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.

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.