The Santos Carnival 2025 is all set to dazzle audiences with its vibrant samba school parades, illuminating the streets of Santos with color, rhythm, and local culture. Starting on the evening of February 21, 2025, samba aficionados will gather at the Passarela do Samba Dráuzio da Cruz on Avenida Afonso Schmidt to witness the grandeur of this beloved tradition.
Seven samba schools are slated to exhibit their artistry over two days, with three schools competing from the 'Grupo de Acesso' and four from the elite 'Grupo Especial' on the first night. The festivities will kick off at 21:00, following the opening ceremony which includes the dazzling presence of the carnival court and community leaders.
On the first night, schools such as Imperatriz Alvinegra, Vila Mathias, and Unidos da Zona Noroeste will be among the early entrants, each showcasing unique themes tied to their communities. Imperatriz Alvinegra, whose origins date back to March 14, 2003, will present the parade titled "Suzano! Bandeira de todas as cores… no peito um só ideal," under the guidance of carnavalesco Sérgio Daguiã. This school is known for its rich history and passion for samba, and it will showcase around 700 colorful participants.
Following Imperatriz Alvinegra, Vila Mathias will dazzle spectators with its biblical-themed presentation, "Gênesis – O que Deus criou, o homem devastou," orchestrated by carnavalesco Hélcio Eduardo. With approximately 800 members, this performance will capture the transformational aspects of existence itself through music and dance.
Next up, Unidos da Zona Noroeste aims to honor Santos’ maritime heritage with their theme "Santos: o mar que pulsa na avenida – o legado do Peixe na alma santista." This school, founded in 1980, has previously clinched the title of Group 1 Champion and showcases about 750 vibrant participants with colorful allegorical floats.
The climax of the first evening will feature Bandeirantes do Saboó, which is returning to the Grupo Especial after ten years. With their playful enredo, "Cará: O Rei do Meu Carnaval," adorned with humor and tradition, they intend to pay homage to local culinary aspects of Santos with 1,000 engaging members.
On February 22, the focus shifts to schools including Brasil and Império da Vila, and later, the likes of Independência and Sangue Jovem will take to the stage. These performances promise to continue the high energy and compelling narratives started the previous night, with each school telling its own story through spectacular visual displays.
Before the main events commence, the opening ceremony held on February 20 welcomed the community and acknowledged the hard work of all involved. According to Rafael Leal, the city's Secretary of Culture, 'Todos trabalharam embaixo de sol e de chuva, e fizeram um trabalho incrível.' This sentiment encapsulates the dedication of those behind the scenes, making the carnival experience memorable for everyone involved.
One of the many highlights of the carnival are the safety measures and adjustments made to transportation. The Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego (CET-Santos) will run special bus services to cater to participants and attendees, underscoring the community's emphasis on ensuring everyone can enjoy the festivities safely.
All attendees must also be conscious of prohibited items at the event, which include glass containers, large umbrellas, and any potentially harmful materials. This effort is to maintain safety and comfort during the celebrations, as thousands are expected to flock to the samba grounds.
Anticipation continues to build for the grand finale, where judges will evaluate each performance based on criteria like aesthetics and thematic representation. The awarded prizes will not only offer recognition but also spark excitement for the subsequent year’s carnival, fostering friendly competition between schools.
With all tickets sold out, the event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of samba culture, bringing together the hearts of Santos through music, dance, and community spirit. The Santos Carnival 2025 is not just about entertainment; it’s about celebrating the collective identity and vibrant heritage of this beautiful region.