The Dragões da Real samba school made its mark at the Sambódromo do Anhembi on February 29, 2025, with their poignant parade titled "A vida é um sonho pintado em aquarela." This mesmerizing presentation served not just as entertainment but as a heartfelt tribute to Jorginho Freitas, the late grandson of the school's carnavalesco, Jorge Freitas.
Jorginho, who tragically passed away at the tender age of eight due to complications from a rare disease, was remembered throughout the parade. Jorge Freitas expressed his deep emotions after the event, stating, "This theme was created out of pain, but as I always said, carnival and the life cycles share the same script: beginning, middle, and end. I know he [Jorginho] is very happy for everything we did here today on the avenue. A big kiss, my grandson, you mean everything to me.”
Fans of the school filled the venue, witnessing the vibrant spectacle inspired by Toquinho's beloved song, "Aquarela". This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Dragões da Real school, adding another layer of significance to the event. The parade unfolded like a beautiful painting, replete with colorful floats and heartwarming performances encapsulating themes of love and life's fleeting nature.
Taina Freitas, Jorginho's mother and choreographer for Dragões da Real, was visibly moved as she participated on one of the floats, which featured astronauts—a nod to her son's dreams. She reflected on the carnival experience, sharing, "I am very grateful to Dragões da Real for their sensitivity and kindness. Within this theme, I could live out all the love and the beautiful story of the 8 years and 2 months I spent with my son."
Her poignant words highlighted the deep connection between mother and child, continuing even after his passing. "Life was love. [...] His dream was to step on the Anhembi, to be with us at this party, causing joy because he loved it,” she stated proudly. The love she felt for Jorginho infused the parade with powerful emotional resonance, echoing through the beats of the samba.
During the procession, Taina emphasized how every aspect of the show represented memories of Jorginho, characterizing them as vibrant colors of their collective "watercolor". She explained, "These memories are being transformed by the most beautiful colors of our watercolor." Her reflections underscored the carnival as not just entertainment, but as a cultural tribute to the joys and sorrows of life.
Within the vibrant presentation, Taina shared an intimate moment; she illustrated her feelings of joy mixed with loss as she experienced the reveal of the astronaut-themed float. "It feels like each time I rehearse. It’s emotional, as it seems like he’s coming out of the rocket like he did when he was born," she said. This sentiment illuminated the bond they shared—a bond everlasting as she noted, "Even without him physically here, I will always carry him with me spiritually, as he would often say: 'to infinity and beyond.'"
The carnival experience became not just about celebrating life but about embracing the essence of love, memory, and the connection parents have with their children. Taina’s description of the carnival mirrored her views about life itself—temporary yet beautiful, filled with moments of pure joy and memories cherished.
The parade by Dragões da Real, laden with emotional layers and vibrant aesthetics, stood as a powerful reminder of the cycles of life and the power of memory. Each dancer, performer, and spectator embodying spirits connected through shared experiences, love, and the pulsing rhythm of samba.
Jorge Freitas’ tribute, inspired by his late grandson, transformed the carnival spectacle not only to entertain but to enlighten—a vibrant reminder to all who gathered at Anhembi about the beauty encompassed within life’s cyclical nature.
Through these expressions, Taina Freitas hopes to reach other mothers, sharing Jorginho’s story not just as one of loss but as one infused with love. She beautifully encapsulated the essence of their connection, assuring those present, "Every person who steps onto this avenue has their own astronaut story—each celebrating the life and memory of loved ones lost and cherished."