The Independente de Boa Vista has emerged victorious at the Carnaval de Vitória 2025, achieving first place in the Special Group with 179.9 points. The celebration of this samba school featured the enshrined theme, "Os Olhos do Mundo - Assombros de Sebastião Salgado," honoring the renowned photographer's life and work. This title marks the seventh victory for the school, which hails from Cariacica, just outside Vitória.
On February 26, the results were revealed during the scores' tallying at the Sambão do Povo, where the performances unfolded over three days from February 21 to 23. The festival attracted significant attention, aiming to highlight Salgado's impactful career, especially his contributions to social awareness through photography.
The Aproveito show, led by carnavalesco Cahê Rodrigues, showcased not only Salgado's illustrious career but also the connection he formed with Espírito Santo, where he met his wife and initiated his artistic pursuits. The show opened with the symbolic representation of Salgado’s pathway adorned with large images of his works and was interrupted by the vibrant rhythm of the Águia Furiosa, which brought the audience to their feet with energetic dancing.
This year's parade began early on Sunday, at 5:28 AM, with 1,500 participants, split across 19 segments illustrating stories from Salgado’s life. Each performance brought to light significant themes from his works, such as the homage to indigenous communities and environmental activism, tying back to the creation of the Instituto Terra, founded by Salgado to address environmental recuperation efforts.
Emerson Xumbrega, the president of Independente de Boa Vista, dedicated the victory to Aline Bianca, the school's muse who tragically passed away shortly after the parade. "This title is dedicated to Aline Bianca, without demagogy, without hypocrisy, for what she did for Boa Vista," he declared, capturing the emotional undertone of the event. Following the announcement, Xumbrega expressed the carnal resurgence of the samba school, stating, "Now the sensation is ‘the champion is back!’" This successful event reflects both pride and loss, showcasing the emotional spectrum of the Carnival.
During the parade, the audience was captivated not only by the aesthetic creations but also by the cultural stories woven through the performances. The 50th anniversary of the samba school coinciding with this grand performance served as additional motivation for the team, pushing them to recount the beauty and struggles captured by Salgado's lens.
Other schools competed alongside Independente de Boa Vista, striving for excellence and celebration. The performance of Chega Mais from Group B stood out as they scored 179.5 points, earning themselves promotion to Group A for next year’s Carnival. This is indicative of how each samba school prepares rigorously to improve their performances and engage their communities.
Throughout the competition, Chegou O Que Faltava followed closely behind, scoring 179.6 points, with Mocidade Unida da Glória garnering 179.4 points, both showcasing their unique narratives via samba. These performances contributed to the vivid experience of this year's Carnaval de Vitória, enhancing the cultural fabric of the community.
Significantly, Imperatriz do Forte, which performed within the Special Group, faced relegation to the Group A after earning 175.9 points. Meanwhile, Independente de São Torquato dropped from Group A to Group B, highlighting the fiercely competitive nature of this year’s carnival.
The Carnaval de Vitória is more than just music and dance. It serves as an economic stimulus for the region, contributing over R$ 40 million and generating about 6,000 direct and indirect jobs, acting as the heart of community engagement and cultural identity. Every year, the event brings spectators and participants together, forming lasting memories and deep connections.
The community’s dedication to the Carnival reflects their tenacity, resilience, and unwavering spirit; it is not just about winning—it’s about celebrating culture, history, and life itself. The victory of Independente de Boa Vista has united the hearts of many, standing as proof of the enduring power of samba. The commitment to honoring figures like Sebastião Salgado through art and performance mirrors the vibrance of life celebrated during the carnival.
With these remarkable performances and heartfelt dedication, the thrill of Carnival lives on, and participants are already gearing up for what next year will bring, eager to put their best foot forward once again. For now, the champions revel amid the spirit of samba, their legacy secured for another year.