The vibrant streets of São Paulo are set to come alive once again as the 2025 Carnival approaches, with the much-anticipated samba school parades scheduled to begin this February. This year's festivities promise to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Brazil, featuring elaborate costumes, dynamic performances, and captivating themes.
The Liga Independente das Escolas de Samba de São Paulo (Liga-SP) has confirmed the official schedule for the Carnival's samba parades, which will take place at the iconic Sambódromo do Anhembi. The first night of performances will kick off on February 28 at 11 PM, featuring seven of the top samba schools. The excitement is palpable as the city's best join forces to display their creativity and passion for this monumental event.
This year, the opening performance will be by the Colorado do Brás, themed “Afoxé Filhos de Gandhy, no Ritmo da Fé.” Following them will be the Barroca Zona Sul, presenting “Os Nove Oruns de Iansã”, and Dragões da Real with “A Vida é um Sonho Pintado em Aquarela.” The excitement continues through the night with performances from Mancha Verde, Acadêmicos do Tatuapé, Rosas de Ouro, and Camisa Verde e Branco, culminating with the last performance at 5:30 AM.
On the following night, March 1, festivities will resume at 10:30 PM, with the Águia de Ouro opening the second day’s parade. The lineup also includes Império da Casa Verde, Mocidade Alegre, Gaviões da Fiel, Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi, Estrela do Terceiro Milênio, and Vai-Vai, who will close the event. Each school's performance will last between 55 to 65 minutes, providing ample time to celebrate their unique themes and styles.
This year's parades will be broadcast nationwide by TV Globo, with coverage starting just after Big Brother Brasil. Viewers can also catch the action online via Globoplay and on the G1 website, ensuring fans across Brazil can join the celebration. The broadcasts will later include expert commentary and insights from seasoned carnival enthusiasts and journalists, offering viewers behind-the-scenes glimpses and analysis.
The 2025 Carnival promises not just entertainment but also cultural reflections within the samba school themes. For example, the Acadêmicos do Tatuapé’s samba-enredo tackles social justice, highlighting the importance of equity and fairness, encapsulated by the phrase, “A injustiça num lugar qualquer é uma ameaça à justiça em todo lugar.” This line aims to resonate deeply with audiences, reflecting Brazil's contemporary socio-political climate.
Judging for the parades will take place based on nine criteria: Bateria, Harmonia, Evolução, Samba-enredo, Mestre-sala and Porta-bandeira, Comissão de Frente, Alegoria, Enredo, and Fantasia. Each samba school will be evaluated by four judges, and the lowest score will be discarded for the final tally, showcasing the fierce competition among these talented groups.
The apuração, or parade results announcement, will occur on March 4, offering fans the opportunity to see which school earns the coveted title of champion. This announcement will undoubtedly add to the anticipation leading up to the Desfile das Campeãs on March 8, where the top scoring schools will once again dazzle audiences with their performances.
Tickets for the Carnival events have been available since December, with prices starting at R$ 45. Fans can secure their spots for the Grupo Especial, Acesso I, and Acesso II parades, with the Acesso II seating on February 22 available free of charge. Tickets can be purchased through the official website of Clube do Ingesso, emphasizing the festival's accessibility for all Carnival enthusiasts.
The vigil of samba schools like the reigning champion, Mocidade Alegre, also boosts local pride. With their win last year, they carry the legacy and expectations of their fans as they prepare to once again take the streets. This year's theme from Mocidade Alegre, which speaks to the multifaceted identity of Brazilian culture, showcases their innovative approach to samba performance.
São Paulo’s Carnival is not just about music and dance; it reflects the struggle, resilience, and creativity of its people, making it one of the most celebrated events of the year. The energy resonates not only within the city but also echoes through the hearts of those who embrace the spirit of the samba.
With preparations underway and excitement building, 2025’s Carnival is gearing up to be another unforgettable celebration of Brazilian culture and community spirit. Fans are urged to mark their calendars and partake in the joy, color, and rhythm of the adored festival.
This celebration, blended with nostalgia and reimagined themes, invites everyone to join the fiesta and celebrate the diversity of Brazil through the artistry of samba.