São Paulo's iconic carnival kicked off with excitement as the Velhas Guardas opened the Grupo Especial desfiles on February 28, 2025. Celebrated at the Sambódromo, the festivities began at 9 PM with performances from seven samba schools, each showcasing their talent and creativity.
The first to grace the Sambódromo was Colorado do Brás at 11 PM. Founded in 1975, the school, dressed in vibrant red and white, dazzled the crowd with their theme "Afoxé Filhos de Gandhy, no ritmo da fé". Led by the talented carnavalesco David Eslavick, they celebrated the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
Following Colorado do Brás, Barroca Zona Sul took the stage with the theme "Os nove oruns de Iansã", prepared by carnavalesco Pedro Alexandre Magoo. The anticipation grew as Dragões da Real followed with their emotional tribute encapsulated through the samba-enredo "A Vida é um sonho pintado em aquarela," which pays homage to Jorginho, the late grandson of carnavalesco Jorge Freitas.
The vivid spectacle continued with more samba schools, including Mancha Verde, whose theme "Bahia, da fé ao profano" promised to juxtapose the sacred and the profane. This school is well-known for its visual allure, as showcased by their queen of drums, Viviane Araújo, whose costume captured the spirit of Bahia.
Another key mention is the Acadêmicos do Tatuapé, who presented their theme "Justiça – A injustiça num lugar qualquer é uma ameaça à justiça em todo lugar," focusing on global justice inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. The night continued with Rosas de Ouro and Camisa Verde de Branco, wrapping up the opening day of celebrations around 5:30 AM.
Symbolizing the artistic diversity of São Paulo's carnival, the Dragões da Real school aimed to pull on heartstrings with their colorful representations of childhood dreams. Their samba-enredo vividly illustrated the essence of childhood and nostalgia, celebrating life's cycles through artistic expression. Ricardo Negreiros, representing the school's team, conveyed the significance of their tribute to Jorginho, saying, "A Dragões já tinha um enredo definido, mas foi repensado em virtude da perda do neto do Jorge Freitas. Desta forma, foi todo amarrado para esse contexto para falar sobre os ciclos da vida: infância, adolescência, idade adulta e maturidade," emphasizing the transformation of sorrow to art.
Jorge Freitas was deeply inspired by his late grandson's imaginative spirit—a passion symbolized through the inclusion of astronauts and whimsical elements like fairies and unicorns. To add layers to their presentation, children participated throughout the event, linking each phase of life, with young Arthur Soares making his debut as part of the performance.
Look back through the lyrics, and you discover the poignant tribute as it speaks: "Ainda é tempo de recomeçar (bis) Na tela pintar as emoções..."—a moving reflection on life's beauty, illustrating how children and dreams shape our realities.
To support attendees making their way to the Sambódromo, SPTrans provided special bus lines from metro stations to facilitate access. Taxis operated with increased availability around the venue, ensuring everyone could travel to witness the city's vibrancy firsthand.
The enthusiastic vibe of every samba school captivated both locals and tourists alike as they cheered, laughed, and danced through the night. With thematic creativity at the forefront, São Paulo's carnival presented not just parties, but real stories, memories, and artistic expressions.
Onlookers praised the performances and the festive atmosphere. Each samba school's display felt like community storytelling—where the narratives from ancestry, culture, and personal journeys came alive. The residents of São Paulo hold this carnival dear, forging connections and celebrating their multifaceted society.
Carnival 2025 has already confirmed its mark on the history of samba as crowds resonate with nostalgia and love infused throughout the event's vibrancy. At the heart, the celebration of life, culture, and community keeps the spirit of carnival alive.
With promises of innovative choreographies and heartwarming tributes, the samba parade establishes the beauty of camaraderie and resilience. São Paulo proves yet again to be the cultural epicenter of Brazil—drawing visitors from across the globe to join the joyful revelry at its core. If you haven't joined the festivities yet, there's still time to immerse yourself as the 2025 carnival continues to dazzle all with its spectacular displays.