São Paulo is buzzing with excitement as the Carnival 2025 celebrations kick off on February 28, showcasing the city's rich samba culture through spectacular parades. This year, the Samba School Parades will be held at the iconic Sambódromo do Anhembi, featuring 16 schools competing head-to-head over two electrifying nights of music, dance, and captivating performances.
The first night of the parades is scheduled to start at 23:00 on February 28, and it promises to be nothing short of exhilarating. The event will see familiar names returning to the spotlight, including Colorado do Brás, marking its return to the Special Group of samba schools after its achievement last year. The evening kicks off with the Colorado do Brás and its theme, "Afoxé Filhos de Gandhy, no Ritmo da Fé," which celebrates African culture and religious syncretism prevalent across Bahia, bringing together joyful rhythms and vibrant colors.
Following Colorado do Brás at 00:05 will be Barroca Zona Sul, presenting "Os nove oruns de Iansã," which delves deep within the cultural significance of Iansã, the orixá associated with winds and storms, signifying strength and power. Audiences can expect stunning visuals and passionate performances representing the spirits of ancestry as Barroca aims to improve upon its recent standings.
At 01:10, the Dragões da Real will take the stage, bringing to life its theme, "A Vida é um Sonho Pintado em Aquarela." Inspired by the beloved Sonia's song, it sets forth on creative imagery of color and dreams, integrated with personal struggles and achievements, represented through the rhythmic beats of samba. This performance promises to include remarkable decorations, particularly featuring elaborate winged floats.
Next, at 02:15, the Mancha Verde will enchant the audience with "Bahia, da Fé ao Profano." This piece will showcase the duality of faith and festivity, incorporating various cultural elements celebrating Bahia's vibrant traditions and music. The school's history, often steeped within the samba and soccer community of São Paulo, imbues special significance to the performance.
At 03:20, Acadêmicos do Tatuapé will demonstrate its thematic message, chasing societal justice through its performance, themed "Justiça – A injustiça num Lugar Qualquer é uma Ameaça à Justiça em Todo Lugar." Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.'s wise words, the school aims to convey its commitment to tolerance and equitability through its narrative approach, showcasing why samba remains integral to Brazilian identity.
Following the poignant messages is Rosas de Ouro, scheduled to perform at 04:25 with "Rosas de Ouro em uma Grande Jogada," which seeks to draw connections between games and life experiences. They strive to leave behind their less favorable position from last year and re-establish themselves as frontrunners of the samba community.
Finally, at 05:30, the esteemed Camisa Verde e Branco will present "O Tempo Não Para! Cazuza – o Poeta Vive!" This heartfelt homage to Cazuza encapsulates the powerful poetry and exuberance of samba, interweaving music, lyric, and social commentary, replicates the emotional depth embedded within Brazilian culture and memory.
The carnival festivities will continue with the second night of parades on March 1, starting at 22:30. On this evening, audiences can enjoy performances by Águia de Ouro, Império de Casa Verde, Mocidade Alegre, Gaviões da Fiel, Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi, Estrela do Terceiro Milênio, and Vai-Vai, each presenting their storied histories and thematic narratives.
The results of the Samba School competitions will be awaited eagerly, with the champion being revealed on March 4, at 16:00. This extraordinary celebration not only embodies the spirit of São Paulo but is also pivotal for the samba community, showcasing enormous talent and cultural pride.
With millions tuning in both live at the Sambódromo and via telecast (with the broadcast set to begin at 22:55 on EPTV and TV Globo following BBB 25), the 2025 Carnival implements the essence of flamboyance, resilience, and fervor, bringing the heart of Brazil to the forefront.