The 2025 Carnaval Parade brought significant excitement to São Paulo, particularly with the performance of the renowned samba school Mocidade Alegre. This year's entry, titled "Quem não pode com mandinga não carrega patuá," dives deep within the cultural richness of Brazilian beliefs, showcasing the power of amulets and symbols of faith.
The parade took place at the famous Sambódromo do Anhembi, where the school presented the strong message of the resistance and resilience of African peoples who, throughout history, utilized cultural symbols as tools of faith and protection.
Among the most notable moments during the parade was the grand float featuring 10,000 liters of water, symbolizing brilliance and refreshing energy. This float, laden with fountains, also served the practical purpose of cooling participants down under the energetic lights of the carnival. Despite the beauty of the float, it encountered some issues, with excess water cascading across the avenue, requiring members from the Liga das Escolas de Samba de SP to use brooms to manage the overflow. The situation did not detract from the overall atmosphere, as the audience remained captivated.
Every element of the spectacle was carefully intricately planned by lead designers Jorge Silveira and Caio Arjo, alongside enredista Leonardo Antan. Together, they mapped out how to present the narrative of the Bolsa de Mandinga, a device symbolizing the cultural connection to faith within the Afro-Brazilian community. This narrative reflects historical Islamic influences, whereby African slaves brought to Brazil use objects like the patuá to maintain their vibrant cultures and beliefs.
“When we began discussing the enredo for 2025, I was eager to explore mandinga and its place within our culture,” explained Caio Araújo. “These bags, historically worn by the malês, were integral because they highlight how our ancestors carried their faith, preserving their identity under transformation.”
The float presentations not only displayed stunning artistry but also sparked reflections about the intertwining of African and Brazilian cultures, bringing forth the significant symbolic transformation of the bolsa de mandinga throughout time.
Integral to the parade was the formation of the rosary—a traditional Catholic object reinterpreted for the performance, where each participant represented one of the beads. The visual was complemented by lights forming the image of the Virgin Mary, reinforcing the theme of faith running through the carnival. The object also evokes communal prayers dedicated to the Virgin, marking significant cultural syncretism.
The samba-enredo delivered by leading composers encapsulated themes of spirituality and ancestral homage. Its lyrics, rich with meaning and cultural references, spurred participants and onlookers alike to dance and celebrate the beliefs and histories shared among the community. The lyrics appropriately highlighted how faith and spirituality manifest amid resistance, urging attendees to embrace their identities.
Mocidade Alegre has long been recognized for its unique performances and recent triumphs, having claimed victory as São Paulo’s Carnival champion. This year, they aimed for unprecedented success by pursuing their third consecutive championship title. During the parade, they exemplified breathtaking performances and complex rhythms, striving to honor both their heritage and the communal support from their spectators.
Despite facing some difficulties, including the float not having the school’s name visible from the front—a technical requirement mitigating official scoring—the unwavering spirit of the performers and their message of protection managed to transcend these challenges. The Comissão de Frente was the fastest to pass through the dispersal gate, clocking just 32 minutes, showing their readiness and determination.
While they completed their performance within the designated 65-minute timeframe, their precise exploration of cultural themes brought together admiration and applause from avid viewers both present and virtual. Throughout the night, expectations ran high as seven other samba schools showcased their talent and creativity after Mocidade Alegre.
The procession of the Mocidade Alegre was separated by various storytelling aspects spread across five distinct sectors of representation, emphasizing how each cultural element was interwoven with Brazil's rich history of African descent. Each phase aimed to dismantle any existing prejudices surrounding religious practices and instead embrace their beauty and significance.
Onlookers were mesmerized as vibrant colors, dances, and elaborate costumes brought life to the expressions of faith, endurance, and hope, echoing through the Sambódromo. The messages conveyed served not only as artistic expression but also as educational insight, enhancing public attitudes toward the cultural significance of this vibrant festival.
Now, the anticipation builds for the apuração, or results announcement, scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, when schools' performances will be evaluated. The upcoming Desfile das Campeãs will also take place on March 8, extending the festive spirit of Carnival. Mocidade Alegre, with their powerful narrative and impactful presentation, is poised to leave their mark once again on the historia of São Paulo's Carnival and its multifaceted cultural expressions.