Rio 2012 Carnival of Celebrities at samba rehearsals at Rio´s Sambadrome

Rio Carnival News: Last Sunday , January 22nd 2012, during the Rio de Janeiro 2012 Carnival rehearsals, several national and international celebrities were present.  Three schools had their chance to practice their parade at Rio´s Sambadrome:  Santa Cruz, Academicos do Grande Rio, and finally Vila Isabel Samba School.  Grande Rio Samba School, as a tradition, had several celebrities, including Brazilian Super model Fernanda Motta, TV hosts Mirella Santos & Ana Furtado, model Mayra Cardi, Wellington Muniz comedian, a.k.a “Ceará”, to mention a few.   Latino dancers were also present, like Jessica Salty.

Below, an exclusive interview with supermodel Fernanda Motta in English.

At Vila Isabel Samba-School, three times winner of the Rio de Janeiro,  the Carnival Queen of Drums caused huge frenzy, the also comedian, model and TB host Sabrina Sato.   Other carnival celebrities present that presented great outfits were Quitéria Chagas, eternal Queen of carnival and Bianca Salgueiro.    Well, it was definitely a hard task to all “Brazilian paparazzi.” 

Brazil Carnival 2012 Events: Queen of Carnival Contest full of Samba & Passion

Brazil carnival Ooah! witnessed one of the most important parallel events which opens the 2012 Brazilian Carnival festivities: The Queen of Carnival Rio de Janeiro Contest.  This preliminary event took place Friday, October 8th and was held in the City of Samba, aka, “Cidade do Samba”, close to the harbor area.  The competition is being organized by Rio´s Tourism department and started out with more than 100 registered candidates, from girls ranging from 18 up to 35 years old.   The objective of this night, the official semifinal, was to select the top 8 elite samba dancers from a total of 33 contenders:  A tough mission not just for themselves, whom of which sometimes dedicated a full year for this contest , but to the specialized panel of judges.   Let´s see how this samba festivity all happened.

Below, a video of the initial presentation with all contestants.

As journalists gathered at their allocated spot, family, friends, and supporters of the Queen of Carnival contestants kept arriving, creating an atmosphere of excitement.  Journalist were betting on their favorites and also comparing to last year’s edition, which was very competitive and had real carnival muses disputing for the title, won by Bianca Salgueiro, the current Queen of Carnival in Rio. 

Each candidate would have a chance to present themselves to a panel of judges, respond a question about Rio de Janeiro, and finally present in a 1 minute and half, the samba routine.    The candidates would be judged upon several criteria including friendliness, ease, body harmony, sociability, carnival spirit, elegance, and finally samba dancing skills.  To be noted, many of the samba dancers were very nervous when they were in front of the panel of jurors, somewhat natural, since some of them were 1st timers. 

Below, a great photo of the Final Contestant, provided by RioTur:

Of the 33 candidates enrolled on this semifinal phase, 27 attended.   The winner, besides the crown and sash, will receive the amount of R$ 20,000.   The second place will hold the title of 1st Princess of Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2012, a tiara and sash, plus R$ 15,000.   The third placed will receive the title as the 2nd Princess of Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2012, winning a tiara, sash plus R$15,000.  The mandates of the official Rio de Janeiro 2012 court of the carnival will begin on the date of their election ( October 28th 2011) and end on February 27, 2012 ( Official Brazilian Carnival closing in 2012).   

It was a true pleasure to see the emotion of the contestants when they spoke about their struggle to be participating of the contest, the support received by friends and family.  Many of them inclusively praised God for helping them overcome so many financial and other struggles.   But when the samba drums started playing, as if by magic, positive samba spirits blessed the catwalk and all of them presented beautiful samba routines full of energy and harmony.   Another marvelous aspect of the contest was to see the variety of the Brazilian identity & samba culture, with women from many ethnic backgrounds: brunettes, native Brazilians, “mulatas”, white, black pearls and blonds, full and embodied in the spirit of their roots.  This alone was a spectacle on its own, to see how Brazilian women are proud of their body, shape, ethnic background and color. 

Below, Flávia Rodrigues Da Costa, candidate #6, who didn´t make it to the finals, but made too a charming presentation.

Photo Credit: Papo de Samba - Ana Cristina Victória

After the presentation of all candidates, the panel of judges decided after almost 2 hours of a closed meeting, the final 8 candidates would be the following:

01 - Suzan Maria Souza Gonçalves (candidate #7)

02 - Patrícia Pontes Pereira Costa (candidate #10)

03 - Ângela Denise dos Santos (candidate #12)

04 - Letícia Martins Guimarães (candidate #13)

05 - Luciana Cordeiro de Abreu (candidate #14)

06 - Jaqueline de Jesus Rocha (candidate #15)

07 - Egili Aparecida de Oliveira Conceição (candidate #23)

08 - Cristiane de Souza Alves (candidate #30)

See you then on the great final, to be held October 28th 2012, certainly an event no samba enthusiast can miss!

2012 Brazilian Carnival News: Uniao da Ilha 2012 Parade Theme

União de Ilha do Governador in 2012 will present its parade theme based on England, and as a consequence paying homage to England, and per extension, the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games.  With a title called “Once upon a time”, or in Portuguese “Era Uma Vez”.  The “Islander School” , as it is tenderly known in Rio, since it is located  non-coincidently in an island within the Guanabara Bay, believes since 1380,  stories in English language are initiated in that particular format, and became a convention in narratives, just like the ubiquitous  “and lived happily ever since”.    The oral tradition of storytelling of myths, folklore and fairy tales also became a mark in the English literature, and by consequence, influenced world literature and why not, history.   União da Ilha Samba School has several “similarities” if we can put this way, with Great Britain: The colors of the Flag of the samba-school are the same ( red, blue and white ), both of them are based in an Island, and finally, both of them hold Saint George as its patron Saint. 

Photo Credit: Glaicon Emrich - Uniao da Ilha

União da Ilha Samba School in Rio,  which was one of the 3  samba-schools which suffered great losses on the 2011 carnival warehouse fires, will use exactly the Olympic pyre (and fire), as a link and symbolism for representing  the “overcoming” attribute.   The triumphing spirit is a common language and expression for Olympic athletes, and will also be used as a parallel for União da Ilha´s  transition and presentment of the parade theme; both about England, and the 2012 London Olympic Games itself.  English literature is perhaps, one of the finest contributions to Western civilization.   If União da Ilha Samba School is able to present with richness and creativity a visual representation of the British literary strength, certainly it will be a serious contender for the 2012 Rio Carnival title.

Below we see the new logo for Uniao da Ilha 2012 Carnival Parade Theme

The parade theme was developed by Alex de Souza, Carnival Art Director.  He is part of what´s called Rio´s "new generation of Carnival Art Director talents".  Together with Fabio Ricardo, from Sao Clemente, Cahe Rodrigues from Grande Rio, Paulo Barros from Unidos da Tijuca amongs others, have been presenting beautiful carnival parades.   One of their great innovations was to mix creativity, beauty with inexpensive materials.  Over the past years, these new Carnival Art Directors ( Carnavalescos ) have been obtaining good positions in Rio´s Carnival parades, sometimes running on tight budgets!  Alex de Souza, as part of this new generation of talents, will certainly be able to blend the tradition of Great Britain´s literature and history´s  with Brazil´s irreverence, tropicality and joyfulness.  Sounds like a recipe for success!

Photo Credit: Glaicon Emrich - Uniao da Ilha

GRES São Clemente  2012 Carnival Theme Development

São Clemente is the only Rio Samba School from the “South Zone” of Rio, which could be the equivalent to New York´s “Upper East Side”.   The samba school has great sympathy by the majority of the Cariocas for its joyful irreverence ( one of its main characteristics ) and the warmth with which the Samba School welcomes foreign guests.  The samba-school has a few exchange programs from abroad and has been increasingly professionalized.  In this Year, São Clemente, born and raised in Botafogo neighborhood, will present a “carnival” approach to the history and the magic of the Musicals in the world and their reflection in the Brazilian society.    

São Clemente parade theme official name in “Enredo: Uma Aventura Musical na Sapucaí” freely translated from Portuguese to “Parade Theme: A Musical Adventure at Sapucaí”.   The cheerful samba school has its head-quarters, or “quadra” to use the Brazilian Carnival vocabulary, totally renovated and will use this to attract even more revelers.  The samba-school announced theme and synopsis will relay to famous and legendary Broadway musicals such as “Cats”, “The Beauty and the Beast”, “Phantom of the Opera”, “Victor Victoria” and “Les Miserable”.  Classic movies will also be present such as the Brazilian Oscar Academy Award winner “Kiss of the Spider Woman”, “Yes, We have Bananas” and “Wizard of Oz”.   If São Clemente´s traditional frolic is well dosed, we are sure to see a promising Parade.  The parade theme is signed by Carnival Art Director Fábio Ricardo.

Grande Rio 2012 Samba-School Parade Theme Description and Logo

For most of foreigners, Brazilian Carnival 2012 will only happen in February 18th.    Few know that such frenzy has already started in the more the hundreds of samba schools all over Brazil.  Right now, in the middle of September, we are going through a phase called “Samba Cuts”, or in Portuguese, “Corte de Sambas”.   This is the phase where the Samba Schools, having already chosen their plot themes for their parades, called in the Brazilian Carnival vocabulary as “Enredos”, are choosing their songs.   The “Enredos” are stories which will be told during the parades, where thousands of revelers in Brazil, along with gigantic floats, will unfold their message and narrative.  From this week on, Brazil Carnival Ooah! will be presenting a  summary of the most important samba-schools in English.

While the samba schools go through this interesting, but exhausting eliminatory phase of deciding which samba song will be used to musically enrich the parade theme, we decided to explain and anticipate a little bit of what they will show in 2012.

In Rio de Janeiro, there are 12 samba-schools on the Special Group.   We will describe and walk through each of the parade themes defined by the samba-schools so Brazilian Carnival lovers all over the world can familiarize themselves with each of the samba-schools and their themes for 2012.  The order we decided to post is totally random, and does not follow any kind of preference, or categorization.   Today´s post will describe Grande Rio Samba School´s parade theme

GRES Grande Rio Samba School

Grande Rio Samba School was one of the 3 samba school which went through that horrific fire, that burned 90% of their warehouse where all costumes and floats were being finalized a month before the parade.    Inspired by the tragedy, and the overcoming of such events, the samba-school decided for the theme “I believe in you! And you?” in Portuguese, the official is name "Eu acredito em você! E você?”   - The supersession of humanity is the main argument of Carnival Art Director, Cahe Rodrigues.   In his explanatory document on the theme, he transcribed a famous phrase from Eastern philosopher Confucius: “Our greatest glory lies not in fact never falling, but in getting up after each fall.”  In essence, the school will describe virtuous characteristics necessary to overcome such decisive episodes, like force of will, faith, hope and endurance.    If they are able to show creativity, luxury, harmony with this interesting theme of hope, endurance and motivation, they will certainly present a great carnival.

Below, we see the logo of the Grande Rio 2012 Theme Logo

Samba - “السامبا” - TV Series from Iraq - Dubai shot in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil Carnival Ooah! for the 2 last weeks,  was hired to provide support for an International shooting revolving Samba, soccer and Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.   The Dubai based Etana Media Production group, hired Brazil Carnival Ooah! to provide an elite group of samba dancers team, carnival costume rentals , and samba drums support for a new TV series to be broadcasted in Arab speaking nations, through three satellites.    For this giant enterprise, Brazil Carnival Ooah! partnered up with the winner of the Rio´s Carnival Prize “Estandarte de Ouro 2011”, União da Ilha Samba School.  The samba-school helped to put together a team of more than 15 top samba dancers, 5 traditional Baianas, 5 samba percussionists and a myriad of more than 120 different colorful carnival and Samba Costumes.  The Samba School was also present through its Director of Institutional Affairs, Otavio Paranhos and Claudinho, the samba-school´s main samba team choreographer.     (Uniao da Ilha Samba-School will present in Rio´s 2012 Carnival, a parade theme based on the London 2012 Olympic Games.)

_{Below a picture of famous Dalli Singer, at the "Quinta da Boavista" location, which served as the Palace for Brazil´s Emperor.}

The TV Series, which will be launched next September in dozens of Arab speaking nations, was shot in Rio de Janeiro, and included a series of video-clips too.   It should be called  “السامبا” or just “Samba”, and tells the story of romantic couple in the backstage of Rio´s Samba and soccer culture in the marvelous Rio de Janeiro.    The main actress was the famous Iraq singer Dalli, and Set locations for this TV series included the legendary Botanical Garden, the “Quinta da Boavista”, the Flamengo  Park, the Rio Lagoon, the Guanabara Bay and the old City Center.  Adding to these unique natural beauties, the Executive Producer also sought after many Rio de Janeiro classic and grandiose buildings for the shooting.    The samba shootings would always start very early, as 5AM, so as to maximize Rio´s golden´s sun exposure and light.   Logistics were also a true challenge to Brazil Carnival Ooah! team and União da Ilha Samba-School, so as to coordinate the samba dancers’ team,  marvelous costumes, make-up and support staff.    Some of the carnival costumes provided to this international production costs more than US$ 30.000,00 and evidently needed a special attention.

At the end of two weeks, Brazil Carnival and União Da Ilha do Governador Samba School were able to provide full support for Etana Media Production executive with excellence, and the original shooting was even extended for one extra day.   Both samba dancers and carnival members were very happy to participate at this enormous production, which in one scene, involved more than 130 samba dancers and “extra” actors.    Brazil Carnival Ooah! believes a new phase of international shootings and filming of documentaries, commercials, TV series will be developed in Rio de Janeiro naturally  because of the 2014 World Cup and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.  

Viva samba, Carnival, soccer and the amazing colors of Rio de Janeiro.   We welcome more of these amazing international media productions! 

The Myth of Brazil Carnival  “Made in China” Explained:  Brazil Carnival News

Ferraris made in Germany, Cartier watches made in England, Brazil Costumes made in….Brazil, of course.   Browsing in the Internet, I have been observing all kinds of “reports” and “analysis” erroneously stating Brazilian Carnival costumes are made everywhere else, but Brazil.  In March 2012, Samantha Pearson, journalist for the Financial Times, wrote an article with an enticing (should we say marketing?) title: “Brazil’s carnival: made in China”, which may clearly mislead those who are not fully aware of the Brazilian Carnival industry and entertainment business.   Though I might admit I found the title “catchy”, and working on the industry for years, I fortunately see the argument doesn´t stand itself and does not represent the truth.   This is what I will carefully detail in this article.   As examples, I read around the web that Brazilian Carnival costumes are  “made in China”, Brazil Samba dance bikinis are “made in Thailand”, and carnival costumes head pieces  are “made in Poland”.    How could this be?  Does Thailand now has Carnival tradition, with designers, stylists and artisans specialized on the Brazilian Carnival aesthetics?   If yes, then this is “real” news to me.   The objective here is not to be “anti-global”, by the contrary, but to demonstrate how the world´s largest Carnival party is really crafted.   We will see that Brazil´s Carnival unlimited creativity, is probably the main reasons for its planetary success, uniqueness and magnitude. 

Legendary Ferrari, just like the Italian Pasta, is one of Italy´s most iconic symbols for most of the people I know. To associate Ferrari to Italy is as obvious and equivalent,  as to the association of the Eiffel tower or the Cartier Brand to France.   Certainly, both Ferrari and Cartier are “inserted” not only in the subconscious minds of foreigners, but also in the hearts of those who follow those industries.   Now comes the question, do you think legendary Ferrari models, like the 1984 Testarossa, or to mention a newer model, the 2005 Ferrari FXX, both pinnacles of the car industry assembled in Maranello are made with 100%  of its components made in Italy?   I can assure you with 100% of proof they are not.   Tires for example are made by Goodyear, ( or Dunlop),  the aluminum is provided by American Alcoa, and its modern electronics are provided with inputs from several countries and suppliers, including China and Japan.   Is this to mean Ferrari is a global product then?  Should we count the origins of all raw and manufactured inputs of a Ferrari car, see who has its largest percentage of it in its final product,  and then label the car by that country?   It doesn´t sound logical to me, as to it would not sound logical for anyone.  Ferrari maker is a great, if not the best,  assembler of premium cars in the world, but that doesn´t make it “un-Italian”, in the hearts and souls of their admirers, consumers, and ordinary people just because it has inputs from many parts of the world.   It is an “Italian Car” as far as we all know, nevertheless their global inputs.   It is “Made in Maranello”, “Made in Italy”, not “made globally”. 

Below authentic Brazilian carnival artesans and craftsmen: Artistic creativity Made In Brazil!

The case is exactly the same with Brazilian Carnival Costumes.   90% of real “Brazilian Carnival costumes” are in fact “made in Brazil”, and not in China, or anywhere else.   They are manufactured in Brazil; assembled, styled, and made in Brazil.  The phrase used by Samantha Pearson : “Although the final outfit is often decorated or put together in Brazil, the vast majority are made from Chinese polyester….” is completely misleading.   If you care to do a minimal research in the outskirts of Rio, you will find dozens of Carnival costumes ateliers, that produce, assemble, sew for more than 200 samba-schools from all over the country.  The simple use of the word “often”, is a complete injustice with all of these hard working and creative professionals, as matter of fact.

Brazilian Carnival costumes use much more than “cloths and polyester”.   We can go further and say these inputs indeed, are the cheapest part of true Brazilian Carnival costumes, where traditionally, feathers and beads are essentially the most expensive items in these luxurious costumes.    As anyone can research over the Internet, a dozen of 36 inch lady Amherst pheasant tails feathers, are produced in many parts of Africa and China and can cost up to US$ 72.00.   Imagine how much an authentic Brazilian Carnival costume, with hundreds of these pheasant feathers and plumes, plus Svarowski crystals can cost:  Thousands of US$ for sure.    But can you find them “ready for deliver” in Alibaba website for example?  Not a single one of them.  True Brazilian Carnival costumes use inputs, raw and manufactured materials from all over the world, including Brazil.    But this doesn´t mean there are “made in China”.

Below we see an exhuberant Brazilian Carnival Costume inspired in an Egyptian theme: Made in Brazil, again.

Just like the case with the Italian Ferrari cars and Cartier watches, Brazilian Carnival costumes´ essence and soul rely exactly upon their innovative design, not their composition.   This is the main argument:  The exhaustive hours of testing of new materials, embroidery work, artisanal sewing is exactly what makes the “Brazilian Carnival” costume what it is universally known for, and not its “polyester” component.  Brazilian Carnival costumes are considered the most glamorous and impressive in the world, exactly because of this intrinsic artistic nature, which has to re-invent itself every Carnival season.   This is where it’s magic and fantasy relies upon, and not in a grey colored sky factory located in China.   Again, Brazilian Carnival costumes ( by the way, not only costumes, but floats´ technology,  mobile adornments, and special parade effects…) have reached global fame, like the Ferrari´s cars, fundamentally because of its style, soul and spirit.   These three elements are those of a kind that (fortunately) simply can´t be reproduced or assembled in a “factory”.   For all of these reasons I can affirm Brazilian Carnival costumes as the name states, are thankfully “Made in Brazil”, and not in China, or elsewhere.   Not to mention the “Carnival” itself.   If it was, the Brazilian Carnival festivity surely would not be able to maintain its status of the “world´s largest Carnival on Earth” for so many years, with millions of passionate lovers and admirers.  

Thankfully, most Carnival lovers around the world acknowledge this argument above as a proven fact, which inclusively made possible its expansion.   Today, we are able to see incredibly fantastic Carnival parades in Helsinki, Notting Hill, Frankfurt, Asakusa, San Luis, Paris, Copenhagen, and innumerous other cities, using the “Made in Brazil Carnival” model, as a healthy basis for the cultural intertwining of its own Carnival parades. 

Hire Samba Shows in Rio - Press Release Samba Dancing

Who has never dreamed of filming in Rio de Janeiro, with the Top Samba dancers of Brazil, with full feathered costumes, samba drummers, security, carnival sculptures and adornments?     Brazil Carnival Ooah! is proud to announce that it has officially partnered with on the most traditional Samba-Schools in Rio: Uniao da Ilha Samba School.   

The samba dancers were hand-picked by the most famous Claudinho choreograher from Uniao da Ilha, and are only approved after rigorous samba testing and extreme professional aspects, such as punctuality, reliability, and corporate commitment.  

Their samba show team has made over thousands of presentations since the beginning of its operation and now offers in Rio de Janeiro ,  several different types of samba shows including:

• Traditional Carnival Samba Show of Passistas – Samba Dancers

• Pocket Show 

• Queen of Carnival – Top Samba Dancers

• Drummers  - Samba Drumming

Samba Dance Costume X Parade Costumes

Samba Costumes, Brazilian Costumes, Parade Costumes,  Show Girl Dancers, Baianas costumes: After all, what are their differences?   On this article, we will try to explain a recurrent questions among Brazil Carnival lovers.  Many think a true samba dance costume is the same as a carnival parade costume, or vice versa.   Others don´t understand why there is a difference in the prices of carnival and samba costumes, and their purposes.   The objective of this post is to explain basically 2 types of Brazilian Carnival costumes:  the samba dance costumes, and the parade carnival costume.   Foreigners may think Rio and Brazil carnival costumes “are all the same”, with the “bikini look”  or “lots of feathers”.   There are huge differences within these two types of costumes, and the main reason for the difference is its use and purpose.   In future articles, we will talk about the Baianas, Queen of Carnival, and Opening Wing Costumes.  

Samba Dancer Costume – Passista Type and Show Girl Type

True authentic samba dance costumes, are traditionally worn only by the famous “passistas wing”, ( see definition in link) , professional samba dancers that devote their lives all year long for the samba dancing profession.   These costumes in general are subdivided into two categories: lighter type samba costumes, made specifically for one parade, and the “show-girl” samba dancer costume, as the name implies, made for samba dance shows.   The latter, the “show girl samba dancer costume” type, is supposed to be much more resistant, since they will be used over and over.   Samba dance shows, just like a theater play, may be scheduled for a tour and go on for months.   For this reason, this kind of samba dance costumes must be resistant, normally covered with some feathers, but overall comfortable so as to make sure the “passistas” use all their skills on the show. 

Below we see a the "Show Girl samba dancer costume": Normally with a large headpiece and confortable padded bikini. 

The other kind, the “parade samba dancer costume”, is lighter than one we mentioned earlier, and are normally used once or twice, during a specific event.   These costumes may have less clothing, to make possible open air performances, and have a different kind of assembly.   They are usually not made with materials made to last innumerous parades.   This is not to say they are supposed to “fall apart” after the parade, obviously.   But they definitely have much less adornments like shoulder / wings, back-pieces, excessive plumage.  What both have of them have in common - samba dancer costume, again -  is that they have less clothing then all other wings, so as  to aid the samba dancing ( which is different than parading ) and therefore proportionally cheaper than full Carnival costumes, for the simples models without luxurious pheasant feathers, for example.

Below we see a true samba dancer costume, but because of its luxurious materials like pheasant feathers, Swarovski Crystals, it can also be used for shows.   If this costume had less feathers on the headpience, it could be a became a simple "passista" costume, or a true samba dancer costume.

Above we see a phenomenal photo of Raísa Santiago, of famous Brazilian Passista, Diana Prado from São Clemente.

Brazilian Carnival Parade Costume Type: Compose the Parade Plot 

Now Rio or Brazil Carnival costumes make part of a whole new kind of category: These where made basically for “normal” revelers, members of a samba school.   They were not made for samba dancers on the strict sense of the meaning.  They were made to aid the Carnival Art Director, the Carnavalesco ( see definition ), build his plot for a parade.   Normally, these kinds of costumes have even a name, since they are attached or part of a specific parade wing within a samba school parade.   Generally, these costumes are larger, fancier, and heavier.   These costumes normally have shoulder pads for example, called “esplendor” in Portuguese, many feathers all around the costume, and much more of clothing overall.  They are rarely have the “Brazil bikini or thongs” look. 

Now below, you see a typical "parade" Brazil carnival costume. Observe how the purpose and general outlook in completely different.

These “parade costumes” also use prime materials, but are generally heavier than samba dancer costumes. Revelers who use the traditional “parade costumes”, normally don´t dance at the parade, they “parade” within their wing, or have a special choreography determined by its Wing Director or Carnival Art Designer.   Of course, prices within parade costumes can also vary dramatically: The more quality materials used like pheasant feathers, silk, embroidery (hand-made ) work, can make these costumes very expensive, but also built to last if treated with care.   As mentioned above, the final objective of these costume in the authentic Rio / Brazilian Carnival parade is to help compose the parade theme/plot.  So  naturally the costume is a “moveable” adornment on itself,  unlike the samba dance costume, which is there to enhance the samba dance, and not the parade plot.

Well,  I hope this short article was sufficient to help you new Carnival lovers to distinguish between two types of costumes, the samba dancer costumes and the traditional  carnival parade costumes.

A full variety of Brazilian Carnival Costumes can be found at: www.brazilcarnivalshop.com

Brazil Carnival Shop Costume Photo Shot Session: Stunning Carnival Costumes

Brazil Carnival Shop, in association of Brazil Carnival Ooah!, produced the making of its first session of Brazilian Carnival Costumes Photo Shoot.

The Brazil Carnival Costumes Photo Shoot was taken on Beija-Flor Samba School premisses, on Rio´s Cidade do Samba.  The production was directed by Bruno Villaça Art Director.  The professional photograher was made by expert Rodrigo Esper.   The amazing Rio models were Lilian Duarte, from Mangueira and Cubango Samba-School, and Marcella Diniz, a marvelous model, which now follows her carreer at Rio´s Police.  The fabulous production also included make up artist and drag queen performer Leo Rangel.  Special thanks to Mr. Jose Antonio from Beija-Flor, Ms. Vania and Karine.

Assitant Producers included Beija-Flor´s team Leo Midia and his styling crew.  The shooting was done in one morning in December 2010, and it was extremelly hot!  It was about 35 degrees Celsius, therefore a huge effort by everyone at the team.

Bruno Villaça Art Director also did the final editing of the Carnival Costumes Photos and re-touch. (Alltough these models didn´t need them...)

Below we present 2 videos which made a huge impact to all of us.  Hope you like them:

Brazil Art Costume Queen Hatshepsut Of Egypt: Celebrity Costume

Warrior Celebrity Carnival Costume With Voluptuous Feathered Wings

Disclaimer: 

All design and photography of this web site is owned by Brazil Carnival Shop.  The Carnival Costumes Design are owned by their stylists, who made the costumes above. Copying, borrowing or otherwise utilizing any information herein without specific written or verbal permission can and will put you at risk of legal action.  

Luxury Brazil Carnival Costumes Shop Launched

Dear Carnival and Samba Lovers around the world

It is with great honor and enthusiasm we communicate the official launch of www.brazilcarnivalshop.com website. After years of research within the local carnival community and abroad, we noticed the lacking of a detailed site, which truly represented the authenticity of Brazilian Carnival, Samba & festival costumes.  

It was our desire to present original carnival & samba costumes of many different categories, made in Brazil, by Brazilian craftsmen using superior quality, allied with sophisticated design.  We wanted to show traditional and innovative costumes in full details, describing every element of the costume.

Brazilcarnivalshop.com presents a full portfolio of costume designs, from samba dancing show costumes, to exuberant art costumes, made exclusively for one parade “destaques”, or costume for museums, galleries and special presentations.  

We are able to deliver costumes for entire wings upon a specific request, designed to fit your budget and deliver it directly to your address.  We also present a catalog of existing costumes ready to be purchased immediately.  Finally, we have an express service which can tailor a costume for a specific event and deliver it within 48 hours upon the final briefing request / contact.

We hope you will enjoy the variety of our Art Costumes, Queen of Drums Costumes, Show Girls costumes, Celebrities Costumes, Baianas Costumes, Drummers costumes, any other you might think of, for men and women. 

Brazilcarnivalshop.com has partnered with Brazil Carnival Ooah!, (first reference in Google.com.br for “brazil carnival” term) and one of the leading sites in the world for the Brazilian Carnival culture in English, with thousands of unique page views per month. Another partner of this endeavor is Brazil Carnival Twitter , with more than 10K followers, and our You Tube Channel, which has uploaded 200 Carnival culture related videos.

Finally, www.brazilcarnivashop.com has partnered exclusively with Carnival Art Director Bruno Villaça, a traditional carnival set & costume designer, whose life is directly linked to the history of Carnival in Rio, (see link).  Bruno is a true pioneer in the selling of Brazilian Carnival costumes through the Internet, starting to export costumes back in 2004.  He holds an impressive track record of 1800 costumes shipped, for parades, shows, corporate events, contest and entire samba-school wings.

We are already taking orders and offering carnival, samba, and celebrities costumes that fits your budget, starting at US$ 100,00, all the way to those glamorous “Rainhas de Bateria “ costumes of up to US$ 10.000,00. 

Hope we could serve you, accepting your thoughts and suggestions.

All the best and long live Carnival!

Brazil Carnival Shop Team: Andre Skowronski - Bruno Villaça - Maria Cristina Skowronski-Flynn

Beija-Flor de Nilopolis Samba School Community Parade

Last Saturday, the 2011 Rio Carnival Champion – Beija-Flor de Nilópolis Samba School performed an emotional parade at their home city.  The samba-school, which had their parade-theme based on the Brazilian legendary singer “King” Roberto Carlos, brought legitimate emotion to thousands of people of their community, who anxiously waited until midnight for the beginning of the parade.

Beija-Flor came to this community parade almost complete, with 90% of its stars: The official flag bearer Selmynha Sorriso was there, Claudinho – the Samba Host, Neguinho da Beija-Flor, the official interpreter, Raissa de Oliveira – the Queen of Drummers – “Rainha de Bateria”, Master of Drums – “Mestre de Bateria” Rodney with at least 200 percussionists, Carlinhos de Jesus with the opening wing, and most of the Carnival Commision: Director Laíla and Fran-Sergio.

The crowd went literally wild when the parade began.  I witnessed children from all ages - starting 3 years old, singing the parade song “A Simplicidade de um Rei” – The Simplicity of a King.  Beija-Flor enthusiasts were seen at windows from all buildings of the Av. Mirandela, waving and singing loudly. The parade was truly organic and exciting spectacle for the all Brazilian carnival lovers.

Below we see a Carnival Video clip of the presentation of Selmynha & Claudinho:

Beija Flor to Win RJ Carnival with its theme based in Popular Singer Roberto Carlos

Beija-Flor won its 12th Rio de Janeiro Carnival title with a significant advantage over the runner up.  The theme was based on the famous local singer called Roberto Carlos.  

The official theme is called "A Simplicidade do Rei" - The simplicity of a King.  Carnival Director Laila dedicates the Carnival Title to the Nilópolis community.

Below the Logo of Theme of Beija-Flor:

Below we show Raissa de Oliveira, the Queen of Drums for Beija-Flor since 11 years old:

Rio de Janeiro Carnival Community in Expectation for Final Results

Rio de Janeiro and the entire Brazil in great expectation to see how will be the official Rio de Janeiro Carnival Champion of 2011.  The envelopes which have the judges scores are scheduled to be opened at 4:15 PM local time.

Directors and fans from samba-schools are already a Rio´s Sambadrome, to cheer and try their luck with the results.  Carnival specialists appoints Unidos da Tijuca (Champion of 2010 ), Beija-Flor ( 9 times winner of the Rio Carnival ) as the main contenders for the so desired upon prize.  Other samba schools that also presented a very thorough Carnival parade like Imperatriz ,  Vila Isabel and Mangueira still hold their hopes.

Below, we see a marvelous picture, ( for me one of the best of Giselle ) of the uber Model Giselle Bundchen by photographer Rodrigo Gorosito from G1.

In two hours or less we will see who will rein Rio de Janeiro´s carnival for this year.  Hold your breathing!

Rio 2011 Carnival Officially Open by Mayor Eduardo Paes

"I declare open the 2011 Carnival in Rio de Janeiro”, proclaimed the Rio mayor, Eduardo Paes, while delivering the “city keys” to the Momo King. According to Paes, this is perhaps the most solemn and important act of the city. The animation character called Blue ( a blue Macaw) , scheduled for release in April in "Rio", also attended the event. The traditional “Confraria dos Garotos” – type of oldies revelers brotherhood, also promoted the ceremony and offered a sprig of “arruda” herbs, wishing good luck to the Carnival Brazilian Momo King .

Below, photo of Ceremony by Ricardo Almeida - from the site SRZD

The official band of the Rio de Municipal Guard and the Drums Section of Unidos da Tijuca Samba School, Carnival champion of the Special Group of 2010, also attended the ceremony. Mayor Paes expressed he is very happy with atmosphere the city is experiencing: "I'm very happy with what Rio is living now. And I hope that people enjoy the festivities safely, in a clean manner and also taking care of the cultural heritage of the city. "

The Secretary of Tourism, Antonio Pedro Figueira de Mello, stated that the celebration of the "Momo King ( Rei Momo) is an extremely important symbol of the carnival, ( learn the exact meaning of the word Carnival) who symbolically represents the right to party, revel, and runs the city during the carnival. " According to the secretary, the city expects to receive about 150,000 extra tourists during these 4 days.

The hotels in Rio have almost reached the 100% occupancy rate. Bianca Salgueiro, the official Rio de Janeiro Carnival Queen completed the Carnival opening, aided by two lovely Carnival Princesses.

FBI Deploys Id Software at Rio Carnival 2011: More protection for Revelers

The safety of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival will receive an important contribution from the American FBI.   The feds will provide to Rio ´s  Military Police an intelligence system able to store data from criminals and assist in identifying suspects in the days of revelry.  The operation of this system, called “SVC” (Virtual Command Center), will be in charge of the Rio de Janeiro Military Police, called “PM”, but will be interconnected with all security forces, city, state and federal.

Suspects detained in real time 

The SCV is above all, a great website with restricted access, where trained officers can collect and send data and information about people, vehicles and any suspicious situations in real time.  “This should facilitate the identification of a delinquent” for example, says Police Officer Brassanini. 

By radio, mobile phones and computers, agents will be able to record the presence of unauthorized street vendors, fights or robbery.  The information will be reproduced by the system and categorized into degrees of danger and emergency.  For Rio Street Carnival, this software should be a great tool.

FBI agents will transfer the technology to this special unit of Rio´s Military Police, who was appointed by central command of the corporation this week.  In total, there are seven FBI agents in Rio for training. Later, the system will be fully expanded and deployed at State level.

What to Eat Before Rio Street Carnival Party Marathon

Wondering what to eat before going to the Street Carnival partying is common question.   The samba days may be exhausting if you don’t eat appropriately.  

We have talked to a few Doctors and specialists and most of this article follows their recommendations (but we are not Doctors, ok ?) Basically, you will lose a lot of energy at the Rio Street Parties, / Blocos de Rua (also called Street Marching Bands ), since many routes can last up to 8 hours.  

The recurring recommendation is to eat light carbohydrates before joining the street carnival partying or even the carnival parade at the Sambadrome.  During these events, you lose a lot of calories (no wonder why Brazilian dancers are thin!) and you naturally sweat a lot.   If you don’t eat enough though, you will lose the best part of the fun when the partying is picking up.  Carbohydrates will give you the energy to start up and maintain you for a while, but the second tip is equally important: Keep yourself hydrated. 

Since the "Blocos de Rua"  routes can last up to 8 -10 hours, if you drink a lot of beer and do not hydrate yourself, you will eventually get drunk, tired, or both.  You also have to keep in mind that it always gets hot and packed at the gathering points and routes, even at open spaces, where most of the street groups or “blocos de rua” are played.   These places can pack up anywhere from 1.000 to 15.000 partiers easily.    

In most of the closed spaces, you can always grab something to eat, but try to carrying extra energy too.  One of my tricks is to carry power bars (one or two) in my pockets.  (Those bodybuilders use before their training, in gel and full of carbohydrates and proteins).   This way, you can concentrate in getting hydrated and on the partying without worrying about eating.   Add the sun, the beer, the romance and your energy level can let you down.   So to recap:

Eating Tips for Rio Street Carnival Marathon

1) Good Carbohydrates meal before leaving for the Blocos

2) Constant Hydration Process during the routes: try for every beer (if you can´t avoid them), one bottle of water

3) Carry some extra energy, like protein / carbohydrates bars or stop by to eat a light sandwich in a place that looks clean and decent.

For the complete list of the 2011 Street Carnival Marching bands, see our special article, clicking on the link.

Party on!!

More news on Rio Street Carnival 2011 at our @brazilcarnival Twitter

^{2011 Brazil New Highlights of  Rio Carnival Videos} 

Last weekend, Rio de Janeiro had the chance to see more a few more technical rehearsals by the most important samba-schools.  Since these rehearsals are for free, more than 60,000 people went to Rio´s Sambadrome.  Traditional Samba Schools like Império Serrano, Império da Tijuca, São Clemente, Mangueira and Estácio de Sá, had a second chance to practice for their official parade that happens in March 6th, and March 7th. ( Sunday and Monday).

We hope you like these new Videos.  For more info, check our Brazil Carnival Twitter Account with more than 8,000 followers:

Happy Brazil Carnival to all of you who are coming down here!

Below we see the team of "Passistas" ( Pro Samba Dancers)  from São Clemente 

Now the Brazilian Carnival tradition at it´s best: the legendary Baianas from Salgueiro 

Vivian Dourado: Here we see a samba enthusiast and starlet of Império da Tijuca 

Fianlly, another "champion Wing", the team of Pro- Samba Dancers of Salgueiro 

2011 Brazil Carnival International Celebrities to attend the Festival

Which celebrities  ( and carnival celebrities ) are finally to be expected at the Brazilian Carnival 2011? This is a question that puzzles locals & press to the last minute, after heated debates and rumors. Last Carnival, 2010, there was list of real international celebrities that attended the Rio Carnival Parade, which included Paris Hilton ( invited to launch a brand new Brazilian Beer ), Nicole Scherzinger, Ronaldo, to name a few. 

On 2011 Brazilian Carnival, a few International celebrities supposedly have confirmed their participation too. Some of the celebrities will participate at the parade itself and some will attend the party at the VIP boxes, promoted by large corporations. Confirmed international celebrities presences are the following: the Über model Giselle Bundchen, soccer player Ronaldinho Gaucho, Paris Hilton and legendary model Kate Moss.

Above, Kate Moss in a new campaign for a fashion brand.  The model was shot by Mario Testino in Rio de Janeiro and stayed at the legendary Copacabana Palace.

Giselle Bundchen, which will participate on a giant Carnival float, simulating a runway-catwalk, revealed during an interview that her presence at the Brazilian Carnival was a great dream coming true: “'I always wanted to participate at samba school parade, but never had a chance. This year I will achieve my dream. The parade theme of Vila Isabel Samba School has everything to do with me “. Vila Isabel Samba-School parade revolves around the hair and has a famous cosmetic company as one of its main sponsors.

Other international celebrities that are being speculated to come visit the Rio parade include Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore, Leonardo DiCaprio and her girlfriend Bar Refaeli. Not bad for Rio de Janeiro, who is expecting 3 million revelers from all over the world and other parts of the country. If you are coming to visit the “world´s largest party”, maybe you´ll have a chance to bump into these celebrities. Why not give it a shot?

Follow us for latest news of the Brazilian Carnival on our Twitter: @brazilcarnival

Brazilian Carnival Parades 2011: King Kong is Present!

Former Brazilian Reality Show contestant, known as “Claudia Cacau” , will also participate at the 2011 Brazilian Carnival parade.  She was invited by the traditional Salgueiro Samba-School ( which won in 2009 ), to parade in an exquisite role.  The Samba-School which will talk about Rio de Janeiro and Cinema, will place Cacau in a float, starred by legendary King Kong.

Below a photo by Marcos Serra Lima, from Paparazzo, of Claudia Cacau, during a photo shoot.

According to Salgueiro Samba-School,  Cacau has the perfect profile for this role, which requires a sweet and defenseless touch as the film heroine presents.  Just like in the famous movie scene, this Brazilian beauty will be “secured” by  a massive King Kong.  Lucky Brazilian Carnival King Kong!

Below a montage created by Diário do Carnaval, of Cacau on the hands of the "monster".

Check our Twitter Below with the latest news: @brazilcarnival

Brazilian Cop on Bikini no Longer Rio 2011 Carnival Princess

The much heated debate whether an astonishing Rio Civil Police officer could at the same time serve during the day as an Police Inspector and during the Brazilian 2011 Carnival festivities, as the official Rio de Janeiro 2011 Carnival Princess - sponsored by the Government -  has come to a sad end.

Below great photo by Brazil Carnival Ooah! during the contest: the first from left to right.

Last week, Police Officer Isabella Magacho, who won with all the rights the post of 2011 Rio de Janeiro Carnival Princess, declined the position.  The alleged reason was that she was supposedly “not wearing the outfits recommended by the Carnival Queen Program Coordination.  At the backdoors though, rumors say Isabella was outshining more than she was supposed to, other Carnival Celebrities.  

During her official presentations, she had a spectacular feedback from the general public, presenting both great sympathy, samba dance and perfect Carnival costumes.  Even the Official Rio de Janeiro 2011 Queen, Bianca Salgueiro, who is equally splendorous, stated during an interview “it was a great loss”.  Through her personal press release, Isabella Magacho restated the fact she was in fact using Carnival Costumes made by her private stylist, but not a single line or item at the Program Regulation stated anything upon this issue.  Rio Carnival observers agreed to the rumors she was in fact attracting too much attention, and soon pressure mounted.

I personally believe this movement was a big loss to the city Rio 2011 Carnival, since she is an example of how someone can be a public official during the day (specially a Police officer) and at her leisure, a Carnival princess.  During this blessed period of peace in Rio, where violence and crime is being finally curbed, Isabella was a positive example of this re-conciliation.  Below we posted some of her impressive photos, as well as an exclusive interview given to Brazil Carnival Ooah: pity now, as an ex-Rio 2011 Carnival Princess.

Below the interview given by former 2011 Rio Carnival Princess Isabella Gamacho:

Finally below, the Police-Princess when she was Crowned Rio 2011 Princess: First from Left to Right.

Photo Credits; Brazil Carnival Ooah!

Check our Twitter Below with the latest news: @brazilcarnival

2011 Brazil Carnival Uncut Videos

Season for Brazilian Carnival 2011 is definitely open with the Official Rehersals that are happening at Rio´s Sambadrome and also at the Samba School´s "quadras", which are their main practice headquarters.

For this reason, Brazil Carnival Ooah decided to post 5 uncut videos, directly shot from the inner side of Rio´s famous Carnival Runway - The Marques de Sapucai, so Carnival and samba lovers all over the world can have an idea of what to expect.  

The videos which where chosen, cover most areas festival lovers usually like: Drums Sections, the marching of the Wings, the marvelous Carnival Queens, the special dance of the Flag Bearer and samba host, and even one very exclusive VIP access shooting of how the samba-school leaves the "concentration / gathering " area to actually enter the Sambadrome Runway.  

I hope you guys like the selection!!  

2011 São Clemente Samba School: Typical Evolution of Wings full of joy

Raissa de Oliveira - Carnival Queen from Beija-Flor practicing her Samba Routine

Drums Section / Bateria  from São Clemente Samba Schoo Rehearsal 2011

Opening Wing, Flag-Bearer and Samba Host Presentation from Alegria Zona Sul

Two Samba Muses: Natalia Norbert & Andreia Fonseca show their dance talents 

Check our Twitter Below with the latest news: @brazilcarnival

3 Million People in Rio´s Street Carnival

Riotur, the Rio de Janeiro Tourism Development Department officially announced today the list of all Street Carnival Marching Bands, known as “blocos de carnval”, allowed to parade in 2011 Rio Carnival.

There will be in total 424 street carnival bands, which of them, one third of them, located in the South Zone, as an example Mulheres de Chico, Orquestra Voadora, and Empolga as 9.  The center of Rio comes in second with the highest concentration of the free for all marching bands, with 74 authorizations. 

ABOVE: A great shot by Rodrigo Esper from I Hate Flash

On the other hand, RioTur vetoed the presentation of 41 other groups.  To minimize the inconvenience caused by the passage of the Rio Street Carnival Bands, the city will hire 500 extra agents to assist transit employees and the Municipal Guard.  For RioTur, Rio´s street carnival is expected to attract about 3 million revelers, in comparison to 2.4 million from 2010. 

Source: Rio Tur

Check our Twitter with the latest Carnival news: @brazilcarnival

Directory of Twitter Accounts: Brazil Carnival & Samba-Schools

The Official Twitter of Brazil Carnival has reached today the mark of 8,340 followers.   It is an important record for all of us, since a good portion of Brazil Carnival Ooah! Twitter Followers are true enthusiasts of the Festival samba and carnival lovers.

Working 24/7, with links directed to samba-school and carnival events, we consider this routine almost as a “public utility” one, since we are always pointing out and indicating the most relevant Brazilian carnival & Samba events.

We truly consider these passionate carnival lovers part of Brazil Carnival Ooah ! team,  since they are always Re-tweeting  our Tweets, asking  us questions, discovering new samba spots and encouraging our mission.  These passionate Samba and Brazilian Carnival Twitter followers also suggest us new discussion topics about this marvelous culture. 

We are proud to have amongst our reciprocated followers, legendary Icons of Brazil´ Carnival like the Official Twitter Account of Mangueira Samba School @gresmangueira,  and Estacio de Sá @estaciodesa_ Twitter Accounts of Street Carnival bands like Mulheres de Chico @mulheresdechico;  Brazilian Carnival Celebrities, like Thatiana Pagung @thatianapagung and Shayene Cesario @Shayene_Cesario ; promoters of Rio de Janeiro Culture like @modernalapa and even @lonelyplanet, along with vivacious and committed samba lovers.

We are happy to achieve this significant number.  And to celebrate this achievement, we decided to post and share with our readers, a Directory of Brazilian Carnival Twitter Accounts, with samba and many significant Official Twitter Accounts.  

Have fun & Feel the samba vibes!

Rio Police Officers Become Carnival Celebrities in 2011 

After these last events involving the Rio de Janeiro police, with raids and capture of many important drugs cartel members, Rio de Janeiro will have several pleasant surprises in 2011 Carnival.  Apart from the a more organized structure for street carnival, with the increase of public bathrooms, and better infra-structure for these "blocos de rua", some surprises came from the Police itself.

Two police officers, Isabella Picanço from the Civil Police and Julia Liers, from the Military Police, are already causing great expectation and up-roar as Carnival celebrities, exactly because of the paradigma of being from the police, which is normally associated with force, and not beauty or partying. Below we see Isabella with a custom made Carnival costume designed by Guilherme Alves.

Photo Credit: Brazil Carnival Ooah!

Isabella Picanço is 33 years old, blond, has a sculptural body in 5,45 feet.   She was recently elected the official Rio 2011 Carnival Princess, with all the majesty the post deserves, in a though competition.  Working at the Homicides Division at Rio Civil Police, she told us all of her Police colleagues support her in her passion for Carnival and samba, and that she knowns how to divide her life accordingly.   Below we can see the all the work our Isabella goes through for the spectacular shape.

Photo Credit: Brazil Carnival Ooah!

Isabella Picanço is originally from the Niteroi region in Rio de Janeiro, which is technically another city just across the Guanabara Bay. The Civil Police inspector has two dreams :  on the professional side she says she wants to become a full Police Lieutenant, called in Brazil "Delegada", which is ultimately in charge of a full police station in Rio.   For this position the Inspector and Carnival Diva would have to continue her studies and go through a very tough examination, with thousands of candidates.  The post is very disputed not only because of the status but also because of the high salary.  On her cheerful life, she says she wants to become a full "Queen of the Drums Sections" - "Rainha de Bateria"  - read defintion in our Samba and Carnival Glossary.

Below, we see Isabella, the first from left to right, with her prize as official Rio Carnival Princess 2011.

Photo Credit: Brazil Carnival Ooah!

Finally, Isabella has another passion: Pole Dancing.  This is where she said much of her physical fitness comes from to prepare for the Carnival season, apart from the gym sessions.  Good luck Isabella Magacho Picanço in both of your careers, Police and Carnival.  We are sure you will continue with all your success, as result of your effort and dedication.  The photos above were taken at the Rio 2011 Carnival Queen and Momo King contest.

Photo Credit: Brazil Carnival Ooah!

Check our Twitter with the latest Carnival news: @brazilcarnival

Rio Carnival 2011 Queen Contest News

2011 Rio Carnival Queen & King contest, which happened Thursday, November 19th,  was truly an emotional night. About 3.000 people gathered in Rio´s “Cidade do Samba” – Rio´s Samba City facility, located close to the harbor area to watch the much expected announcement of the new Carnival court.

The event started as the press members arrived and gather to mingle amongst themselves.  They too where placing their bets on who would win the disputed titles: Rio 2011 Carnival Queen and Princess, which had 8 candidates, and the Momo Carnival King, which had 5 candidates.

Slowly, family members, supporters and fans of the Queen and Princess candidates also started to position themselves close to the front stage.  Family members came in all ages: mothers of the carnival muses to be, kids, and even grandparents of more than 80 years old.

Full Article at Rio 2011Carnival Queen & King Contest page - See below some of our Art Photos:

Check our Twitter with the latest Carnival news: @brazilcarnival

Below a video of the Contest:

Samba World Record Broken: Mocidade Independente Padre Miguel Samba

Tonight, at approximately 10:00 PM, the world has seen a new record established.  Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, one of the most traditional samba-schools in Rio, has officially broken a new world Record with the Guinness Book of Records.

The objective, measured by a Guinness Book representative who was at the site, was to have more than 500 samba dancers, using a standardized dance clothing, as well as a trained choreography plus the singing!!  They needed at least 500 members of Mocidade doing this samba routine for at least 5 minutes.  And they did it - for more than 10 minutes, but with 840 + samba dancers!! Yes, 840 + samba dancers as I could recall.

Below we can see all the rows and columns of samba dancers getting ready for the record!

Photo Credit: Bruno Villaça

Everybody was very cheerful after the conclusion of the process, and to a certain point, releived as the official Guinness Book representative stated everything was OK.  It was indeed an emotional night!

Congratulations Presidente Paulo Viana, Elisa Fernandes, and all the 840 plus samba dancers that practiced for more than two hours until everything was set and perfect!

Below, the President of Mocidade Paulo Viana with Bruno from Guinness Book of World Records!

Photo Credit: Bruno Villaça

Below, check the Video of this impressive World Record:

Special report brought by Brazil Carnival Ooah!

Check our Twitter Below with the latest news: @brazilcarnival

Andrea Andrade Queen of Mocidade Coronation

Samba, Carnival , and Divas lovers can´t miss the Coronation Ceremony of the new Queen of Drums of Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel:  Andréa Andrade.

The Beauty has 24 years old and has been parading with Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel for 4 years already, in floats and as a high-light.

The new Mocidade Queen is already famous for her astonishing built and charisma too.  The Drums section is in total harmony with the muse.

Above, the new Queen at the Video Clip shooting.

The Coronation Ceremony will happen November, 20th - Saturday, at the Samba-School premisses.  Please contact Elisa Fernandes at Mocidade site for more details.

Brazil Carnival ooah!

Gisele to Parade with Vila Isabel: Rio Sambadrome 2011

Insiders information from Unidos de Vila Isabel board, one of them most traditional Samba-schools in Rio, indicate that Brazilian model, Gisele Bundchen will actively participate at the Rio 2011 Carnival, on their samba-school carnival parade.
Vila Isabel Samba School was founded in 1946, has as its colors Blue and White ( see profile in our Samba-School section ) and have won 2 Carnival Titles.  This rumor can really be true, since in 2011, Vila Isabel will have as its parade theme-plot, the following title: "Myths and stories intertwined by the hair." - in Portuguese : "Mitos e histórias entrelaçadas pelos fios de cabelo", and will be partially financed by Pantene, maker of shampoos and cosmetics and starred by Gisele in commercials.

It all makes sense.  Lets wait and see what carnival costume she will wear, what float the Diva will be staged and if she really has "samba no pé", as we say in  Brazil.  Independent if she knows how to dance, we are all sure Brazilians will love to see her at her home country, taking part of one of the most famous national festival. 

Check out some of the other muses & Carnival Divas that will be parading in 2011 Brazil Carnival. There are 22 to choose!

The samba-school already gained these last few weeks extra notoriety when Asian-Brazilian Actress and model Sabrina Sato was announced as its Drum Section Queen:

Photo Credit: Vila Isabel / Divulgacão

Good luck Gisele!

Estacio de Sá, one of the most traditional Samba-School in Rio, presented last Friday, its prototypes of the carnival costumes for the 2011 Carnival Parade.

The Samba School will have its theme parade based on Roses.  The theme-plot will revolve around the history and development of Roses across mankind.  They will talk about many aspects of the Roses, like their color, odor, myths, romance and magic.

Estacio´s plot  will voyage across India, Greek Goddesses, and Brazil samba personalities identified with Roses, like Cartola.

Below, the Carnival Costumes prototypes, photographed by Diego Mendes.

Most of the costumes had red, pink and white as its main colors.

Good luck Estacio!

Check our Twitter Below with the latest news: @brazilcarnival

The famous legendary Baianas wing at the Brazilian Carnival, specifically Rio Carnival, just suffered a minor alteration for the parade.  Until 2010, samba-schools obligatorily would have to present minimally 100 Baianas and maximally 120 Baianas at the formal parade.  Now the association that regulates Rio Carnival has changed the minimum number to all samba-schools of the Special Group to 70. 

Below we see a marvelous photo of Alexandre Vidal from Agencia FOTO BR, from the Baianas Wing of Rocinha.

This means that every school will have to march with its "Baianas Wing" with at least 70 Baianas, or else the samba-school will be penalized at this criterion.  Some say that new regulation was made since Baianas are becoming scarce, so the reduction from 100 to 70 would help the samba-schools in general. 

Let´s hope and see if new young Samba lovers see the importance of this classic wing and volunteer themselves for this important role, so we can have more and more Baianas at the parade.

Brazil Carnival Ooah!

Sabrina Sato, one of the most well known comedians in Brazil was announced last week the new Carnival Queen of Drums for Vila Isabel Samba-School in Rio de Janeiro.   Vila Isabel, whose samba-school colors are blue and white, are among the most traditional in Brazil and is located at the North Zone of Rio.   Twenty-nine year old model and actress Sabrina Sato started her professional life as a ballet and jazz dancer, gained notoriety after participating in one of the editions of the Brazilian Big Brother, a reality show.

The famous and sexy Asian-Brazilian participated in several carnival parades at the co-sisters samba-schools called Academicos do Salgueiro in Rio and Gaviões de Fiel from São Paulo, but never as a full Queen. ( At the samba-school and Carnival world, this is the highest ranking post in terms of status for a woman, in terms of celebrity. )  Her previous appearances at Salgueiro and Gavioes were as Carnival Muse, and a Queen...

Below, Sabrina at the samba wit her new followers clicked bt Francisco Alves - Ag. News at Vila Isabel:

We have a full profile of Sato Sabrina at our Muse galleries.

Finally, a shot by Diego Mendes of the 2011 Queen of Drums for Vila Isabel:

Good luck Sabrina!

Carnival Caricatures

Caricatures of Brazilian personalities have always been a constant presence in traditional media.  Soccer players and politicians being the most popular figures chosen by artisits.

Lately I have found a great number of samba and carnival caricatures on the Internet, which I would like to share.  These artists are very talented and creative, just like the samba the characters they pictured produced. 

Below, we selected a few caricatures so you can have some fun.  See it for yourself and choose your best.  I have decided already. 

Noel Rosa by Venancio

Pixinguinha Samba Musician by Lula Palomares

Nelson Sargento by Paulo Barbosa

Cartola By Baptistão:

Adorinam Barbosa by Liberati

João Nogueira by Paulo Baptistão

To see specific Cartola caricatures, follow this link.

2014 FIFA Brazil World Cup Emblem

The mystery is over: The 2014 FIFA Brazil World Cup Emblem is now officially known by all.   The emblem submitted today by the local organization committee today, has an obvious reference to the FIFA Cup itself.   The event was held in Johannesburg and marked the kickoff for the competition at Brazilian soil.

The 2014 FIFA Brazil World Cup logo is an outline of an image of the World Cup trophy being formed by three hands.  The colors are predominantly green and yellow, just as Brazil s Flag with the number 2014 painted in red.   Below we see the drawing, which says "FIFA World Cup (FIFA World Cup) in blue and" Brazil "in green.

Below we see the image of 2014 FIFA Brazil World Cup Logo / Emblem.

The choice of this emblem, officially printed on the shirts of all teams which will participate in the World Cup qualifiers and also at the competition to be hosted by Brazil, was put together a committee of notables:

•    Ricardo Teixeira: the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF)
•    Jerome Valcke: the executive secretary of FIFA,
•    Oscar Niemeyer:  Legendary Brazilian architect
•    Paulo Coelho : Brazilian best seller author Paulo Coelho,
•    Ivete Sangalo:  Brazil´s pop singer from Bahia
•    Gisele Bundchen  - model
•    Hans Donner: Brazilian Designer   

The 2014 Fifa Brazil World Cup Emblem was selected upon suggestions of several design agencies.

2014 Fifa Brazil World Cup Emblem official launch took place at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg,  and was attended by the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Ricado Teixeira, Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) President also attended the event, who heads the local organizing committee and FIFA president Joseph Blatter.

2011 Rio Carnival Parade Schedule Defined

The official preparations activities for 2011 Carnival in Rio has begun.   The 12 samba-schools which compose the Special Group of Rio de Janeiro´s Premiere League, met late on Wednesday (June 30th) for the lottery which determined the order of which the samba-schools should parade.   The event was held at Samba City at the Gamboa neighborhood in Rio, close to the harbor area.

To maintain the balance between the two samba nights, the samba-schools were divided into pairs.  By regulation, São Clemente Samba-School, winner of the Access Group in 2010, will be first to go through the Sambadrome on Sunday night (March 6).   União da Ilha Samba-School, placed 11th in the Special Group in 2010, opens Monday night.

The defending champion of the 2010 carnival in Rio,  Unidos da Tijuca, will be the fourth school to enter the Sapucai Avenue on Sunday (6), with  plot "Tonight I will take your soul," directed by Carnival Producer Paulo Barros.   He promises to take to Rio´s Sambadrome icons of Brazilian terror, such as B-Movie Director Zé do Caixão and spook the Carnival crowd. 

Traditional Beija-Flor, one of the greatest samba-schools of today, will be the last school to cross the Marques de Sapucaí Avenue, on early on Tuesday (8), with a plot that will honor the Brazilian singer and live legend, Roberto Carlos.   The proposed storyline has inspired composers from the Beija-Flor and has already registered more than 80 songs to take part of the qualifying process which will select only one through a series of events.

Check the Samba-Schools Schedule of the 2011 Carnival Parade:

Sunday, March 6, 2011

1) Sao Clemente
2) Imperatriz Leopoldinense
3) Mocidade Padre Miguel
4) Unidos da Tijuca
5) Vila Isabel
6) Mangueira

Monday, March 7, 2011

1) União da Ilha
2) Salgueiro
3) Portela
4) Grande Rio
5) Porto da Pedra
6) Beija-Flor

Story Plots

Besides the Unidos da Tijuca, Grande Rio and Beija-Flor, seven other samba schools of the Special Group in Rio have set their plots for 2011 Carnaval.  Traditional Vila Isabel and Portela Samba Schools have not yet released their themes.

Imperatriz Leopoldinense has bet on the health issue to try a new championship:  "The Empress advises: Samba dancing  is good for health" (“A Imperatriz adverte: sambar faz bem à saúde”)   to win the carnival.  União da Ilha will narrate whimsical plot "The Mystery of Life", developed by Carnival Producer Alex de Souza.    The 2009 Champion, Salgueiro will base its theme on Rio viewed by Cinema, in a US$ 2,5 million partnership with Fox Films Brasil.
 
Mangueira, the largest samba-school in Brazil, will honor legendary composer Nelson Cavaquinho ( dead in 1986 ) , with the theme "The faithful son, always Mangueira” – (“O filho fiel, sempre Mangueira “ in Portuguese.   Mocidade Independente Samba-school by its chance, will to tell a philosophical plot-story: "The Parable of the Divine Sower."   Finally, São Clemente bet on the theme "Yours, my, our Rio, blessed by God and beautiful by nature!" .

Below, the video of the lottery / draft of the Samba-School Schedule Event in Rio filmed by Mario de Carvalho.

Good luck to all samba-schools

Shayene Cesario, the current Rio de Janeiro Carnival Queen, has just been announced as the new Queen of the Drums Section for a very traditional samba-school in Brazil:  Estacio de Sá.   Shayene will be join the 2011 Carnival parade, in front of Estacio de Sá “Bateria” , called “Medalha de Ouro”.  The choice became official by the voice of Estacio de Sá President, Marcos Aurélio Fernandes, who stated:  “The criterion for this preference was singular:  Shayene is from the community was raised here, and everybody knows here.  She will honer the position with all the grace and competence she showed in 2010 Carnival parade.”

Below, a wonderful photo of Shayene by Roberto Filho, another great photographer.

For Shayene Cesário, it was a full dream come true, as she stated: “To become Queen of Drums for Estacio de Sa Samba School was a great gift from God.  I started my Carnival history this samba-school and had always dreamed to take up to this very special position.  I am happy since I feel at home” said the new Queen.

Shayene was one of the first Muses anticipated by Brazil Carnival Ooah, as the new Brazilian Carnival sensation, as seen in a 2009 article by the website.

Shayene Cesario has an exclusive profile also at our Muses Directory.

Congratulations Shayene for your success as Estacio de Sa Queen of Drums.

Grande Rio 2010 Parade Review

The school was one of the highlights of this year’s carnival parade with the plot theme in honor of the past 25 carnivals at Rio´s Sambadrome.   The parade was very creative and was not afraid to honor other samba-school ´s successes and the tragic moments, such as a fire on a float in 1992.   The parade lasted for 1 hour and 21 minutes and would later prove why it deserved the second place at the final contest standings.

Grande Rio Samba School parade explored many distinguishing facades of the world wide famous carnival parade in Brazil:  legendary characters, the public, the VIP boxes, historic samba composers and the talented carnival producers.   The floats were very interesting, and one of them represented a dump with rats and sewers, a tribute to Beija-Flor legendary parade of 1989 by Joãozinho Trinta Carnival Producer.   The drum section’s costume was another tribute to famous and anonymous garbage me,  who clean the avenue  year after year, at each parade end.  Another aspect which called the attention of the public to the school was their impressive team of celebrities.  Grande Rio is known to be the samba-school of the famous and glamorous.

The opening wing showed two of the greatest symbols of Brazilian Carnaval, the "mulatas" and the "malandros".   Dancers dressed as "malandros" made a floor choreography while a team of "mulatas" came on top of a tripod.   But a detail is important: only one of the "mulatas" was real, the other ones were statues.   The "trick" was revealed when the real life woman came down the tripod to dance with the malandros.

The greatest tribute made by Grande Rio Samba School was to the carnival producer Joãozinho Trinta.  The reverences to the artist began at the "Baiana wing”, dressed as "Ladies of the garbage".   They made reference to the use the carnival producer devoted to recycled materials.   They were followed by a wing which represented the hoboes who the carnival producer brought to the Beija-Flor parade of 1989.

The third float placed the carnival producer on the top of a pile full of litter and garbage.   At the bottom, sculptures of giant rats moved and merry makers dressed as rats crawled out of sewer tunnels, which were lightened up by red lights.   On top of this pile of “dump” who Joãozinho Trinta transformed into art in many of his parades, a vulture flapped his wings on the Sambadrome.

The Drum Section was another highlight of the parade:  they were all in bright orange, dressed up as Rio city janitors.  Carnival Queen of Drums, actress Paola Oliveira made a great spectacle also leading vibrant drummers.  In rhythm, the drum section made small stops, called “paradinha” in sequence while the drum queen samba danced and walked amongst them.   The drum section also played a part of the samba-theme without the singing, which drew attention of the public.

The forth float took a "dream factory" to the parade, celebrating the samba city.   Merry makers twirled umbrellas which resembled ferris wheel in green neon.  Alongside, Christ the Redeemer statue covered up by a cloth with an inscription "even forbidden I shined" was place on the float.   This was another reference to a carnival of Beija-Flor, which had in one of her parades, a “prohibited float”, due to the use of a religious image.

This beautiful parade ended with the "Carnival of the stars", a luxurious silver space ship which foresaw how the Carnaval of the year 3001 would look like in Brazil: This float was a tribute to the carnival producer Fernando Pinto.   In 1985, he imagined how the Brazilian Carnaval parades would look like.  It was a very emotional moment to many…  At the centerpiece of the float stood as a high-light Renato Sorriso, a true Rio de Janeiro city janitor who gained fame while sweeping the Sambadrome avenue with samba, grace and a natural smile.  Today, Renato a.k.a. “Sorriso”, ( which means smile ), is a notable celebrity in the Carnaval scenario in Rio.  The homage was more than welcomed.

With a parade that lasted 1:20 minutes, Portela Samba School took to the Sambadrome a plot theme inspired on the digital world.

The costumes and floats showed the dedication of the carnival producers Alex Oliveira and Amauri Santos. One of the most remarkable trades of the floats was the lighting, including the opening wing float that carried the school’s symbol, decorated in neon lights.

The opening wing the school showed the samba-dancers connecting to a tripod that accompanied the group through wires placed on their outfits.   At least one of the members had problems with the costume that opened on the back.

The school showed the history of the trends and decorated the Sambadrome with bows and drapes. The plot theme made reference to contemporary fashion as well as the sweetheart designers of the fashion world. The school paraded for 1:19 minutes.

As the opening wing float, a giant Tiger with an open mouth showed the pierced tongue. The float carried characters of the cartoon “The Flintstones” down the avenue and remembered pre-historical era. Following a chronological order, the following wings made a “obligatory stop” through Egypt, Greece and Rome. This time to show how people dressed centuries ago.

On the wing entitled “com que roupa eu vou” (same name as the plot theme in English something like what clothe should I wear”, the merry-makers could pick which costume they wanted to use. Another wing was entitles “I want to be Naomi” remembering a clothe that top model Naomi Campbell wore on the last Yves Saint Laurent’s fashion show.

The influence of faith on art, as it occurred with the gothic movement was the second float’s theme. On the following float, the Renascence and the Baroque. The sixth float made reference to Art Nouveaux and made a tribute to Coco Channel. The school ended the parade with the “Sapucai fashion day”, last float’s theme. They made a DESFILE inside a parade to revered fashion’s glamour.

The school paraded with 37 wings and the plot theme was divided into two very well defined parts. The opening wing float and the two following floats represented the connection of paradise with the biblical image of the Genesis – the traditional vision of paradise. The last floats were connected to the paradise of earth where everything can be bought.

The second float told the story of the Black kingdom of Preste João, where people believed the paradise of middle age was. The third float told the story of the Discovery of the new world with the arrival at the tropical paradise, afterwards being named Brazil.

The astonishing beauty of Tatiana Pagung in 2010: by Luciola Vilela / G1

The forth float set the division of the plot theme in two parts. On it, the Eldorado was represented, when man lost the path, stops thinking of the fauna and flora, because of the ambition for wealth. On the fifth float, a joke with the Real Bill (local Money) on the tax heaven.

The float "Universal Shopping: the paradise of consumption" took to the Sambadrome real cars and motocycles. On the bottom part of the float a Motel room was represented remembering the pleasure paradise.

The last float was the Carnival paradise materialization. Three carnival producers that made history on the school were honored. Arlindo Rodrigues and Fernando Pinto were honored in huge statues.

Below, a great picture of Vinicius Eduardo

The local actress Myrian Martin paraded as one of Mocidade’s muses.   Thatiana Pagung is the Drum Queen. The Drum Godmother was Elza Soares, 72 year old local personality and paraded on top of a kind of small float due to a problem with her ankle.

The school took to the parade the 50 years of the capital of Brazil: Brasilia. For the first time after three carnivals, the symbol of the school wasn’t featured at the opening wing float. However, he was present at the beginning of the parade at the choreography of the opening wing.

The school, once again showed the professionalism of a champion with impeccable huge floats. The samba school opted not to show the reality of the capital, instead they showed the myths of the pioneers and even made mention to Egypt.

The school innovated and divided their over 120 "Baianas" into two different wings. The total of 60 "Baianas" paraded as Indians to help tell the story of the capital, the parade lasted of 1:22 minutes ending this way the first day of special group parade.

In the search for the second consecutive title, Salgueiro decided as plot theme the history of classic book of world literature as well as local. The school paraded for 1:19 minutes and there is no record of great problems.

Amongst the things that was used during the parade, acrobats, giant tripod and to close the parade a giant robot with smooth moves. The opening wing showed monks with papires that spelled the school’s theme and at the end the monks undressed of the robes and remained with a golden clothe with fans that formed a huge sun.

The opening wing float represented Gutenberg’s shop with the mobile press. The float that had wholes showed acrobats on swings, at the front of the float a huge stamp turned to stamp ths floor of the avenue with Salgueiro’s name.

The drum queen, Viviane Araújo, paradeded as Sheradade, from “Arabian Nights”, a character that had to tell the sultan in order to remain alive. The wings made allusion to great pieces such as Romeu and Juliet, Don Quixote, The Three Mosqueteers, Divine Comedy, as well as local pieces from writers such as Jorge Amado. Other wings represented classic childhood literature such as "Little Prince".

The school decided to search for the title by showing the Mexican culture. The parade took 1:22 minutes to end. The parade started at 1:36 a.m of Monday. Diego Rivera, Frida Khalo, Emilio Zapata and Gadalupe Vigin were a couple of characters that helped the school set the mood.

The school paraded with 9 floats and 34 wings. Approximately 4,000 merry-makers. The opeing wing showed Frida Khalo’s room.

The opening wing float showed the miscigenation of Mexican people, represented on a float composed of 2 smaller ones put together, representing a painting by Diego Rivera. In the artist’s point of view the people were miscigenated at their origin and was shown lightened by the sun.

The seconf float showed the sun stone that represents the Aztec calendar, showing the beginning of Aztec civilization and the third float showed Hernan Crtez that ended the Aztec civilization.

One of the most fancy showed the botton of the sea with a huge sea monster. He involved a pirate ship as if he was taking the ship down to the bottom of the sea. On top of it, pirates fought for the latin riches.

The last float had trouble, feathers that decorated the back of the float fell and the school paraded the float even without the details.

The drum section paraded as Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribean, as drum queen the president’s 7 year old daughter. The drum master Jorgão presented once again at the small stop the Funk rhythm.

The school told the story of the secrets of humanity, taking to the avenue many special effects on this Sunday. The school showed magic tricks, a float with gangsters, GQ characters skied down at the parade, and even a tribute to Michael Jackson.

The school was the third to parade and used 1:19 minutes to complete the circuit. They paraded with 6 floats and 3,600 components divided in 32 wings.

The school caused an impression from the beginning when the opening wing showed a dressing room that defied the audience to discover the magic tricks. Dancers used illusionism to change clothes in seconds, for six times during each dance routine. The dresses changed the print, the fabric and at last wrote the school’s name in the avenue.

Everything happened without the audience figuring out the trick. The members of the wing played with a cloth that covered the entire group showing a new outfit. Other times, a tube made of fabric covered the members reveling another outfit when pulled down.

The drum section used a costume in allusion to the mob and the drum queen, Adriane Galisteu, pregnant, used a costume of the mob as well to show their secrets and codes. The drum section made the traditional small stop so that an old car would go by the section carrying the mob members with their guns.

On the opeing wing float, the school showed the mistery of Alexandria library’s fire, setting off the public on what was written on the parchments. Other misteries were told on the parade such as the Trojan horse, King Salomon’s mine and the disapearence of the arch that had the 10 commandments.

One of the most impressive floats was the second that proposed to make the Babilonia gardens one of the wonders of carnival. The float took to the avenue real life plants nurtured for weeks. The school remembered as well the secret youth formula and the misteries of nature such as the butterfly.

Another part of the parade that called attention was the wing that showed the mistery surrounding Cleopatra’s thumb. Egiption slaves carried a small floatin honor of the queen.

The third float made the merry-makers play the part of archeologists, looking for remains of their forefathers. Plates at the bottom of the float turned revealing other parts that symbolized the remains of history.

The forth float played with the identity of the GQ characters. A huge platform was used so that merry-makers dressed as Batman could skii down the ramp and once they had skied down, the same ramp was used as lader for Spider mans to climb up.

The fifth float showed Area 51, the military base in the desert of Nevada (USA), a tribute was made to Michael Jackson with a lookalike moon walking. "Michael lives in all stars" sayd a sign placed on the float.

The school ended the parade with a chorus of "winner" by the public.

Imperatriz used the experience aquiered on the 8 titles she has to approach a delicate theme: Brazilian’s religion. The school captivated the audience with the beauty of their drum queen: Luiza Brunet, the beautiful floats and the theme. The school started parading a 10:28 p.m this Sunday. The school however had to rush at the end of the parade not to exceed the permited time and lose points since they used 1:21 minutes, only one minute under the permited time.

It was the first of their eight floats, the responsible for the tension during the parade.The school members had difficulty conducting the opening wing float this almost compromised the school’s evolution.

The school presented 46 wings, each with approximately 100 people, achieving approximately 3,800 people. The school maintained the traditional small stop at the drum section maintaining only a kind o beat to keep the rhythm of the school. Besides that, the school created a wing of small "baianas" (traditional wing necessary at the parades). The wing came right after the children’s wing and the "baianas" were all girls with ages between 7 and 12. Because of the time limit, the wings whent through fast.

This Sunday, the first day of special group parade in Rio de Janeiro, União da Ilha was the first to parade. Coming from the access group after last year’s win, the school paraded the plot theme of Don Qixote, one of the most famous characters of world literature in a parade that lasted 1:18 minutes.

The plot was well exploited in the avenue in a parade made by carnival producer, Rosa Magalhães, an experienced and well known producer. The school brought very beautiful floats to the avenue.

In search of the title, the school showed a well sincronized opening wing with bulfighters throwing roses to the public. Following that, the school brought a wing filled with fans introducing the opening wing float that consisted of a giant figure of Don Quixote surrounded by books, working as platforms for the centerpieces.

Photo Credit: Dhavid Normando/Riotur / Flickr

The following float showed a Sancho Pança, Quixote’s wing man, jumping on a springboard. The forth float, represented another delirum of Don Quixote, the wind mills he fought. Members of the school twirled making acrobatic moves. This float created an unforseen moment to the school, one of the centerpieces had trouble getting up on top of the float. This created a delay and a hole was created in the parade, having the school lose points.

The school took to the avenue seven floats, 35 wings and approximately 3,500 components.

Mocidade samba school, that will present at the Sambadrome the plot theme “Do paraiso de Deus ao paraiso da loucura, cada um sabe o que procura” (from God’s heaven to Maddness heaven, eachone knows what to search for). From carnival producer Cid Carvalho, will reproduce old costumes that created history.

The last sector of the parade will represent the madness paradise, which is the carnival. Besides taking to the Sambadrome a float with all carnival producers, excluding Renata Lage (Salgueiro) and Paulo Menezes (Porto da Pedra), the school will show six wings with old costume’s reproduction, created by carnival producers Arlindo Rodrigues, Fernando Pinto, and Renato Lage, as a tribute to the carnival producers that set history at the school.

Mocidade will be the first school to parade on Monday the 15th at the Sambadrome.

Rio de Janeiro's court of justice ruled unconstitutional the Law that forbade the samba schools

With only four articles, the law characterizes as sacred objects the crucifix, monstrance, saints and other martyrs. The samba school that disobeyed, besides the law sanctions they would also lose the right for the subsidiary help given by city hall.

the ruling was that the forbidding of use of sacred objects and images, instead of protecting the faith of a portion of the population, violates the freedom of consciousness, which results in freedom of cultural expressions, essential cultural benefit to be preserved on samba school parades.

Photo credit: Beija-Flor official site / publicity

One of the most known cases of censorship practiced by Catholic Church happened in 1989 in Beija-Flor samba school parade. With the theme "ratos e urubus larguem minha fantasia" (rats and bultures leave my costume alone in English), the carnival producer Joãozinho Trinta would take to the Avenue of Samba the image of the Christ redemptor as a hoboes. Forbidden to do so, the school opted in covering the statue with a black plastic bag with the saying "mesmo proibido, olhai por nós" (even being forbidden take care of us).

Every year Carnival in Rio is filled with celebrities from all over the world. This year is no different. Amongst the confirmed presences Madonna and Paris Hilton. Paris was disputed between two of the best boxes of the Sambadrome, both belonging to beer brands. At the end, Nova Skin won. The information going around accounts that they offered 500 thousand dollars for her presence. these are only rumors.

Madonna on the other hand, not only is confirmed, but she is already in town. The box she’ll be attending is shared by the city hall and the state government. To avoid flashes, a vip place has been organized for her and President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Inside the vip area, proof sound walls were installed, dining table, a white bathroom, sofas, LCD TV, and a complete security system, all to assure the celebrity she will be the most secure box in the Sambadrome.

Grande Rio samba school can change the samba anthem for this year’s carnival. From the verse "the man can fly" to "the man will fly". However, a little different from what happened in 2001, the astronaut will fly at the end of the parade, precisely at the last sector of the school. He will leave the tripod "flying to the future" neer the float "carnival of the stars".

In 2001, the carnival producer Joãozinho Trinda amazed everyone with the "flying man" in Grande Rio’s parade. He was launched at the beginning of the parade. At the time the parade was an homage to the profet known as Gentileza (kindness in English).

General Director of Beija-Flor samba school, Laíla, made a positive evaluation of the school’s rehearsal at the Sambadrome, this Saturday. Although he admits that the school made some mistakes, he said there’s no reason to worry and guarantees that Beija-Flor is one of the favorites on the dispute for the title.

He said that there were many criticism about the school's performance and about the drum section, however many of them came from people with little or no knowledge about the subject, moved by passion, and this, in his opinion disqualifies them as good judges.

Photo Credit: Fábio Correa Moraes / Flickr

One of the main complaints regarding the drum section was that they passed through without stopping, and this “paradinha” (when the drum section stops for a small time at the Sambadrome), is very expected. He however, explained that, the lack of this small stop was an option made by him, since there was no sound system and the truck wasn’t enough to hold the whole school. He remembered the people that at that time it was only for rehearsal purpose, not to make a show out of it. It is during the real parade that the school shows her real potential and the strength of their community. He ended saying that whomever wants to become champion, will have to go through Beija-Flor.

The Brazilian Carnival is literally next door, and together,  all the magic and enthusiasm of Rio´s Street Carnival.   This year, the Rio de Janeiro ´s Mayor joined forces with the private sector, publicity agencies and a large beer company to help promote and organize the 492 licensed “blocos de carnaval” / street carnival bands that will party this year.  

This enormous number of “blocos” required public chemical bathrooms, transit logistics and other procedures to make sure everyone has fun in a safe and minimally planned manner.

Below, two Brazilian astonishing beauties - Ana Paula Evangelista, famous samba dancer and legendary Carnival Muse Luiza Brunet, Godmother of the Cordao de Bola Preta Street Band!

We also contributed to this project, and analyzed the full list of 490+  street Carnaval bands/ “Blocos de Carnaval”.  We carefully selected the TOP 16 Blocos de Carnaval for 2010, so you can party with the cream of the crop of the Street bands.  It really took us one week to read, translate and analyze all of these blocos routes and provide the correct info so you can enjoy to the extreme!

Our selection criteria included:

•    Fun / enthusiasm of revelers
•    Tradition of the Street Group
•    Quality of bands / sound systems!
•    Positive Vibrations
•    Route selected

In each day we selected, up to 4 different Carnaval Blocos.   The 2010 TOP 20 Blocos list are divided by each day – SATURDAY CARNIVAL, SUNDAY CARNIVAL, MONDAY CARNIVAL, and TUESDAY CARNIVAL.   You can also check the full list of Blocos de carnaval, on the Events tab. Now it´s up to you! 
See you in one of them!

Saturday - February 13th 2010 Street  Carnival

CORDÃO DA BOLA PRETA -
Meeting point: Cinelândia – Downtown
Concentration time: 7 a.m

Escangalha
Meeting Point: Orsina da Fonseca Street. - Gavea Neighborhood
Concentration Time: 12 AM

AMIGOS DO CATETE
Meeting Point: Dois de Dezembro Street – Catete neighborhood
Concentration time: 2 p.m

CARIOCA DA GEMA - BrazilCarnival.com.br recommended!
Meeting point: Rua do Lavradio Street, next to Rua dos Arcos street – Lapa neighborhood
Concentration time: 3 p.m

My Friends from Mulheres de Chico!  Isso aí Sepulveda!

Mulheres de Chico by Carlos Ivan

Sunday - February 14th 2010 Street  Carnival

BANGALAFUMENGA  -
Meeting point: Av. Pacheco Leão – Horto neighborhood
Concentration time: 10 a.m

LARANJADA SAMBA CLUBE  -
Meeting point: Praça Jardim Laranjeiras – Laranjeiras neighborhood
Concentration time: 12 a.m

AREIA DO LEBLON
Meeting point: Dias Ferreira Street, near Jerônimo Monteiro Street – Leblon Neighborhood
Concentration time: 2 p.m

QUE MERDA É ESSA?  -
Meeting point: Paz e Amor Bar – Garcia D’Ávila Street, corner with Nascimento Silva Street – Ipanema neighborhood
Concentration time: 3 p.m

SIMPATIA É QUASE AMOR -
Meeting point: Praça General Osório – Ipanema neighborhood
Concentration time: 4 p.m

Monday - February 15th 2010 Street  Carnival

ACONTECEU -
Meeting point: Largo das Neves – Santa Teresa neighborhood
Concentration time: 2 p.m

BLOCO DE SEGUNDA  
Meeting point: Cobal do Humaitá – Voluntários da Pátria Street N° 446, Humaitá neighborhood
Concentration time: 4 p.m

ESTICA DO FLAMENGO
Meeting point: Marquês de Abrantes street – Flamengo neighborhood
Concentration time: 5 p.m

Tuesday - February 16th 2010 Street  Carnival

CARMELITAS
Meeting point: Corner of Ladeira de Santa Teresa with Dias de Barros street, Santa Teresa neighborhood
Concentration time: 8 a.m

EMBALO DE SANTA TERESA
Meeting point: Almirante Alexandrino Street next to Largo dos Guimarães – Santa Teresa neighborhood
Concentration time: 1 p.m

BLOCO DA ANSIEDADE
Meeting point: Mercadinho São José – Rua das Laranjeiras street N° 90, Laranjeiras neighborhood
Concentration time: 3 p.m

BANDA DE IPANEMA
Meeting point: Gomes Carneiro Street – Ipanema neighborhood
Concentration time: 4 p.m

The Independent League of Samba Schools (Liesa) on Thursday morning on a call center, in Copacabana, on Rio de Janeiro, the sale of tickets to the 2010 Special Group Parade. The tickets ended in 32 minutes, the sale begam at 9 a.m. each person could purchase up to four tickets for each day of parade. In 2009, the tickets sold out in 30 minutes.

"Each year it gets harder to get tickets because the demand increases and the Sambadrome remains the same size. I doubt that in any event the organizer has ID and Social Security Number of the people purchasing tickets. We have all of that" said sales coordinator of Liesa, Heron Schneider.

For 2010, over 12 thousand tickets were put on sale. The third sector of the bleachers was the first to end and the last one the chairs of sector 6. 720 phone lines were available for sales.

Now the ones that managed to save their ticket must attend on the 12^{th or 13th of January with their ID and CPF on the bank of each respective sector. The tickets that weren’t purchased will be placed back on sale to the public on the 15th of January.}

See bellow the number of people services by each sector:

Sector 3 Bleachers – 641 people

Sector 5 Bleachers – 621 people

Sector 4 Bleachers – 712 people

Sector 7 Bleachers – 532 people

Sector 11 Bleachers – 353 people

Sector 6 chair – 534 people

Sector 13 chair – 270 people

According to Liesa, the number of people serviced increased in 10%.

The Independent Samba School’s League disclosed the official calendar for Sambadrome’s technical rehearsal.   As from December 6 every weekend, with the exception of Christmas and new year’s weeks, there will be at least one rehearsal day.  Special Group and Access Group will participate of the weekend festivities on Rio´s Sambadrome  . See below the dates and time of the parades.

December 6th

7 P.M - Cubango

8 P.M - Viradouro

10 P.M - Mangueira Samba-School

Below, Unidos da Tijuca´s Muse - Adriane Galisteu at the last Sambadrome Rehearsal:

December 13th

7 P.M - Império Serrano

8 P.M - Mocidade

10 P.M - Vila Isabel

Below, former Queen of Drums - Gracyanne Barbosa, for Mangueira at Technical Rehearsal, with all her charm.

December 19th

8 P.M - Unidos de Padre Miguel

10 P.M - União da Ilha

20th December 

7 P.M - Império da Tijuca

8 P.M - Beija-Flor

10 P.M - Unidos da Tijuca

Below, a rare shot from Agencia FOTO BR of a Tijuca at the rehearsal.

January 8th

9 P.M- Imperatriz

January 9th

7 P.M - Tuiuti

8 P.M - Porto da Pedra

10 P.M - Portela

January 10th

7 P.M - Santa Cruz

8 P.M - Mocidade

10 P.M- Salgueiro

Below, the organized Baianas from Mangueira at the dry run.

January 16th

7 P.M - Inocentes

8 P.M - Caprichosos

10 P.M - Ilha

January 17th

7 P.M- São Clemente

8 P.M - Viradouro Samba-School

10 P.M - Grande Rio

24th January 

7 P.M - Rocinha

8 P.M - Mangueira

10 P.M - Unidos da Tijuca

30th January 

7 P.M - Estácio

8 P.M - Porto da Pedra

10 P.M - Portela

January 31st

7 P.M - Renascer

8 P.M - Grande Rio

10 P.M - Vila Isabel Samba-School

February 6th

7 P.M - Beija-Flor

10 P.M - Imperatriz

Below, Erika one of Tijucas Top Samba dancers at the rehearsal

February 7th

7 P.M - Salgueiro (Sambadrom’s sound and light test)

Rio de Janeiro was elected Best gay destination in the world by TripOutGayTravel website.  In accordance to that, Mocidade Samba School has recently disclosed that a new wing was created for 2010 Carnaval in Rio. The Gay wing will rely on gay merrymakers parading down the Sambadrome.

Below, a beautiful and colorful Luxury Brazilian Carnival Costume with teddy bear included.

Photo Credit:  FOTO BR AGENCY

However, the school informs that it is not mandatory that the person is gayto be a part of the wing.  All it takes is attending rehearsal at school court every Wednesday between 8:30 P.M and 10 P.M.   According to Diguinho Mocidade and Maurício D’Paula, responsible   for the wing, selection will take to consideration enthusiasm, attendance amongst other requirements.  The samba carnival costume to be used by wing members is very irreverent: a Leopard.

This is the first time a Samba School dedicates an entire wing to the gay community, and it came in great time since Rio is now recognized as the best destiny for gays.

Carnaval is approaching and Special Group Samba School’s are in the run to make this Carnaval the best yet. It’s time to choose the Song that will be chanted in the Sambadrome raising the crowd. The first school to choose the Samba was Unidos de Vila Isabel on October 9th. The chosen theme was "Noel: A presence do poeta da Vila" By one of the schools most renowned name: Martinho da Vila. 

 ^{On the 11th , it was Salgueiro’s time to choose what they would take down to Rio´s  Sambadrome and the chosen theme was "Histórias sem fim" by Josemar Manfredini, Brasil do Quintal, Jassa, Betinho do Ponto and Fernando Magaça. The day after, on the 12th Porto da Pedra announced the winner theme: "Com que roupa… eu vou? Para o samba que você me convidou?" By Bira Porkinho and Heitor Costa}

Portela Samba School selected the theme "Derrubando fronteiras, conquistando a liberdade... Rio de paz, em estado de graça!" by Ciraninho, Rafael dos Santos, Diogo Nogueira, Naldo and Júnior Escafura. Following Portela, Viradouro, Mangueira, Unidos da Tijuca and Grande Rio chose their themes on the same day: the 17th of October. 

Viradouro chose "México, o paraíso das cores, sob o signo do Sol" by Floriano, Gustavo da Marbela and Sacadura Cabral. Mangueira chose "Mangueira é música do Brasil" by Renan Brandão, Machado, Paulinho Bandolim and Rodrigo Carioca.

Below you see a photo of one of Mangueira's Float of carnaval 2009

Photo Credit: Alziro Xavier/G1

Unidos da Tijuca selected "É segredo!" By Julio Alves, Marcelo and Totonho and Grande Rio "Das arquibancadas ao Camarote nº 1, um "Grande Rio" de emoção, na Apoteose do seu coração" by Barbeirinho, Mingau, G. Marins, Arlindo Cruz, Emerson Dias, Levi Dutra, Carlos Sena, Chico da Vila, Da Lua, Isaac, Rafael Ribeiro and Juarez Pantoja.

Mocidade and União da Ilha chose their themes on the 18th of the same month. Mocidade decided to have as theme "Do paraíso de Deus ao paraíso da loucura, cada um sabe o que procura " by J. Giovanni, Zé Glória e Hugo Reis and União da Ilha chose "Dom Quixote de La Mancha... o cavaleiro dos sonhos impossíveis" by Grassano, Gabriel Fraga, Márcio André Filho, João Bosco, Arlindo Neto, Gugu das Candongas, Marquinho do Banjo, Barbosão, Ito Melodia and Léo da Ilha

To close the Samba Theme choice cycle, Imperatriz Leopoldinense and Beija-flor chose theirs on the 19th of October. "Brasil de todos os deuses" by Jeferson Lima, Flavinho, Gil Branco, Me Leva and Guga was Imperatrize’s choice and "Brilhante ao sol do novo mundo, Brasília: do sonho à realidade, a capital da esperança" By Picolé da Beija Flor, Serginho Sumaré, Samir Trindade, Serginho Aguiar, Dison Marimba and André do Cavaco, was chosen by 2009’s Carnaval winner to help defend their title in the Sambadrome.

 Grande Rio Samba School Synopsis

Grande Rio Samba School brings to the 2010 Sambadrome a tribute to Carioca Carnaval.   Representing all Carnaval’s from the past and important personalities.  It’s a show that promises to take us back in time and for those who didn’t have the privilege to know old street Carnaval, it’s the time to see the glamour and excitement of the old days. Join the school in this stroll through memory lane in Brazil´s Carnaval that promises to be unforgettable.

The theme is a playful use of words where the School’s name – Grande Rio (great rio)- is used to portrait a Rio de Janeiro of Great emotions and the Samabrome, also known as Apoteose (apotheosis) portraits the deifying of Carnaval in our hearts.

Thee theme-plot will talk about the importance and contribution of a legendary Beer Manufacturer ( Brahma beer ) VIP Boxes located at the Sambadrome.  See below the logo of the 2010 Theme:

Name of Grande Rio 2010 Plot-Theme: "From the Bleachers to Number 1 box A "Great Rio" of Emotions on the Apotheosis of Ypur heart!" -

In Portuguese: "DAS ARQUIBANCADAS AO CAMAROTE Nº 1 UM 'GRANDE RIO' DE EMOÇÃO NA APOTEOSE DO SEU CORAÇÃO"

 Plot - Theme’s Justification for Jury

I’m Brazilian, I’m Carioca, passionate!

Pioneer on this lightened stage

Saturday’s as usual Magueira Samba School rehearsesat their court. However last Saturday was a special rehearsal since the "Baianas" Wing was completing 51 years of existence. To celebrate, Scholl’s president Ivo Meireles invited the components of the most traditional Carnaval Wing to join him on stage.

With a crowded court, the public enjoyed the night listening and dancing to the sound of some of Mangueira’s old traditional samba themes as well as this year’s theme. The Drum Queen, Renata Santos was present, as always, but this time all eyes were looking at the guests of honor: the "Baianas".

See below Baiana of Mangueira Samba School presenting the costume

Photo Credit: Advertisemnet/Mangueira

The samba School’s rehearsal takes place every Saturday from 10 P.M. Scholl’s theme is "Mangueira is music from Brazil" by Carnaval Producers Jorge Caribé and Jayme Cesário.

During the next few days we will be disclosing be disclosing the synopses of all Special Group samba school’s for Carnaval 2010.  Starting with Salgueiro Samba-school,  great 2009 champion.

School’s theme synopses are usually disclosed by each Carnaval Producer to let the public and press to understand what inspired the choice. This year’s theme "Endless stories" will take the public to a journey through imagination and the endless story of life.

Below we see Salgueiro's 2010 theme logo

Photo Credit: Advertisement

Theme: Endless stories

"Of all instruments of mankind, the most stupendous one is with no doubt the book. The others are simple extensions of their body… but the book is another thing, the book is an extension of the memory and the imagination"

(Jorge Luiz Borges)

One day, Johannes Gutemberg dreamt that he wanted to be free, that he wanted to be a book. Wanted to be a written word, change course of history. Be history. Uneasy and curious, began to make his dream come true in XV century’s Germany, when He pressed the last lead block over the paper and placed the last full stop in his master piece: The printed Bible.

- Give me 26 lead horses and I will conquer the world!

Conquers by words and books, now printed from his inventions and creations. Rudimentary papyrus, Chinese types, parchment, codex and the unreachable manuscripts hand copied by medieval monks, fell behind. The mobile types soiled by ink, which were once a part of his dreams, print the pages of a new and important chapter. The first printing remaining in eternity.

The portal for disclosure of ideas and ideals that were widespread throughout the world was now opened. Password to the beginning of the great book era, of the wonderful Endless Stories!

Hands and machinery to work! The printed pages recovered the glorious past of empires raised under compassion sign, and the rage of heroes, myths and Gods. Epic achievements that were immortalized in epopees that praised civilization’s values and virtues. The same words edified to human glory described the reborn of an era, impersonated on the figure of an errant knight. The windmills blow airs of hope, guiding mankind to a spiritual journey bearing paradise, through winding paths…

… that leads the readers to entrenched noble’s intrigues and to mob revolutions on the old world’s powerful kingdoms. Delirious kings and queens, weaves of a triangle that involves damsels, knights and courtesans themes. It’s the period of heroes with their capes and swords, of duels in the name of the beautiful lady’s heart. The pages of a romantic glazing game on a cynical villain scene game are opened. Dangerous connections, described with detail in texts that reveal secret oaths, pacts, hatred, forbidden romances, sigh, eternal love promises…

See below a photo of a giat Salgueiro float in 2007

Photo Credit: Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro/Jaime Silva

...that will influence new world’s literature, translated on the Portuguese noblewoman’s face enamored by the native. The union that falsifies a romantic chapter of an interbreed Brazil is accomplished. Words that sails through an ocean of poetic images, describing a dramatic crossing in the basements of small slavery ships. In the ships, Black man and woman that set ashore here to change and fortify the roots of a nation. In each literature piece, the cornices of a country that harbors interbred hero’s saga, from Rio de Janeiro with all urban and suburban types, of Bahia’s man and woman, of the brave Explorers of a fertile hinterland of dreams...

... and literary daydreams evoked by magical words, torpid on the shadow of the book of longing: "Pirlimpimpim", "Open up Sesame", "Abracadabra!". In an eye blink, we fly to the time of "Once upon a time...Once again!". We enter the fantasy portal. Here, imagination is a fast machine that takes us to any place at any time! We’ll turn the world upside down in the search for the fantastic tales’ path and there we will find the city of dreams, the wonderland, the universe of unforgettable tales. Look: dolls come alive… hear: your hero’s favorite song… feel: the throb of innocent happiness on the stories grandma tells… delicacies of words that bring smells and flavors of childhood, written forever in our hearts. It’s the key to the awakening of a child that never seized to exist in each one on the great adventure of playing to live in…

… an instant: follow the advice and breathe before continuing. Ready? Here we go. Here begins our trip through the world of adventure and thrill, with characters and actions happening at a crazy speed to unveil the intriguing enigma, to find the path to other dimensions were monsters, witches and supernatural beings dwell, transposed from imaginary times and spaces, guided by ingenious words that makes us loose breath and, in a single breath, follow all the mystery that involves the plot from beginning to end, lead by false hints, traps, crossed plots, dangers, rounded up villains, jigsaws with incomplete pieces, shatters that stimulates curiosity on a more and more frenetic rhythm, until it emerges… whew!

The turnaround.

The outcome.

The revelation.

"Why didn’t I think of that?" the truth was before our own eyes…

...that fast forward in time and read a future written by uncertainty ink. As he loses domain over the machines He invented, man becomes a hostage of his own creation. Fictional pages are now open to a planet overlooked by electronic eyes, under the great Machine-God services. Highly advanced artificial brains, capable of traveling through the universe and simulate a reality taken over by chaos on futuristic scenery. Are we before this new odyssey’s last chapter? Only the future can say…

…that it’s time to open a new chapter, to write the story we choose on a blank page. Recreate our own biography; unveil on the great book of life the secrets of happiness, of balance, of peace. Philosophical teachings show us the way of wisdom, of the well or poorly traced lines written on the mystic book of destiny. An immortal piece Will be finally Born, one where there Will always be a new chapter, a new edition. An unbounded theme, retold and increased each time someone browses the pages of all those Endless stories....

… The end…


By: Renato Lage and the Cultural Department

Known for having groundbreaking ideas, Unidos da Tijuca Samba School’s Carnaval Producer, Paulo Barros, has already thought of a couple of surprises to be expected by the public. Rehearsal has already begun and the drum Section has already been rehearsing with a couple of dancers, coordinated by Marcelo Sandrini and Roberta, choreographers that follows him for years and are responsible for choreographing wings and performances on floats such as the Tijuca United Opening wing float on 2005 Carnaval.

At some moments during the parade, the dancers stroll amongst the rhythmics and make performances during the second part of the theme song “It’s a secret”, at the point where the samba talks about the desire to keep a secret hidden, at the same time, the Drum section will make the typical “paradinha” or small stop while the dancers are performing.

Below we see Tijuca's drum section during technical rehearsal

Photo Credits:Advertisement/Alice Fernandes

Paulo Barros’ Carnaval has been the one to watch since he first appeared and has moved the audience ever since. So watch out this year will probably be no different.

Recordings started on October 20th at Samba city.   It is a novelty since past year’s recordings took place at recording studios. This time, all schools will be allowed to count on 40 rhythmics of the Samba Association, moreover, the school will be able to count on a chorus of the guild’s participants guaranteeing the feel of a parade.   Only a couple of details will be taken to studio before finalizing the work.

This idea is to show in the CD, Samba Themes as they are sang on rehearsal courts as well as technical rehearsals. The launching of the CD will take place on National Samba Day on December 2nd with an invitation only event in Samba City and sales will begin in December.

below we see a photo of samba players at Rocinha

photo credits: Agência Fotobr

The parade climate only enriched the quality of the CD and members of the schools are thrilled with the result of the work. Now we wait for it’s launching to enjoy every minute of Carnaval, preparing to sing along with schools in the Sambadrome. 

Tourism department of Rio de Janeiro finally was able to map out Rio’s street Carnaval. Starting 2010, the City Hall will take part on the street carnival groups´parades organization, improving traffic signaling and public security around the events.

Photo Credit: Elohim Barros

461 street groups were approved by city hall. 39 of them in the west zone, 54 in Barra da Tijuca district, 55 in Tijuca, 83 at the north zone, 96 downtown and 172 street groups at south zone, arriving at the total of 499 parades as some of the street groups parades more than once.

Below, a nice shot of the vibrant "Volta, Alice" Street Band in Rio.

Photo Credit: Juan F Otoya

Last year city hall was notified of 269 street groups, however, the real number of parades around the city is estimated to  have been nearly the same as next year’s.  The recent notifications made it possible to have better organization of the events.  Now there is an official calendar of the street parades with date, time and were it will take place from start to finish.  This way, city hall can arrange for the street carnival garbage, police force, health system and parking systems.

Due to this mapping, many groups changed their routs or scheduling, in accordance to the Department of Tourism, avoiding, this way, the overlapping of different parades and making it possible for the merrymakers to enjoy even more our street parades.  This will not only improve the quality of the street parades as it will make it more organized for those going around town.

Let´s hope everything runs smooth, but with loads of fun too!

Photo Crediti : Joyce Farias

Mangueira chooses its samba music theme for the 2010 Carnival.  The lyrics and melody that will represent the samba theme music is called “A Mangueira é a música do Brasil” (The Mangueira School is the Music of Brazil) was announced in the beginning of this past Sunday with the “Palácio de Samba” very busy. The great winner was the samba A7, the first of the three finalist to present themselves. Those who stayed until the end of the night were able to catch the enthusiasm of the winner composers: :Renan Brandão, Machado, Paulinho Bandolim e Rodrigo Carioca.

Photo Credit: Estação Primeira Website

 
In the end of the night, almost morning time, the president of the samba school, Ivo Meirelles, had an emotional speech with an important decision. He called the end of the night, the “unification”.  “From this Sunday forward, we will be resumed in one melody, in one samba, and we will renovate and reinvigorate in search for the rescue of our unification”. “Viva to Samba!”  “Viva a Estação Primeira de Mangueira!”, said the president, surrounded by the drummers “Surdo Um”.

Below, the energy of Surdo Um Drum Section from Mangueira, at the 2007 parade.

Photo Credit: Estacao Primeira Website

The three finalists presented themselves in order of drawing of their names. The samba music took the public from their feet! They danced all night at the “Palacio de Samba”. It was indeed a very difficult decision to choose only one finalist amidst great melodies!
 
The final decision only happened when the sun was rising. When the winner was being announced, Ivo affirmed that the decision was very hard and that they all had great talents, specially their ethical conduct. Then the president announced the name of the music for the 2010 Brazilian Carnival Mangueira theme song:
 
- “Mangueira in 2010 will sing “Meu Coração é Verde e Rosa”. (My heart is green and pink).
 
When the sun was rising, the public went to the streets of Rio commemorating with the winning refrain “Meu Coração é verde e rosa./Descendo o morro eu vou./A música, alegria do povo/Chegou, a Mangueira chegou”. ( My heart is green and pink/coming down the hill i will./The music, happiness to the people, Mangueira is here).

Mangueira 2010 Theme Samba Lyrics:

Vai passar…
Nessa avenida mais um samba popular
Mangueira até parece um céu no chão
É Música vestida de emoção
Com notas e acordes refletiu
Em suas cores o orgulho do Brasil
Nas ondas do Rádio
De norte a sul viajei
Num sonho dourado embarquei
Parece magia!
Vai minha inspiração
Num doce balanço a caminho do mar
Vem me fazer a canção pro mundo se encantar

TANTAS EMOÇÕES NA VERDE-E-ROSA
BRILHAM AS ESTRELAS IMORTAIS
BATE OUTRA VEZ UMA SAUDADE
LEMBRO DOS ANTIGOS FESTIVAIS
(BIS)

Um verso me levou
Do Rock a Jovem Guarda
Fui caminhando e cantando ao luar
Com a Tropicália no olhar
Atrás do trio eu quero ver
O baile começar, e a noite adormecer
O sol nascerá, as cortinas irão se fechar
Folhas secas virão e o show vai continuar!

MEU CORAÇÃO É VERDE-E-ROSA
DESCENDO O MORRO EU VOU
A MÚSICA ALEGRIA DO POVO
CHEGOU A MANGUEIRA CHEGOU
(BIS)

Carnaval of Brazil is slowly approaching, but do you know how the samba drum instruments are aligned at the Sambadrome?  Do you know which row of samba instruments comes first, tamborins, surdos, or caixas?  On this interesting article we will show you how the samba percussion drums are displayed at the Carnaval parade runway.

The percussion instruments are carefully grouped in the Bateria and generally are distributed according to the First Director´s – Mestre de Bateira´s request.   There is a common rule though that every Drum Section Director takes into account: heavy samba instruments do not mix with the light samba instruments.  In a samba-school parade or event, heavy instruments always stays stationed behind and the light ones in front of the Drums Section.

According to the conductor Milton Manhães, who is a musician and samba percussionist from Imperatriz Leopoldinense Samba-School Drums Section: “The first surdos consist of the essence of the Drums Section within a binary beat.  They comprise three types: the first surdo (first beat) and stronger, like the C in the contrabass; the second (also called response surdo), performs the cello in a Symphonic. It is less strong and is tuned as A or B in the contrabass.  The third surdo is in between both, but also called surdo de corte.  Its tune is similar to the drum.  The tune in the contrabass is the F.”

See below the formation of the Drum section - Bateria as they wait at the "stable".  Here, you see row of surdos, ( bass drums) heavy samba instruments from Mangueira Samba-School.

Credit: Estação Primeira Org.

When the Drums Section is large, there is the need of putting the first and second surdos closer, they stay on the same side and the caixas and/or repiques are arranged between them.  The third surdos, or balance surdos, are distributed among the first and second surdos, and their functions are to balance the first and second, and provide the needed ‘swing’.  The repique surdos or repinique (the smaller) perform a variety of rhythmical beats and the taróis and caixas are responsible for the ‘counterbalance’.   Light instruments in a samba-school bateria or carnaval band add rhythm and treble too.

Similar to an orchestra, there are moments in which all instruments are being played, and others in which just one of the groups perform.  For example, when the samba starts, everybody plays, in the second part, the heavy instruments almost make silence, becoming the light ones more intense.  The tambourines and rattles stop, the other instruments may keep playing.

When similar instruments play rhythmical drawings at the same time, enjoying the samba syncopation, we have what we call “conventions”.   The “conventions” that are most widely performed today are played by the tambourines.

Following is an outline that which describes the arrangement of the percussionists in a bateria.  It shows more or less how the 280+ members of the bateria march in the parade, starting with the lighter instruments.  As described before, the heavy surdos are in the middle for stability:

See below, the first row of light instruments with shakers and tamborins.

* 4 Drum Section Masters on the open aisle in the middle of the rhythm drummers

* 2 Mestres de Bateria on the sides of the Drum Section

Formation on the avenue: 28 rows with 10 percussionists each covering the width of the avenue.

5  on each side of the aisle of the Drums Section Masters:

* 3 rows of tambourins

* 4 rows of cuicas

* 4 alternating rows of ganzás, reco-recos, and agogos

* 1 row of tambourins

* 16 alternating rows, side by side: Surdos ( bass drums ), caixas ( snares) , surdos, repique, caixas

The three tenors of the Estação Primeira de Mangueira entered the studios this past Tuesday, but the samba school only allowed  them to hear one part of the lyrics so that they have an idea on how will this samba song  be interpreted on the voices of of singers Zé Paulo, Luizito and Rixxa.   On the introduction, music from the group “Roupa Nova” is sung.

This momentum had a special appearance of the voices of the “velha guarda” (veteran contingents) of the green and pink school, as well as the women’s department and the samba school community.   A CD version of LIESA will only be available in the end of November.

We still have another 4 months to Carnaval in Rio, but Rio de Janeiro has a new Official Carnival Queen,  25 year old Shayene Cesario.  The muse we have described in the past has just been elected yesterday, October 9th, the new Official Rio de Janeiro 2010 Carnival Queen.  The contest occurred in Rio´s Samba City.

When the Official Rio de Janeiro Queen and Princess Contest was over, Shayene Cesário could never imagine she would be crowned the Official Rio de Janeiro Carnival Queen, winning over 12 other contenders.   The decision was made by a judging panel that considered several attributes for the final scores, including samba dance abilities, overall charisma, sympathy, body elegance and facial expressions.  Members of the judging panel included: Sidney Rezende, Selmynha Sorrisoz, muse Viviane Araujo, and actor Davi Pinheiro.

Let´s get to know this Carnival Goddess a bit more: Shayene Cesario is a 25 years old model and law student born in Rio de Janeiro.  The lovely Brazilian brunette has indigenous, European, and Afro-Brazilian roots, which clearly constructed that extraordinary look.  The Carnaval Goddess was raised in the traditional São Carlos neighborhood and started to parade at the early age of 8 with Estácio de Sá Samba School in Rio.

As part of her attributes of 2010 Official Rio de Janeiro Carnival Queen, Shayene Cesário will participate in a series of carnival balls, visit several samba rehearsals promoted by traditional samba schools like Unidos da Tijuca, Mangueira, together with the other members of the carnival court in Rio: Talita Martins and Suellen Pinto, the two Carnival Princesses, and Momo King Milton Rodrigues.  Those who think this marketing pampering campaign is just posing may be unadvised: The carnival promotion marathon is extremely strenuous and fatiguing.  As an example of a classic carnaval promotional event, the Rio de Janeiro Mayor hands the “city´s keys” to Carnival court and officially opens the carnival festivity.

Queen of Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2010 - Shayene Cesario

But who said this astonishing muse is only appealing to the eyes?  Shayene is finishing her Law School and will become a full lawyer in one year.  The new Rio Carnival Queen worked for two years as an intern at the Public Attorney in Rio, where she had a good chance to learn a bit of the profession’s routine.

To maintain the amazing fit, Shayene Cesario works out every day and also practices martial arts.  Shayene Cesario has nearly perfect measures: 5.74 feet (1, 75 m ) and 143 pounds ( 65 kg) in a proportional waist line.   Apart from parading in Rio´s Sambadrome, Shayene also paraded in São Paulo, where she enjoyed great success.

I am sure the new Carnaval Queen Shayene Cesario will be one of Brazil´s 2010 next celebrity for everything she represents: her simple ways, her friendly smile, her colorful ethnic background and spontaneous personality.

Photo Credit:  Agencia FOTO BR - Alexandre Vidal

Good luck in 2010 and congratulations for your samba roots! 

Giovanna da Silva Justo, or simply Giovanna Justo, as she is known in samba world, was born and raised in Morro da Mangueira, which gives the name to the most traditional and important samba school from Rio de Janeiro. She is Orlendi Justo and Djair da Silva’s daughter.   Orlendi was Mangueira’s vice-president in the 90’s, and Mrs. Djair dedicated herself to her husband and to their kids.

Giovanna started her life in the samba world in the 80’s, when she used to parade in famous Mangueira’s children wings, which was managed by the late Dona Neuma. Throughout the years, she became interested in the art of being a true porta bandeira- Flag-Bearer. This is when she started having classes with the legendary instructor Dalmo José. In the end of the 80’s, Giovanna started to parade in Mangueira’s Samba-School junior mestre-sala and porta-bandeira wing, which comprised of 15 young couples.

After having an important role at the junior porta-bandeira´s wing, in 1994 she had her first invitation to parade as Estação Primeira de Mangueira’s first porta-bandeira  Flag-Bearer, the one of the most legendary posts in a samba-school parade.   Next year, in 1995, Giovanna Justo had her first parade with excellent results and top parading scores.   She became then Estação Primeira de Mangueira’s official porta-bandeira or Flag-Bearer in English.

In 2009, she had a major shift in her life. Giovanna was invited by another large and traditional samba school from Rio de Janeiro - Unidos da Tijuca Samba-school. The invitation was made by its president Fernando Horta and after intense negotiations, Giovanna decided it was time to pursue new challenges. She would now carry the blue and yellow pavilion from Unidos da Tijuca Samba-School along with Mestre-Sala ( Samba-host)  Marquinhos with great pride. They will represent the Samba-School founded in 1936, for the 2010 Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro.

Congratulations Giovanna for such a devoted, passionate and brilliant samba career.