The 2025 Rio de Janeiro Carnaval Series Ouro continues this Saturday, March 1, with eight samba schools taking to the Marquês de Sapucaí, vying for their chance to ascend to the elite Grupo Especial. There are high stakes this year, especially for the competitors impacted by the devastating fire on February 12 at Maximus Confecções, which destroyed key costumes and tragically resulted in one casualty.
Among the schools participating, Unidos de Bangu, Império Serrano, and Unidos da Ponte will not be judged tonight; they will perform hors-concours and cannot rise to the first division nor face demotion due to their unfortunate circumstances.
The formalities for the remaining samba schools still stand: only the top winner will be promoted to the Grupo Especial next year, but the two bottom contenders will face relegation to the Intendente. Each school has between 45 to 55 minutes on the Avenue to make their mark with vivid displays of samba.
This year’s schedule for the Série Ouro showcases the following participants throughout the evening:
Schedule of Performances:
• 21:00 - Tradição
• 22:00 - União do Parque Acari
• 23:00 - Acadêmicos do Vigário Geral
• 00:00 - Unidos de Bangu
• 01:00 - Porto da Pedra
• 02:00 - São Clemente
• 03:00 - Acadêmicos de Niterói
• 04:00 - Império Serrano
With their theme focusing on cultural significance, Tradição seeks to explore how humans connect with the divine through their performance. Citing the song by Pretinho da Serrinha, interpreted by Maria Rita, their enredo paints the picture of faith ranging across belief systems. “Cante o samba! Reza pra dona do brilho da noite,” they echo, setting the stage for their soulful performance.
Meanwhile, União do Parque Acari will celebrate the symbolic essence of the guitar—a central piece within Brazilian culture—through their narration of its influences spanning ethnicities and histories: “Aconteceu Jacarandás e pinhos ressoaram, será que o criador vestido de artesão me fez o baluarte da canção?” their lyrics proclaim, stirring audience emotions.
Taking cue from celebrating significant cultural figures, Acadêmicos do Vigário Geral has chosen to memorialize journalist Francisco Guimarães, known for documenting carnival narratives, including his embrace of the black cultural heritage, through their lively samba “Caneta preta na branquitude.”
Indigenous themes take center stage with Unidos de Bangu as they honor the Aldeia Maracanã, exhibiting resonance with cultural continuity aimed at tackling issues of representation and colonial resilience: “Ancestral tupinambá! Um guerreiro anti servil, sou a taba de lutar pela Aldeia do Brasil.” Their performance is expected to stir pride and awareness of indigenous histories and repurposing cultural narratives against odds.
On the environmental front, Porto da Pedra dives deep, revisiting the efforts of Henry Ford’s Fordlândia with their samba titled “A história que a borracha do tempo não apagou.” This samba highlights both the struggles and the resilience of the Amazon: “Munduruku É o Sol que brilha lá no Norte,” invoking the fortitude of its people against external exploitation.
Following through, São Clemente will honor the beloved ties humans share with domestic animals with their heartfelt performance “Dá Voz a Quem Não Tem,” where the love for pets is echoed through lyrics celebrating companionship.
Finally, Império Serrano will bring their narrative filled with nostalgia success and community focus, honoring Beto Sem Braço, as they convey “O que espanta a miséria é festa,” positioning this samba to reflect the rich heritage of what Carnival entails.
With captivating narratives woven through their enredos, the Series Ouro sets the stage for vibrant performances echoing themes of culture, community, resilience, and the spirit of samba. Each year, the anticipation around the Carnaval rises, and for 2025, with the adjustments made following the fire and the emphasis on rich storytelling, this Carnaval promises to flood the Audience’s hearts with feelings of joy, heritage celebration, and community pride.