A vibrant night at the Sambódromo do Anhembi marked the eagerly anticipated performance of the Mancha Verde samba school during the 2025 São Paulo Carnival. The fourth school to take the stage on March 1, 2025, the Mancha Verde wowed audiences with their stirring theme, "Bahia, da Fé ao Profano," which captured the essence of the duality of sacred and profane elements inherent within Bahian culture.
Led by the dedicated Paulo Rogério de Aquino, known affectionately as Paulo Serdan, the school sought to build upon their strong showing from the previous year. Finishing fifth overall, they had dazzled with impressive scores for allegory, costume, evolution, and their powerful bateria. This time, the stakes were even higher as they aimed for greater recognition with their artistic and technical presentations.
The show's creative team included notable figures such as Paolo Bianchi, who served as the Director of Carnival, and Lucas Abelha, the project designer responsible for translating their ambitious concept onto the stage. The samba school also featured contributions from Igor Carneiro, alongside the coordination and visual artistry of Robertinho, Eddi Dudee, Gall, Bibinha, and the Serdan family members, Kaique and Paulo, who provided overall coordination.
The samba-enredo, penned by accomplished composers Wladi Nascimento, Edinho Gomes, Myngal, Felipe Mussili, and Gilson Bernini, added depth to their performance. Audiences were treated to the heartfelt lines such as "Felicidade tá no som de Salvador (bis) O corpo ginga nas ladeiras do Pelô," which resonates with the joyous rhythms synonymous with Salvador.
One of the standout features of the performance was the innovative approach of merging three sections to create seamless transitions, ensuring the parade maintained rhythm and visual appeal without the disruptions commonly caused by "invasões" or overlap between sections of the school. This not only showcased the school's organizational skills but also elevated the spectator experience.
Visually, the presentation was breathtaking. Massive fitinhas do Bonfim hung prominently, symbolizing faith and tradition, and other elements were artfully woven throughout the performance, heavily reflecting Bahia's colorful culture. The grandeur of the costumes, particularly among the powerful and proud baianas—adorned as Oxum—represented the sacred femininity deeply revered in local traditions.
Their queen of the bateria, Viviane Araújo, sparkling in the spotlight for over two decades, delivered a moving homage featuring elements symbolic of the August celebrations of Bahia, all saintly defined by dance and spirit.
After the Mancha Verde, the next to parade were Papagana and Acadêmicos do Tatuapé, but the enthusiasm surrounding Mancha Verde's performance lingered vibrantly. The scars of past challenges were evident, yet the spirit of celebration and cultural pride was palpable as the samba school danced through the night.
With extensive planning and creativity embedded within their strategy, the Mancha Verde represented their proud roots as descendants of the Palmeiras fan group, Mancha Alviverde. This history dates back to their establishment as a samba school in 1995, transitioning from spirited fans to cultural ambassadors.
This year, they had taken proactive steps to tackle challenges head-on, maintaining harmony across their display, which was integral to receiving those coveted high scores during judging reviews.
The samba school is more than just performers; they are storytellers, weaving narratives of devotion, power, and joy through their dance and music. Each beat of the drum echoes the collective spirit of their communities, making their presentations not just performances but celebrations of life and heritage.
Overall, the performance by Mancha Verde has set the tone for the carnival season. The school has reiterated its commitment to vibrant storytelling through the celebration of traditions, and with this inaugural show, they're certainly paving the way for yet another fabulous season at the São Paulo Carnival.
With continuous innovations, captivating themes, and evocative performances, the future looks bright for Mancha Verde as they continue to honor their ancestors and the rich culture of Bahia.