The vibrant rhythms of Brazilian Carnaval reached their zenith this past weekend with the spectacular displays from the schools of samba. On Monday, March 3, 2025, festivities continued with the eagerly awaited results of the 2025 Carnaval de Manaus, which will reveal the champion of the Samba schools from the Special Group. The highly anticipated announcement took place at the Centro de Convene7es Gilberto Mestrinho, located at the Sambodromo in the Flores district of Zona Centro-Sul.
Beginning at 2 PM (local time), jurors assessed the performances based on nine mandatory categories, including Allegories and Props, Battery, Front Commission, Theme, Evolution, Costumes, Harmony, Master of Sala and Porta-Bandeira, and Samba Theme. Each category can score between 8 to 10 points, setting the stage for intense competition.
Participated by eight competing schools—Sem Compromisso, Vitria Regia, Unidos do Alvorada, Vila da Barra, Mocidade Independente de Aparecida, Andancas de Ciganos, Reino Unido da Liberdade, and A Grande Familia—each team was under scrutiny for the entirety of their 70 minutes on stage to impress both the judges and the public.
Leila, one of the officials involved, clarified how the results also determine the promotion and relegation system between the groups. "The champions of Access B will advance to Access A, and the champions of Access A will join the Special Group. Conversely, the last-place school from the Special Group will drop to Access A, and the same rule applies downwards through Access B and the experimental group, which holds its parades the weekend following Carnaval. A school must hold its rank for three years to move up categories," she elaborated.
Sem Compromisso opened the evening with their theme, "Sumauma – The Guardian of the Amazon Rainforest," setting the tone with their lively portrayal of Brazil’s rich ecology. Following them was Vitria Regia, who shared their love for the Largo neighborhood through the performance, "My Largo is Loved, Full of Stories… It Has Sacred Art, Water, Bars, and Saints. This Ground, Green and Pink, Is Where I Sing with Emotion."
The third entrant, Unidos do Alvorada, delighted viewers with their homage to the strength of femininity, titled "Divine Woman! The Strength, The Beauty, The Creation."
Vila da Barra, carrying themes of empowerment and history, presented the powerful message of "Njinga – The Queen of Angola."
"Our performance was not just about the carnival; it was about our history and the importance of African influence on our culture," remarked one representative afterward.
The reigning champion, Mocidade Independente de Aparecida, made waves with their tribute to the Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA) through their theme, "Lux Sapientiae – Caboclo Pride," paying respect to local educational institutions and their significance to community pride. Andancas de Ciganos told the story of creation myths from various cultures, titled "Genesis," connecting themes of spirituality and mythology.
From the neighborhood of Compensa, Reino Unido da Liberdade brought alive Afro-Brazilian culture with their theme "Êpahey, Reino Unido! Mojubá, Gbogbo Orixá." Rounding off the night was A Grande Familia, whose project "Natural Gas – The Energy That Pulses the Amazon" reflected on sustainable development, tying it to regional identity.
Judges for the event, totaling 40 professionals selected from across Brazil (except the North region to avoid partiality), used their expertise to gauge performances closely. "They assess every aspect of the school’s presentation with the utmost care. Any delays or deficits could cost points,” explained Leila.
More broadly, this year’s evaluations maintain continuity with strict assessments reminiscent of previous years, ensuring only the most deserving champion would emerge victorious. The results from the A and B access groups will also be announced earlier, starting at 10 AM on the same day.
Attendance for this year's event is anticipated to be substantial, with live broadcasts planned alongside those viewing at the Sambodromo through large screens and various media streams. Reportedly, coverage will include social media platforms for those unable to attend.
This celebratory atmosphere faces the challenge of the fact-based evaluations overshadowed by passionate performances. While the judges prepare, the samba schools and their ardent followers remain on the edge of their seats.
Overall, the 2025 Carnaval not only embodied festive culture and artistic expression but also served as a reminder of the rich history and the community spirit invigorated by these displays. The outcomes from the Samba schools on Parade Day will echo throughout the year as opportunities for growth await these passionate groups striving to create even more substantial connections to their roots and the environment.
With such stakes at play, it’s more than just winning; it’s about celebrating the heart of the Amazonian spirit and the traditions kept alive through rhythms and costumes. The community eagerly anticipates the results with hopes of achievement and advancement throughout the samba schools of Manaus this 2025 Carnaval season!