The Carnaval de Santos 2025 took the stage on February 21 and 22, captivating audiences with exhilarating performances and the electrifying atmosphere typical of one of Brazil's most cherished cultural celebrations. The event was broadcast live, ensuring fans across the region could witness the dazzling displays of samba and artistry from the comfort of their homes.
After the rounds of colorful parades filled with music and dance, excitement reached its peak when X-9 emerged triumphant as the champion of the Special Group. With 269.7 points awarded by the judges, their samba-enredo, centered around themes of faith and devotion to Nossa Senhora Aparecida, struck the right chord with both spectators and judges alike. This year marked the school's 27th title after seven years without a championship win.
The impressive apuração, or results announcement, was conducted at the Teatro Municipal de Santos, commencing at noon on February 25. The auditorium, closed to the public, was filled with representatives from the samba schools, media personnel, and event organizers, all eager to hear the results of the judges' evaluations.
Each samba school was judged across nine criteria: Bateria, Harmonia, Evolução, Enredo, Samba de Enredo, Fantasias, Alegorias e Adereços, Mestre-Sala/Porta-Bandeira, and Comissão de Frente. Four judges rated each category with scores ranging from 9.1 to 10, with the lowest score being discarded. This system mirrors the judging process used at other renowned Brazilian carnivals, such as those held in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
X-9 delivered its show-stopping performance under drenching rain, showcasing its tenacity and spirit. The school’s vice president, Fábio, expressed immense gratitude upon receiving the championship title, saying, “We thank Nossa Senhora Aparecida for the strength. The rain didn't hinder us; it invigorated us. The feeling now is joy and victory.” The school’s enredo, titled ‘Peregrinos de Fé! Oh Mãe Negra... Meu Samba é Minha Oração!', celebrated the devotion of the Brazilian people.
Alongside X-9's victory, the samba school Padre Paulo claimed top honors in the Access Group after scoring 268.8 points. This achievement guarantees them a spot in the elite category for next year’s festivities, and they expressed joy over their long struggle to rise within the carnival ranks. Vice president Lucas Trindade noted, “For eight years we’ve been fighting to get here. We faced many difficulties, but eventually, we succeeded.”
The competition was fierce, with schools like União Imperial and Unidos dos Morros tying for second place, each achieving 269.7 points but losing to X-9 based on tie-breaking procedures, which took total scores (including discarded ones) for final placement.
The competition did not come without its challenges. Unfortunately, samba schools Bandeirantes do Saboó and Sangue Jovem were relegated from next year’s Special Group after scoring the lowest with 267.2 and 265.8 points, respectively. Nonetheless, the vibrancy of this year's samba performances left audiences with cherished memories.
According to officials, traffic disruptions were anticipated around the Teatro Municipal due to the event, highlighting the municipality's effort to manage the influx of visitors. The apuração’s timing necessitated temporary closures on the Avenida Senador Pinheiro Machado, affecting routes leading to and from the venue. Local authorities emphasized the need for these precautions to maintain safety during such large gatherings.
Despite challenges, the spirit of carnaval prevailed, exemplified by the ecstatic performances, the joy of victory, and the unwavering dedication of samba enthusiasts across Santos. X-9’s triumph rekindled the fervor of samba culture, promising new stories and legends to emerge from the festive community in 2026.