parades, Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Marquês de Sapucaí, Portela, Renascer de Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro, Sambódromo, São Paulo

Parades of the Samba Schools in São Paulo – 04

Anton Steeman — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:45:38 +0000

Mulher Pêra. the singer Suéllem Rocha, featured on the float with body paint and the 'smallest carnival fantasy' ever made - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

As last of the carnival parades the closing of the second day with the ultimate four samba schools. We will see: Águia de Ouro, Unidos de Vila Maria, Gaviões da Fiel and Tom Maior, which is the last school to enter the Sambódromo in São Paulo. After these festivities we have to go to Rio de Janeiro, where the carnival parades start Sunday night.

Águia de Ouro
Since 1976 the inhabitants of Pompeii, a district in western São Paulo, dream to win the first title of the Special Group with the samba school of the community, Águia de Ouro. For 2012 the samba school invited artists to join the school to try to conquer the first place with a parade about music and history.

Carnival revellers visualise 'prisoner' artists repressed during the dictatorship - photo: Raul Zito/G1

“Tropicália da paz e do Amor! O movimento que não acabou” (Tropicália of Peace and Love! The movement is not over) is the name of the plot that resembles the musical and aesthetic movement occurring in the 60s that marked the Brazilian culture.

A member lost her voice singing the samba-plot of Águia de Ouro - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

The famous festivals of Brazilian popular music were remembered in the third car. At the top of the allegory Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and other artists that defined that period, were present. “This event [the parade of Águia de Ouro] is very important because Tropicália is São Paulo”, he said, referring to the plot of the samba school. Nevertheless, when asked which Carnival he prefers, the musician was adamant: “The best carnival is in Bahia”.

Valesca Popozuda, Queen of the drums of Águia de Ouro, felt sick during the parade but returned to samba in Anhembi - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Queen of Águia de Ouro, Valesca Popozuda poses for a photo with members of the samba school while waiting for the parade to start - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Muse of Águia de Ouro - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Muses of Águia de Ouro pose for photos before the parade starts - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Mulher Pêra was one of the highlights of the parade - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Dancer of Águia de Ouro sings the samba-enrede of the samba school. The plot tells the story of tropicalismo - photo: Flavio Morais / G1

Unidos de Vila Maria
Unidos de Vila Maria bet on the power and strength of handcraft in its attempt to get its first title in the Special Carnival in São Paulo. Fifth school which went through the Sambódromo in Anhembi during the Monday night parades, the samba school from the northern part of São Paulo took fire and light to the avenue and spoke of the infinite power of creation in human history.

Decorated float Unidos de Vila Maria brought sculptures and gargoyles - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

The plot of “A Força infinita da criação. Vila Maria feita à mão” (The Power of infinite creation. Vila Maria is handmade) is a tour of the creation of the world, the history of Carnival, the evolution of humanity and reaches even into the age of Internet and new technologies.

The beautiful form of Priscilla Bonifácio, Queen of the drums, drew attention in the parade of Unidos de Vila Maria - photo: Raul Zito/G1

The school brought fire to the avenue already in the Front Committee, choreographed by Sergio Cardoso, when masked members created light in Anhembi to represent the moment when God created man.
The opening float, “O sopro do Criador” (The breath of the Creator), showed also the birth of the universe in an allegory of 42 meters in length coated with fabric with shades of blue created especially for the parade.

The actress Quitéria Chagas, godmother of the drums, and Priscilla Bonifácio, Queen of the drums, danced in the parade of Unidos de Vila Maria - photo: Raul Zito/G1

The second car of the samba school visualised the “Aurora dos Tempos” (Dawn of Time), with hands raised to heaven to ask for protection.

Priscilla Bonifácio, Queen of the drums of Unidos de Vila Maria, lost her voice - photo: Raul Zito/G1

The standard-bearer raised the banner of the school during the parade of Unidos de Vila Maria - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Members of Unidos de Vila Maria paraded during the second night of the carnival in São Paulo - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Dancers singing the samba-enrede of Unidos de Vila Maria. Members of the samba school paraded in the second night of carnival in São Paulo

The drums marked the beat of the samba-enrede of Unidos de Vila Maria, which recalled the changes in humanity offered by hands that touch the war, but also take part in building a new world - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Muse of Unidos de Vila Maria invited the public to join in the singing - photo: Raul Zito/G1

The allegoric fantasy of the actress Quitéria Chagas, godmother of the Unidos de Vila Maria, represents an African goddess - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Muse of Vila Maria is the attraction in the avenue. Plot has the theme 'A Força infinita da criação. Vila Maria feita à mão' (The Power of infinite creation. Vila Maria is made by hand) - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Gaviões da Fiel
Corinthian football fan and ex-president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva could not come to the party, but Gaviões da Fiel didn’t let it be shaken by the absence of the honoured guest and thrilled the public in Anhembi. To parade on Friday, the second day of the carnival in São Paulo in 2012, the school has made the life of Lula reason for a quick tour through the history and democracy of the country.

Muse parades with Gaviões da Fiel, the penultimate samba school which performed on the second day of Carnival in São Paulo - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Lula viewed the parade on television in his apartment in São Bernardo do Campo, in ABC paulista. At the end of the parade, the former president called his wife Marisa Leticia, who paraded with the school, and said he was thrilled.

Members of Gaviões da Fiel sing the samba-enrede, which honoured former President Lula - photo: Flavio Moraes / G1

From the first to the last of the five segments, Gaviões da Fiel walked through Lula’s impoverished childhood in Garanhuns, in the interior of the state of Pernambuco. It also dealt with the past as a migrant in São Paulo, the trade union engagement and the successful campaign for the presidency in 2002.

First couple of master of ceremonies and standard-bearer Bozó and Gisleine - photo: Flavio Moraes / G1

Opening float brought the school symbol, the Eagle. The samba school Gaviões da Fiel brought five allegoric floats to Anhembi - photo: Flavio Moraes / G1

The queen of the drums of Gaviões da Fiel, Tatiane Minerato during the school parade, which honoured Lula - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

Ana Paula Minerato is one of the muses of the drums of battery Gaviões da Fiel - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Sabrina Sato parades as the godmother of the drums of battery of Gaviões da Fiel - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

Muse of the drums of Gaviões da Fiel waits for the beginning of the parade - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Sabrina Sato, godmother of the drums of Gaviões da Fiel arrived in Anhembi to parade with samba school Gaviões da Fiel - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Adriana Bernardes, who featured in the third car of Gaviões da Fiel, waiting for the beginning of the parade - photo: Bruno Azevedo / G1

Tom Maior
The seventh and last samba school to parade, Tom Maior closed the second night of carnival in the Sambódromo in Anhembi bringing to the avenue archangels and cherubim to ask for peace and honour Marko Antônio Silva, who led the samba school as president for 27 years and died in 2011 as a result of leukaemia. It was Sunday morning (19 Febr) in São Paulo when the school closed quietly its passage through Anhembi.

Samba dancer of Tom Maior danced the samba-enrede of the school. The guild brought archangels, cherubim and personalities like Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa to the Sambódromo - photo: photo: Raul Zito / G1

A prayer in memory of the former president opened the parade, bringing tears to many of the members of Tom Maior. “O Marko em nossa história” (Marko in our history), chanted the float-pusher René Sobral before the battle cry that brought the samba school.

Jairo Pereira e Simone Gomes were the first couple of master of ceremonies and standard-bearer - photo: Raul Zito / G1

“Every show is special, but this year is for our eternal president”, said an emotional TV-presenter Tania Oliveira, who debuted as the godmother of the drums. The group was led by 280 percussionists, commanded by Master Carlão, who began drumming when eight years old and is also a stock car racer. The wife of the Master Carlão, Andreia Alves, is the queen of the battery. She is with the samba school already for 13 years.

The dance group of baianas had 100 members. All are older than 60 years - photo: Rafael Sampaio / G1

The school’s name was inspired by a song of Martinho da Vila. The current president of the club is Luciana Silva, sister of Marko Antônio.

Tânia Oliveira, godmother of the drums of Tom Maior - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Highlighting the allegoric float of Tom Maior - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Couple of master of ceremonies and standard-bearer of Tom Maior - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Muse of Tom Maior waits for the start of the parade. The school is the last to enter the Sambódromo in Anhembi this year, with a plot that brings a message of hope: “Paz na Terra e aos homens de Boa Vontade” (Peace on Earth and Goodwill to men) - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

Decorated float of Tom Maior entered Anhembi. The samba school brought the devastation of the environment and white collar crimes - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Muse of Tom Major shakes it during the presentation in Anhembi - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Dancer of Tom Maior during Sunday's parade in the Sambódromo in Anhembi - photo: Rafael Sampaio/G1

Couple of standard-bearer and master of ceremonies of Tom Maior - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

End of São Paulo. Next stop Rio de Janeiro where the carnival parades started Saturday evening.

Tagged: Anhembi, Águia de Ouro, Brazil Carnival 2012, Carnival 2012, carnival muses, carnival parades, Gaviões da Fiel, Sambódromo, São Paulo, Tom Maior, Unidos de Vila Maria

Parades of the Samba Schools in São Paulo – 03

Anton Steeman — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:56:59 +0000

The float which opened the parade of Dragões da Real, the first school to parade on Saturday (18) - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

A total of 14 samba schools paraded in the carnival festivities in Anhembi in São Paulo. The results of the first seven schools we have seen in my previous two articles. Today the first three samba schools, which paraded Saturday night and Sunday morning. In a following article the last four.

Dancer of Dragões da Real shows her beauty during the parade. In the background the float representing the mothers - photo: Raul Zito / G1

On the second day of the parades Dragões da Real makes its debut in the Special Group. Then next enter, in order, the samba runway Pérola Negra, Mocidade Alegre, Águia de Ouro, Unidos de Vila Maria, Gaviões da Fiel and Tom Maior. The last four, as said, in my next article.

A Muse of Dragões da Real in preparation of entering the avenue - photo: Raul Zito/G1

I have to say that, in my opinion, the parades of second day were much more interesting. Consequently there are more photos to show. First Dragões da Real.

Dragões da Real
The samba school Dragões da Real entered the avenue with a theme which pleased all the revellers Sambódromo in Anhembi: The Mothers. With the theme “Mãe, ventre da vida e essência do amor” (Mother, the womb of life and essence of love), the school came to the avenue on the second night of the São Paulo parades in the Special Group definitely ready to win definitely its permanent place in the highest echelon of the Carnival of São Paulo, after being champion of the Access Group in 2011.

A float Dragões da Real waits for the start of the parade - photo: G1

A float of Dragões da Real ready for the parade - photo: Renato Jakitas/G1

TV-reporter Mônica Apor paraded with Dragões da Real. "I am very nervous, it's my first time at a carnival", she said before the parade - photo: Rafael Sampaio/G1

ex-BBB Cacau, muse of the samba school Dragões da Real, says she was surprised with the fantasy, which valued her bum and breasts - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Simone Sampaio, who is a stage assistant of Raul Gil, this year makes her debut as Queen of the drums of Dragões da Real - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Mulata of the samba school of Dragões da Real waits for the start of the parade in Anhembi - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

A float carries eight feet tall images of mothers. Members of the school Dragões da Real push the allegory through the avenue of Anhembi - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Richly decorated float showed the dragon, symbol of the samba school Dragões da Real - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Rubens and Lyssandra form the first couple of master of ceremonies and flag bearer of Dragões da Real - photo: Flavio Morais / G1

Pérola Negra
The samba school of Vila Madalena wants to go beyond the 11th place where they finished in 2011 with a parade of Itanhaém, a town on the coast of São Paulo state. The school was the second to parade on the last night of the Grupo Especial of carnival 2012 in São Paulo.

An indian girl prepares her entry into the parade of Pérola Negra in Anhembi - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Muse of Pérola dancing the samba in Anhembi - photo: Raul Zito/G1

The samba-plot of Pérola Negra praised the saga of Itanhaém, the second oldest city in Brazil - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Musa of Pérola Negra paraded playing percussion instruments. 'A pedra que canta também samba, Itanhaém, hoje a Pérola é você' (The stone that also sings samba, Itanhaém, today Pérola is you) was the theme of samba-plot - photo: Raul Zito/G1

The float which opened the parade represented the arrival of Martin Afonso de Souza in Itanhaém. He would have been responsible for the colonization of the native people. With the second float, the adventure of the German Hans Staden was remembered: since his shipwreck on the coast of Brazil, his captivity among the Indians and his flight which yielded a book.

Commanded by Master Bola, the drums of Pérola Negra fantasised the representation of the mysterious sea - photo: Raul Zito/G1

The third float recalled the biodiversity in the allegory called “Amazônia Paulista e outras belezas naturais” (The Amazon Paulista and other natural wonders).

In the parade of Pérola Negra, the group of baianas came after the opening committee and represented the Immaculate Conception - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Pérola Negra honoured the second oldest city in Brazil - photo: Raul Zito/G1

The plot of Pérola Negra told the saga of Itanhaém - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Muse of the samba school Pérola Negra, the second to parade on Saturday (18). The school chose to honour the saga of Itanhaém, the second oldest city in Brazil - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Master of ceremonies and flag bearer of Pérola Negra greet the public in Anhembi - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Another couple of master of ceremonies and flag bearer of Pérola Negra danced the samba in Anhembi - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Members’ excitement in the pre-show parade of Pérola Negra - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Mocidade Alegre
The third school to enter the Anhembi Sambódromo on the second day of the parades of the Special Group in São Paulo, Mocidade Alegre sported the atmosphere of unity and pride of those who needed extra effort to shine in the carnival this year. Frustrated on January 9 by a fire in the shed of the school, which is under the Viaduct Pompeii, in western São Paulo, Mocidade Alegre had to rush to rebuild on time some of its floats.

The opening float of Mocidade Alegre. The school merged religiosity, African music and sculptures with Portuguese and Catholic symbols - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

With 3,500 participants and 25 groups, Mocidade Alegre celebrated the centenary of the Brazilian writer Jorge Amado honouring Candomblé, capoeira and the popular festivals that comprise the universe of “Tenda dos Milagres” (Tent of Miracles), a novel published in 1969. The transition of the school through the avenue lasted 60 minutes, five fewer than the maximum allowed for each samba school.

Like in the books of Jorge Amado, the parade brought the typical elements of the culture of Bahia - photo: Raul Zito/G1

One of decorated floats of Mocidade Alegre represented the elite of Bahia in the past. Symbols of the origins of the culture of Salvador, the scene of the stories of Jorge Amado - photo: Raul Zito/G1

The flag bearer of Mocidade Alegre parades in Anehmbi. The samba school brought luxurious and colourful costumes to the Sambadrome - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Mocidade Alegre sought to reproduce Salvador in the first half of last the century - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

The queen of the drums of Mocidade Alegre, Aline Oliveira, greets revellers - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Aline Oliveira, queen of the drums of Mocidade Alegre dancing the in Anhembi - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

The plot of Mocidade Alegre was inspired by a book by Jorge Amado published in 1969 - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Members of the samba school Mocidade Alegre represent characters of Bahian culture - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Samba dancer of Mocidade Alegre shows her charm during the parade - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Member of Mocidade Alegre parades with a fancy little allegory. The school will present five floats - photo: Flavio Morais / G1

The opening float of Mocidade Alegre entering the Sambódromo. A Jorge Amado novel inspired the storyline - photo: Rafael Sampaio/G1

Aline Oliveira, queen of the drums, is already 10 years with the samba school Mocidade Alegre - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Samba dancer parading topless. The samba school Mocidade Alegre was the third to enter the Anhembi - photo: G1

Next article the last four samba schools of São Paulo.

Tagged: Anhembi, Brazil Carnival 2012, Carnival 2012, carnival muses, carnival parades, Dragões da Real, Mocidade Alegre, Pérola Negra, Sambódromo, São Paulo

Parades of the Samba Schools in São Paulo – 02

Anton Steeman — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:15:33 +0000

Andreza Sobrinho, dancer of the samba school Rosas de Ouro. She was elected Queen of the Carnival of São Paulo - photo: Raul Zito/G1

During the first night in São Paulo seven samba schools paraded. In my previous post we read about and saw the pictures of the first four carnival groups.
In this post the other three.

Allegorical float of samba school Rosas de Ouro - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

Samba school Rosas de Ouro was inspired by Hungary and highlighted that country on the avenue in a fictional story full of knights, kings, princesses and castles.

Allegorical float of samba school Rosas de Ouro - photo: Raul Zito/G1

With the theme “O esplendor da África no reinado da folia” (The splendour of Africa in the reign of folly), the samba school Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi made a reverence to the primitive peoples of Africa.

Allegorical float of samba school Rosas de Ouro - photo: Raul Zito/G1

And as last Mancha Verde closed the first day of presentations and took to a story that presents the lessons of humility of Candomblé.

Rosas de Ouro
Samba school Rosas de Ouro was inspired by Hungary and highlighted that country on the avenue in a fictional story full of knights, kings, princesses and castles.

Samba dancer of Rosas de Ouro parade in the Sambódromo - photo: Raul Zito/G1

The parade started with a giant book announcing to the public that Rosas de Ouro brought a story to tell first night of parades in this carnival 2012 in Anhembi in São Paulo. The school from Freguesia do Ó, a neighborhood in the north of the capital, was inspired by another country on another continent.

The fantastic costumes are one of the attractions of the Rosas de Ouro parade in São Paulo - photo: Vanessa Carvalho / Brazil Photo Press / AFP Photo

Beauty marked the presentation of samba school Rosas de Ouro in Anhembi, São Paulo - photo: Yasuyochi Chiba / AFP Photo

The muse Ellen Rocche is one of the main attractions of the parade of Rosas de Ouro, São Paulo, in Anhembi - photo: André Penner / AP Photo

Elaine de Almeida was the centre of the fourth float of Rosas de Ouro - photo: Rafael Sampaio/G1

Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi
With the theme “O esplendor da África no reinado da folia” (The splendour of Africa in the reign of folly), the samba school Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi made a reverence to the primitive peoples of Africa.
Penultimate school to parade in the Sambódromo in Anhembi on the first night of Carnival in São Paulo, Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi dressed in the many exuberant colours of Africa to show the influence of the continent in the culture and in Carnival of Brazil.

Richly decorated float of Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi discussed African themes - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi was runner-up last year and lost to Vai-Vai by only 0.25 points. This year, the school came with full force to get the first title in the Special Group.

Vibrant colours in the float of Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi. Tucuruvi was runner-up last year and lost to Vai-Vai by only 0.25 points. The school seeks first title in the Special Group - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

The plot of “O esplendor da África no reinado da folia” highlighted the wealth and splendour of African culture in a reverence to the primitive peoples in Africa, leaving aside the stories of illness and poverty which usually portray the region and just to remember a past of freedom, prosperity and glory.

Graciella Carvalho, second in the Miss Bumbum contest, paraded with Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi. Asked if she bothered to show her breasts, she said, 'Nothing bothers me" - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Model and TV-presenter Caroline Bittencourt on the avenue for Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi, the samba school that did the penultimate presentation of the opening day of the carnival in Sãao Paulo - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Second Princess and Carnival King Momo of São Paulo parade with Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Master of ceremonies and flag bearer of Tucuruvi represent the respect and dignity in African tribal families - photo: Flavio Morais / G1

The plot of Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi was 'O esplendor da África no reinado da foliá (The splendour of Africa in the reign of folly) - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

The magical forces of culture showed beauty and samba on the float 'African Rituals', representing the African religion with much fire - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Couple of master of ceremonies and flag bearer of Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Mancha Verde
Mancha Verde closed the first day of presentations and took to a story that presents the lessons of humility of Candomblé.

Viviane Araújo, Queen of the drums of Mancha Verde prepares for the start of the parade - photo: Raul Zito /G1

The plot of “Pelas mãos do mensageiro do axé a lição de Odú Obará: A humildade” (By the hands of the messenger of the axé the lesson Odú Obará: Humility) was sung while the public saw the sun rise in the parade and the school occupied the runway of Anhembi.

The Front Committee of Mancha Verde initiates the parade. The samba school is the last to report on the first day of Carnival - photo: Raul Zito / G1

The young club, founded in 1995, is still vying for its first title in the Special Group. Last year, it finished in a 4th place. This year, the samba school told the story of a prince who symbolizes one of 16 game pieces of shells. Odú Obará was one of 16 brother princes who had the mission to teach men the necessary values for life.

Detail of the body painting on the model Salimeni Juju, one of the muses of the Mancha Verde - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Model Salimeni Juju, one of the muses of Mancha Verde - photo: Raul Zito/G1

The model Juju Salimeni waiting for the parade of Mancha Verde to start - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Muse of Mancha Verde sings the samba-enredo of the samba school - photo: Raul Zito/G1

A float in the parade of Mancha Verde - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Muse of Mancha Verde - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Next the Saturday night parades in São Paulo. Another seven carnival schools.

Tagged: Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi, Anhembi, Brazil Carnival 2012, Carnival 2012, carnival muses, carnival parades, Mancha Verde, Rosas de Ouro, samba schools, Sambódromo, São Paulo

Parades of the Samba Schools in São Paulo – 01

Anton Steeman — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:54:42 +0000

Solange Gomes, godmother of the drum band of samba school Camisa Verde e Branco - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

Fourteen schools performed on two nights of Carnival São Paulo, starting Friday night 17 Febr.2012 in the Sambódromo of Anhembi in the north of the capital.

Ellen Cardoso, aka Mulher Moranguinho, Queen of the drum band of Camisa Verde e Branco - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

Samba school Camisa Verde e Branco, vice-champion of the Access Group in 2011 opened the parades. Império de Casa Verde, X-9 Paulistana, Vai-Vai, Rosas de Ouro, Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi and Mancha Verde followed in this order. The last school entered the Sambódromo between 5am and 6am and finished the parades of the first day.

Dancers of the samba school Camisa Verde e Branco during the parade in the Sambódromo in Anhembi - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

In this first post the first four samba schools. The last three of the first day in a following post.

Camisa Verde e Branco
Camisa Verde e Branco prepared a show based on the noblest of feelings: love. According to the carnivalesque Anselmo Brito, the theme was chosen based on the time experienced by humanity and by the school. “People just talk about war, families do not feel good. So we want to open the carnival in São Paulo with a theme lighter, happier, and also celebrate the return of Camisa Verde e Branco”.

A group of Baianas of Camisa Verde e Branco - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

The parade of samba school Camisa Verde e Branco - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

The dancer Fernanda Passos of the samba school Camisa Verde e Branco - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

The flag bearer and master of ceremonies of Camisa Verde e Branco - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

King Momo and the Queen of Carnival 2012. The Queen, Andreza Sobrinho, appears here in the first of 34 samba schools with which she will parade throughout the revelry - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

The samba dancer Fernanda Passos with members of the samba school Camisa Verde e Branco - photo: Joseph Patrick / AE

Império de Casa Verde
Next comes Império de Casa Verde, with the theme “In the optic of my empire, the focus is you”, which will lead to Anhembi a reflection on the vision and development of equipment that allow a better view, such as glasses, microscopes and telescopes.

Andreia Andrade, godmother of the drums of Império de Casa Verde - photo: Raul Zito / G1

ValeskaReis, Queen of the drums of samba school Império de Casa Verde - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Float of Império de Casa Verde that opened the show - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

Float of Império de Casa Verde - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Richly decorated float of Império de Casa Verde - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Members of Império de Casa Verde dancing the samba - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Concentration before the start of the parade of Império de Casa Verde - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Império de Casa Verde was second to enter the Anhembi. In the photo, the muse Valeska Reis - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Master of ceremonies and the flag-bearer greet the public in Anhembi - photo: Flavio Morais / G1

Império de Casa Verde brought a very colourful parade - photo: Flavio Morais / G1

X-9 Paulistana
Here comes X-9 Paulistana promising a journey of rediscovery of the Brazilian sertão (hinterland), with the storyline the commemoration of the 20th edition “Rally dos Sertões”.

Float in the parade of samba school X-9 Paulistana in Anhembi - photo: Joseph Patrick / State Agency

X-9 Paulistana celebrated the dust of the roads of the backlands - photo: Vanessa Carvalho / AFP Photo

A highlight of the samba school X-9 Paulistana - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

Muse of X-9 Paulistana shows sympathy in the parade - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Rosana Ferreira, Miss Bumbum, was one of the highlights on the ground in the parade of samba school X-9 Paulistana - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Rosana Ferreira, Miss Bumbum, was one of the highlights on the ground in the parade of samba school X-9 Paulistana - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Muse of X-9 Paulistana shows her beauty in Anhembi. The plot of the school the parade spoke about the Brazilian sertão (backlands) - photo: Raul Zito/G1

Bruna Fonseca (right), princess of the drums of X-9 Paulistana, paraded in Anhembi - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Vai-Vai
The champion of last year, Vai-Vai, was the fourth school to parade, and showed a parade about the feminine universe and the contribution that women had in the progress of Brazil.

Dancer of Vai-Vai excited about her samba school - photo: Raul Zito / G1

The reporter of the TV-program 'Mais você' (More You), Nádia Bochi, accepted the challenge of being the flag bearer - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Ana Hickmann, one of the highlights of Vai-Vai, represented the brightness of the stars. Theme of the story was: “Women who shine - the feminine force in social progress and cultural development” - photo: Raul Zito / G1

Member with a fantasy of Emilia, from the TV-program 'Sítio do Pica-Pau Amarelo‘ (Site of the Yellow Woody Woodpecker) - photo: Flavio Morais / G1

One of the highlights of Vai-Vai had trouble with her 'fantasy' - photo: Flavio Morais / G1

Highlight of a dancing group of samba school Vai Vai - photo: Flavio Moraes/G1

Highlight of the float which opened the parade of Vai-Vai, representing the Garden of Eden - photo: Raul Zito / G1

In 2012, Vai-Vai paraded with 31 dancing groups and five floats - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

The school clearly invested in sensuality - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Champion of the São Paulo Carnival in 2011, Vai-Vai this time honoured the women heroines - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Dancer Camila Silva, Queen of the drums of samba school Vai Vai - photo: Juliana Cardilli/G1

Muse singing and dancing the Vai-Vai samba - photo: Flavio Morais/G1

Ok, these were the first 4 groups, later today the other 3 of the first day in São Paulo.

Tagged: Anhembi, Brazil Carnival 2012, Camisa Verde e Branco, Carnival 2012, carnival muses, carnival parades, Império de Casa Verde, samba schools, Sambódromo, São Paulo, Vai-Vai, X-9 Paulistana

Painting the Body of a Carnival Model

Anton Steeman — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:09:25 +0000

Body painting is quite the fashion during carnival. With the queens, muses and samba dancers indicating that an absolute minimum of clothing is the best for a parade, body painting is in.
It all started more or less with Viviane Castra in 2009 parading with samba school X-9 Paulistina, who brought the image of the Amazon to São Paulo. With a tapa-sexo (a 2×3 cm piece of tape covering her female genitals) and only body painting, she conquered the carnival world of Brazil.

: Viviana Castra in the parade of samba school X-9 Paulistina in 2009 -photo Sebastião Moreira-EFE

Viviane Castro paraded nearly nude only with U.S. President Barack Obama’s portrait on her body, painted on her left thigh, while then Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s face was painted on her right thigh.
Artist Betto Almeida, who says he has, for more than 12 years, been brushing, dripping and spraying paint on some of the most beautiful bodies Brazil’s Carnival has displayed, did Viviane’s paint job.

This combination of an exhibition of art and sex set off many a samba dancer, queen and muse to imitate Viviane’s idea and let paint their bodies to attract the revellers during carnival. It is not surprising that in 2012 body painting is the main ‘clothing’ carnival queens are wearing.

In the parade of beautiful women of the special samba schools who passed through the Sambódrome in Anhembi of São Paulo on the first night, Juju Salimeni was the one that most caught the public attention. The model showed just a tapa-sexo and some feathers. The rest of the costume was the very model of her naked body, painted with elements related to Pomba-Gira, In Umbanda and Quimbanda in Brazil, Pomba-Gira is viewed as the consort of Exu, who is the messenger of the Orixas in Candomblé.

The paintings on Juju’s body were designed by plastic artist W. Verissimo. The work took about two hours to make and was completed just before the samba school of Juju, Mancha Verde, had to enter the avenue, at about 6am on Saturday (18).

This was the second time Juju Salimeni featured in the carnival parade. Last year, she also paraded for Mancha Verde and opted for a naked body, only painted with shades related to the plot of the samba school connected. “Last year I was the queen of water. This year I am the Pomba-Gira”.

For the artist W. Verissimo, who always signs the body of the model after his work is finished, just like a work of traditional art, the challenge of this type of work is analysing the plot of the samba school before creating the design itself.

“In the case of Juju, I’ll paint a lot of flames on her body. These are elements that refer to Maria Padilha, the Pomba-Gira”, he said while painting.

Photos courtesy: Caio Kenji/G1

Tagged: Anhembi, artist W. Verissimo, Betto Almeida, body painting, Brazil Carnival 2012, Carnival 2012, carnival muses, carnival parades, Juju Salimeni, Mancha Verde, samba schools, Sambódromo, São Paulo, Viviane Castra

Children’s Carnival Inaugurates the Sambadrôme in Rio

Anton Steeman — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:54:25 +0000

In blue and green, girls are preparing to enter the parade for the junior samba school Império do Futuro

As I wrote in my previous post, the carnival parades in São Paulo started Friday night. But in the meantime in Rio de Janeiro the carnival parade of the samba schools of the future inaugurated the newly-remodelled Sambadrôme. A fascinating parade of children and youngsters, who guarantee the future of the samba schools.

The princess of the drum band of Golfinhos da Guanabara, Stephany of 6 years, showed that she has the samba in her legs

It were not the famous samba dancers, queens and carnival celebrities that will open the remodelled Marquis de Sapucaí in Rio de Janeiro, the next generation of the carnival schools inaugurated the Sambadrôme, although the reconstruction hasn’t finished yet.

Master of ceremonies and the flag bearer of the junior samba school Infantes do Lins parade in Rio de Janeiro

The junior samba schools show Baianas (dancers in folkloristic traditional costumes of Bahia), samba dancers, drum bands and even its queens and muses. The parade showed that for the children and young people from 17 clubs samba dancing is an integral part of them, from the moment they were born.

Gabriela, 8 years, is the Godmother of the drum band of battery Aprendizes de Salgueiro

The Association of Mirins Schools of Rio de Janeiro (Rio-EMSA) explains that participants older than 18 years are prohibited from parading, with the exception of the master of the drum band and master choreographer, who can have a maximum age of 25 years.

A little girl gives a sympathetic show in the parade of the junior samba school Inocentes da Caprichosos

In general, the participants of junior schools are aged between 5 and 18. Despite their young age, the shows have small groups of bainanas, queens and princesses of drums, samba dancers, and couples, who act as the master of ceremonies and flag bearer.

Children parade for the junior school Aprendizes do Salgueiro, in Sapucaí, Rio de Janeiro

According to the regulation, there is no championship in the junior parades. However, schools are judged by a special jury, composed of professional artists and samba dancers, who work with children and adolescents in the communities. The best presentation is awarded with the Junior Samba Standard.

Baianas (original dancers from Bahia) of the samba school Herdeiros da Vila swirl through Sapucaí

Another prize for schools is the Olhômetro Trophy, which is given to schools in all categories which performed best during the parades. The committee evaluates the criteria of harmony, development, communication with the public, floats and props, fantasy, drum band, among others.

The Queen of the drum band Império do Futuro displays her broad smile

Most junior schools are founded by the large and well-known samba schools. Early on, children learn to share fun and responsibility. Like the official samba schools, junior schools are penalized with fines, if they delay the dispersion of their parade floats or when fewer components than required by regulation are presented.

Muse and princess of the samba school Infantes do Lins show that they can dance the samba

Enjoy the rest of the photos.

Girls of samba school Nova Geração do Estácio de Sá showed their brilliance and joy in Sapucaí

The junior muse of Filhos da Águia, the 12th junior samba school which entered the Sapucaí, parades with lots of charm

Escarlet Cristina, 12, Muse of Aprendizes de Salgueiro, shows all her charm on the avenue

The mini queen of Filhos da Águia shows all her joy during the parade on Friday the 17th

Master of ceremonies and flag bearer of the samba school Ainda Existem Crianças de Vila Kennedy show a lot of joy in Rio de Janeiro

Young drummers of the samba school Inocentes da Caprichosos

Isabela and Julio Cesar, couple of the master of ceremonies and the flag bearer of the junior school Inocentes da Caprichosos

Samba of Unidos da Águia talks about the importance of nature

Red, white and orange took over Sapucaí with the entrance of the samba school Ainda Existem Crianças de Vila Kennedy (There still exist children in Kennedy Village)

Samba school Mangueira do Amanhã enthused revellers late Friday (17).

A decorated float of the samba school Herdeiros da Vila is prepared to enter the avenue

The Muse of Inocentes da Caprichosos thrilled the audience

The Muse of Aprendizes de Salgueiro, Escarlet Cristina,12, received applause from the audience by showing swing and samba in her legs

Boys of the drum band of Mangueira do Amanhã parade in Sapucaí

Junior drum band 'Furiosinha' enlightened the parade of Aprendizes do Salgueiro

A girl shows her charm with the drum band of the junior samba school Ainda Existem Crianças de Vila Kennedy

Dressed in red, the baianas (original dancers from Bahia) of the samba school Aprendizes do Salgueiro

A group of ‘animals’ of samba school Golfinhos de Guanabara enliven the parade

All photos courtesy: Tássia Thum/ G1

Tagged: Brazil Carnival 2012, Carnival 2012, carnival muses, carnival parades, children’s carnival, Marquês de Sapucaí, Rio de Janeiro, samba schools, Sambódromo