The vibrant battleground of samba begins to thump tonight as the highly anticipated Série Ouro of the Carnaval 2025 kicks off at the iconic Marquês de Sapucaí, Rio de Janeiro's celebrated Sambódromo. Starting at 9 PM, this event marks the official opening for the Carnaval season, where passion, creativity, and tradition collide under the dazzling lights. The significance of the Série Ouro lies not only in its lively performances but also as the last step for schools aiming to ascend to the elite Grupo Especial of samba schools.
This year, 16 samba schools are poised to vie for the glory, with their eyes on securing one coveted spot to the prestigious Group. Spectators are eager to witness the spectacle, as tickets are reported to be completely sold out. Tonight, the lineup will feature:
- Botafogo Samba Clube
- Arranco do Engenho de Dentro
- Inocentes de Belford Roxo
- Unidos da Ponte
- Estácio de Sá
- União de Maricá
- Em Cima da Hora
- União da Ilha do Governador
Tomorrow night, the competition continues with:
- Tradição
- União do Parque Acari
- Vigário Geral
- Unidos de Bangu
- Porto da Pedra
- São Clemente
- Acadêmicos de Niterói
- Império Serrano
The results of the competition will be eagerly awaited, with the champion announced on Thursday, March 6. This year's competition will witness the unique circumstance of three schools—Unidos da Ponte, Império Serrano, and Unidos de Bangu—parading as hors-concours. Due to severe damages incurred from a fire at their costumes factory on February 12, these three schools will not be judged, highlighting the resilience and challenges faced by the samba community.
Adding to the excitement, the broadcasts for this year’s event will be jointly available, marking the third consecutive year Band will showcase the completions of the Série Ouro, ensuring viewers are treated to every twist and turn on the avenue. JP Vergueiro will host the telecast alongside notable journalists and former carnavalistas, providing insights and expertise compensatory to the electrifying atmosphere of the event.
Coverage will begin at 8:30 PM local time both days, with audiences outside of Rio able to join the festivities from 1 AM the next day via the Band network or online on Bandplay and Band Folia's YouTube channel. Fans can listen to the event commentary live on Band FM Rio and BandNews FM Rio as well.
The schools’ enredos, or themes, encapsulate the spirit of this year’s parades:
- Botafogo Samba Clube: "Uma Gloriosa História em Preto e Branco," celebrating the storied history of Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas.
- Arranco do Engenho de Dentro: Highlights the struggles of mothers with the theme "Mães que Alimentam o Sagrado,” exploring diverse types of faith.
- Unidos da Ponte: Addresses environmental issues through "Antropoceno – Ecos de Abya Yala em Meriti’yba,” reflecting indigenous knowledge.
- Estácio de Sá: Delves deep within the Amazonian culture with "O Leão Se Engerou em Encantado Amazônico.”
- União de Maricá: Pays homage to Seu 7 with "O Cavalo de Santíssimo e a coroa do Seu 7,” recognizing its cultural significance.
- Em Cima da Hora: "Ópera dos Terreiros - O Canto do Encanto da Alma Brasileira," highlights the black contribution to opera.
- União da Ilha do Governador: "BA-DER-NA! Maria do Povo. 1849," reflects on historical cultural roots and notable figures.
- Uniformes da União: Bringing vivid costumes inspired by historical events and cultural traditions among others.
The 2025 Série Ouro promises to present not just exhilarating parades but serve as platforms for expression, representation, and community resilience. From the powerful themes to the astonishing presentations, each school prepares to showcase its heart and soul, vying for the honor to ascend to the Grupo Especial.
This celebration is poised to captivate audiences, allowing sambistas and spectators alike to come together and engage with the cultural richness underpinning Rio de Janeiro’s Carnaval. With all the stories yet to be told, as the drums begin to roll and the rhythm fills the air, it’s evident, the spirit of Carnaval is alive and kicking!