Carnaval 2025 has come alive with vibrant celebrations across Brazil, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and exuberant spirit of the festival. From spectacular samba parades to lively street blocks, this year's festivities have brought joy and energy to both participants and spectators.
One of the highlights was the enthusiastic display by the Escola de Samba Unidos da Ribeira, which clinched the title of champion at the Carnaval 2025 held in Presidente Epitácio, São Paulo. Celebrated for its engaging theme, "O Sol do Sertão: Onde o Calor e o Amor se Encontram," the school transported audiences to the heart of Northeastern Brazil, capturing the essence of its climate and culture. The event culminated on Sunday, March 2, when the final scores were announced at the Sambódromo 'Gilson Cruz' during an emotionally charged apuração (vote counting) ceremony.
The Unidos da Ribeira impressed the judges, receiving the perfect score of 100 points across all categories, which included enredo (thematic composition), fantasy, allegory, and samba enredo, among others. A delighted Wallacy Vinicyos, the carnival designer behind the school's success, emphasized the importance of celebrating folkloric traditions of the Northeast, saying, "We aim to showcase the joy and richness of our culture."
Following closely behind were the schools Doce Mar and Vila Maria, which tied for second place with scores of 98.25. A collaborative decision was made with the presidents of the tied schools to arrange for the order of the next day's parade, with Vila Maria leading the display, followed by Doce Mar and Unidos da Ribeira.
Meanwhile, Batatais experienced its unique take on the Carnival festivities. The local samba schools, including Castelo, Unidos pela Liberdade, Acadêmicos do Samba, and Unidos do Morro, showcased their talents in dramatic fashion, leading to tensions among spectators as they awaited the results. The leader of the Castelo samba school, Ângela Gini, attributed their victory to dedication and hard work, noting, "First of all, love, commitment, discipline, and, above all, lots of work."
Unfortunately, the atmosphere was marred by conflict as the announcement of scores led to disturbances among supporters, requiring intervention from security personnel. Thankfully, there were no severe injuries reported during these confrontations. A notable incident during the celebration occurred when two journalists were injured due to equipment malfunction, highlighting the potential dangers even during joyous occasions.
On the safety front, the São Paulo Military Police reported significant activity during the carnival weekend, noting 162 incidents linked to the celebrations, with 32 being categorized as criminal. Officers arrested 35 individuals and recovered stolen property, including 11 mobile phones, amid the crowds.
The evident integration of safety measures included disguising police officers as revelers to help identify and apprehend criminals taking advantage of the festive atmosphere. A visible example was when one officer donned a costume resembling crime scene tape to blend seamlessly with the celebrations.
Further enhancing the Carnival experience, São Paulo's diverse selection of street blocks captivated audiences with the participation of 767 registered groups. From traditional rhythms to innovative themes, the streets became alive with music and joy. Events on Monday, March 3, featured notable groups such as Blocão do Toto and Ruby Fofa, captivating crowds across various neighborhoods like Moema, Pinheiros, and Ibirapuera.
Among the lineup, the Bloco Du Zé will parade through the city center at 10 AM, and as many as 30 different celebrations are scheduled throughout the day. This diversity provides something for all ages and preferences, emphasizing inclusivity and community spirit, staples of the Carnaval tradition.
Other highlights scheduled for the day include performances from the energetic 'Vai Quem Qué' at Interlagos, which brings together participants from multiple backgrounds to celebrate. The full agenda promises excitement for both locals and tourists alike, ensuring unforgettable moments during the city’s joyous carnival.
The captivating energy and camaraderie experienced during this year's Carnaval 2025 showcases Brazil's unmatched ability to unite its citizens through colorful displays of tradition and heritage.