The 2025 São Paulo Carnival kicked off with vibrant energy and anticipation as the city prepared for one of its most celebrated cultural events. The Sambódromo do Anhembi was alive with the rhythm of samba and colorful displays, showcasing the devotion and hard work of various samba schools competing for glory.
Beginning the festivities was the Colorado do Brás, launching the parade at midnight with their theme, "Afoxé Filhos de Gandhy, no ritmo da fé." Their performance paid homage to candomblé, honoring significant cultural figures from Bahia, including Clara Nunes and Gilberto Gil. Interactions among performers and the audience were electrifying, setting the stage for the nights to come.
Leading up to their performance, President Angelina Basílio emphasized the importance of preserving traditions during this year's festivities. "Every year, we try to reflect on our roots and bring cultural pride to the forefront," she said, exemplifying the spirit of samba and community bonding.
Following Colorado do Brás, the Barroca Zona Sul entered the stage at 0h05, captivating audiences with the theme "Os nove oruns de Iansã." This samba-enredo highlighted the goddess Iansã, known as the queen of winds and storms, drawing inspiration from African traditions and faith. The elaborate floats, including one representing Iansã as both strong and graceful, enthralled festival-goers. The musical arrangement, crafted by notable composers such as Thiago Meiners and Cacá Camargo, captured the essence of reverence for the deities.
Next up was the Dragões da Real, performing to their samba-enredo "A vida é um sonho pintado em aquarela!" Their commitment to creativity shone through as they transformed the iconic children’s song by Toquinho, depicting the wondrous cycles of life. The engaging performance showcased students transforming to adults before transitioning to the beauty of life’s later stages, portraying growth and nostalgia with brilliance.
Meanwhile, the Mancha Verde, entering the arena at 2h35, celebrated "Bahia, da Fé ao Profano." Their performance elegantly juxtaposed sacred elements with festive indulgences, captivating viewers with their vibrant displays. Their use of light and elaborate costumes wove a vivid narrative around the intersections of faith and celebration, portrayed through the exciting choreography of the samba school’s members.
Another standout performance this year came from the Acadêmicos do Tatuapé, who presented their message with strong themes of justice and tolerance through "Justiça – A injustiça num lugar qualquer é uma ameaça à Justiça em todo lugar." Their samba featured inspirational lyrics, echoing the principles of Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. These themes struck chords within the audience, inviting reflection on current societal issues.
The Rosas de Ouro closed out the first night’s lineup at 4h25 with their performance "Rosas de Ouro em uma Grande Jogada" which portrayed the impact of games on humanity. Their artistic portrayal highlighted how competition is woven through life’s fabric, urging audiences to pursue glory and dreams.
Distinctly, each samba school not only represented competition but also exemplified celebration and cultural identity, creating elaborate representations of their chosen themes. Audience members reveled at the sight of extravagant costumes adorned with shimmering sequins and bright feathers, accompanying the resounding beats of live samba bands. The preparations and performances left spectators spellbound, creating one of the most respected and anticipated carnivals yet.
Each night culminating at the Sambódromo reflected the passionate dedication of performers and the cultural significance of the event. The connection forged between the samba schools and their audience felt palpable, reminding everyone why they gathered—celebration, community, and the unbreakable spirit of samba.
Algorithms for scoring were put in place with nine key criteria to assess performances, including Bateria, Harmonia, and Enredo among others—the anticipation of results suspended the excitement long after each school had performed. The anticipation of who will triumph added to the competitive yet festive spirit filling the air.
Overall, the São Paulo Carnival has not only served as entertainment but also as a reaffirmation of cultural pride, diversity, and resilience. Each performance stood as testimony to the power of community, bringing people together through the rhythm of samba and shared stories of the human experience. With much respect paid to their ancestors and cultural richness, the samba schools of São Paulo rose to the occasion this year, delivering unforgettable performances anticipated by all.