Beija-Flor is the grand champion of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival. The samba school from Nilópolis, located in the city’s northern zone, claimed its 15th title in a year dedicated to honoring two legendary figures.
With the storyline Laíla de Todos os Santos, the school paid tribute to carnival director Laíla, who passed away in 2021 after a lifetime of dedication to both the school and the Carnival.
The parade also marked the farewell of Neguinho da Beija-Flor as the school’s official singer, after an impressive 50 years of service.
Neguinho da Beija-Flor, school’s official singer for 50 years – Tomaz Silva/Agência Brasil
In second place was Grande Rio, which took to the avenue the storyline Pororocas Parawaras – As Águas dos Meus Encantos nas Contas dos Curimbós, offering a deep dive into the mysterious waters of the state of Pará.
Close behind was Imperatriz Leopoldinense, with the storyline Ómi Tútu ao Olúfon – Água fresca para o senhor de Ifón, which depicted Oxalá’s journey to Oyó, the kingdom of Xangô, filled with numerous challenges along the way.
Champions’ parade
The six highest-ranked schools returning for the champions’ parade next Saturday (Mar. 8) are:
Beija-Flor, Grande Rio, Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Viradouro, Portela, Mangueira
Crédito arquivo Nacional EBC
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