Viviane Araujo has once again captivated audiences as the Rainha de Bateria for Mancha Verde, shining brightly at the Sambódromo do Anhembi during Carnival 2025. This year marks Araujo’s 20th anniversary with the school, solidifying her status as one of the most recognized and beloved figures of the festival.
The actress arrived at São Paulo’s airport on the afternoon of Friday, February 29, greeted by adoring fans eager to capture selfies with her. Dressed in a shirt emblazoned with the initials "MV"—a nod to Mancha Verde—and wearing a cap from the school's percussion group, Puro Balanço, Araujo was clearly proud of her affiliation. Companied by her husband, businessman Guilherme Militão, and her assistant, Débora Martinez, she was all set for the excitement surrounding the festival.
Ahead of her performance, Viviane prepared by conducting the final touches on her makeup and ensuring her costume was ready for the big night. This year, she pays tribute to the celebrated Brazilian singer Daniela Mercury with her costume, inspired by Mercury’s iconic album, "O Canto da Cidade." Araujo remarked, "Today is the day to exalt this land of charms, colors, and axé! The song from this city echoes strongly, carrying our energy and history to the world," reflecting her enthusiasm for the performance.
The parade’s theme, "Bahia, da Fé ao Profano," encapsulates the rich cultural traditions and festive spirit of Bahia. With 16 floats, four allegorical cars, and around 2,300 participants, the performance paints vibrant depictions of the sacred and the profane, highlighting the intertwining of religion and celebration within the Brazilian cultural fabric.
At the Sambódromo, Araujo made quite the entrance, donning gloves of red and blue with LED effects on her headpiece, aligning closely with her homage to Mercury. "I will shine today, and I did not lie," Araujo proclaimed, as she stepped forward, embodying the spirit of the music and movement. Her costume featured strategic cutouts emphasizing her defined physique, showcasing her dedication to maintaining her fitness.
Reflecting on her two-decade-long commitment to Mancha Verde, she shared, "For me, it is total devotion. Much of who I am today, in my career and life, came from Carnaval.” Her deep connection to the community was evident as she spoke affectionately of the relationships she has built: "The Mancha is family. Duda, who parades with me today, is 20 years old. I arrived there when she was still in her mother's belly. These things are priceless - this is love!"
Despite questions about her future with the Carnaval scene, Araujo remains firmly rooted. "I know I will stop one day, no one stays eternal at everything, but it is still not the moment," she shared, hinting at her lasting passion for the art form.
Entering the parade with her trademark exhilaration, she combines her love for performance with her commitment to honoring the traditions of the past. The spectacle is as much about the community and the collaborative effort as it is about the individual performances. Araujo exclaims how the preparation for such events is all-consuming: "The community engages the entire year preparing, so it cannot help but be filled with anticipation. I remain on edge. The years pass, but the butterflies still return for me.”
This year’s samba-enredo resonates powerfully with the audience, celebrating Bahia’s heritage with the lyrics touching on themes of faith, festivity, and cultural pride. Numbers can be heard echoing through the Sambódromo with phrases like, 4elicidade tá no som de Salvador , reminding spectators of the deep roots of joy woven through Bahia’s music and dance.
Viviane Araujo’s performance is complemented by sheer excitement from the crowds surrounding her. Fans on social media praised her radiant appearance with comments like, "What a spectacle! This is our queen!" and "Maravilhosa!" showcasing the joy she brings not just to the samba stage but to the collective spirit of Carnaval.
With her extensive resume and influence, Araujo stands tall alongside other reigning figures during the festival. Each year she improvises her performances, keeping traditional practices alive, and compelling her fans to celebrate not just the music and dance but the entire culture behind it. The admiration from the audience reverberates as she serves not only as Rainha de Bateria of Mancha Verde but also of the esteemed Salgueiro from Rio de Janeiro.
All eyes are certainly on Viviane Araujo for Carnaval 2025, as the celebrations of Bahia’s culture and traditions continue to be embodied through her royal presence. Not only does she excel as Carnaval royalty, but she also embodies the spirit and heart of the festivities—celebration, culture, and love.