The 2025 Carnaval of Vitória concluded with exciting results and stirred considerable controversy, drawing attention to both triumphs and disputes among the samba schools and local political figures. The prestigious title for Group A went to the Escola de Samba Andaraí, which achieved 179.9 points for their magnificent performance at the Sambão do Povo on February 22, celebrating the vibrant tradition of the Mercado da Capixaba.
The samba school, under the guidance of carnavalesco Alex Santiago Duarte, showcased 1,100 members divided across 17 wings, representing the rich cultural heritage and social significance of the beloved market. Founded in 1946, Andaraí's win means they will return to the elite Group Especial category for 2026. Their winning theme communicated the essence of the market, illuminating its role as a historical and central hub for community interactions, traditions, and economic exchanges.
Another notable performance came from Chega Mais, who captured victory for Group B with 179.6 points. The school, which also aims for upward mobility within the carnival classifications, performed on February 23 with the theme "Alodê, odofiaba, mãe-d'água, Odoyá,” marking its ascension to Group A for the next year's festivities.
The excitement, unfortunately, was overshadowed by political fallout following the performance of the Escola de Samba Independente de Boa Vista. On February 26, mere days after the parade, the mayor of Cariacica, Euclério Sampaio, released a public repudiation against the school. His main criticism focused on the portrayal, particularly the eighth wing titled “Terra,” correlatively theming it with the renowned book by photographer Sebastião Salgado.
Salgado's work draws upon themes of social justice and the struggles faced by rural workers, something the mayor found controversial, stating, "A partir deste ano, não faremos mais qualquer repasse à escola," indicating his cessation of funding to the samba school. This public outburst ignited discussions around artistic freedom versus political responsibility.
What complicates the situation is the mayor's proclamation of ignorance about the specific theme presented by the school, allowing commentators to question whether he exercised enough diligence before issuing such strong denunciations. Historian Marcus Vinícius Sant’Ana emphasized this concern, arguing, "Uma escola de samba não é uma manifestação partidária e tem autonomia sobre o que leva para a avenida," underscoring the traditional separation between community artistry and political expectation.
Hours later, the city’s administration issued another statement clarifying there would be no punitive actions against the Independente de Boa Vista school, asserting, "O processo de verbas de fomento à cultura seguirá os trâmites democráticos e republicanos, sem represálias," effectively walking back some of the initial backlash.
Independente de Boa Vista struck back through their public relations, explaining their programs are created to honor the contributions of notable figures such as Salgado, along with their commitment to community engagement through diverse cultural practices. They stressed the importance of addressing legitimate socio-political contexts, stating, "A Boa Vista é um dos maiores expoentes da cultura do Espírito Santo," their role as cultural ambassadors elaborated through numerous projects beyond the carnival.
Despite the controversy, the Carnaval de Vitória remains one of the most significant events of the year, drawing participation and enthusiasm from thousands, generating over R$ 40 million for the regional economy and creating approximately 6,000 jobs. The festivities not only spotlight local talent but also fortify the community’s narrative through music, dance, and competitive spirit, sealing Vitória's reputation as a cultural landmark.
With the spectacle of costumes, rhythmic parades, and electrifying performances, the Carnaval brings together diverse groups, fostering pride and unity regardless of any political signals. The schools continue to battle for supremacy, and the artistic expressions showcased represent far more than mere entertainment - they reflect the socio-cultural tensions and aspirations of the communities involved.
The Carnaval de Vitória, amid its colorful and tumultuous history, prompts reflection on the balance between creative expression and political discourse—a dance of tradition, modernity, and sometimes uncomfortable standings, encapsulating the true spirit of Brazil's revered samba parades.