Today we are going to explain another key element that composes a major samba school in Rio de Janeiro carnival: the Master of Ceremonies & Flag-bearer or “Mestre Sala and Porta-Bandeira” in Portuguese. We will explain their origins, responsibilities, their dance and costumes. In a second post, we will name a few famous couples that became legendary Master of Ceremonies & Flag-bearers at Portela, Mangueira, Beija-flor, and some other major samba schools in Rio.
Master of Ceremonies & Flag-bearer figures in Rio´s carnival have several theories of their origins that go back all the way to Africa and Colonial Brazil. Some researchers say the origins of the pair dance were part of marriage rituals practiced by young African girls and boys, when of the preparation for the marriage disputes. Dancing abilities would be a status index selection criterion. Other theories point to burial rituals in colonial Africa, where colored fragments of cloths would be tied to a wooden mast to identify the tribe whom the dead man came from. Later on, by the 18th century, the slaves started to imitate the elegant dancing balls imported from French courts, made by the Portuguese in Brazil Colony days. Experts say the couples were formally introduced in the Samba parade in Rio de Janeiro by mid 1930´s.
Below we see costume design sketch of a Master of Ceremony used in Rio’s Carnival in 2007.
The origins of the Master of Ceremonies & Flag-bearer also helps to understand better the nature of their costumes. More than any other segment or wing within the a samba school, the couples costumes are obligatorily luxurious and very meticulous. Both members’ costumes are made with lots of silk, plumes and even velvet. Samba historians say that the reason for this type of fabric choice was a strategic one in the early days: Flag-bearers were disputed with pocketknives, and rival school Master of Ceremony´s objective was to to steal or rip the competitors’ flag or post (The legend says knives are unable to rip silk easily). The Master of Ceremonies additionally wear wigs, long socks, handkerchiefs and fans. This exuberant clothing reemphasized their responsibility both to court and protect the Porta Bandeira, as well as impress the crowd.
Tomorrow we will post part II of this post, explaining the couples roles and responsibilities. We will also name a few of the most famous “Mestre-Salas” and “Porta Bandeiras” from the past.
Below we see a picture of a typical sketch of a Flag-bearer in Rio´s Carnival. The carnival dressmakers use these kinds of drawings made by carnival fashion designers as a model for making the real parade costumes.
This is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus to the Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
2009 Carnival in Rio de Janeiro promises new thrills. Robert Szaniecki, former Grande Rio Samba School carnival director, has been announced as the new carnival head for the traditional Mangueira Samba School. Max Lopes - 5 times winner of the Rio Carnival, was in charge of the Mangueira´s art and visual creations for eight years.
In the Carioca samba world, the carnival director is the most important artistic position within a samba school, similar to the conductor in an orchestra. He is responsible for making the final decisions regarding the samba schools parade theme, costumes, floats, visual scenario, special effects, and choreography. (We will be posting a specific article to describe the roles and responsibilities of a Carnival Director in Rio´s samba schools. )
Max Lopes, seen above, was uncomfortable at his post, since Mangueira Samba School was only able to obtain the 10th place in 2008 Samba School Contest in Rio, its worst position since 1994´ carnival, when it bitterly suffered 11th position.
This is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus to the Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
We are going start a new series within Belavista Carnival Brazil Blog. Following a suggestion of several friends, we decided to publish a glossary of terms of Brazilian Samba. We believe if our readers understand the meaning of some of the expressions, slang, and concepts of the Brazilian samba, the carnival experience can be much more enriching and exciting.
A few posts ago, we explained the function and attributes of the samba schools Drum Queens, or “ Rainha de Bateria”, who has a very strategic role in marketing the samba school parade. Today we will explain the function of the most important flank within any Samba School in Rio: the “ Baianas” wing. Below we see the picture of a typical Baiana from the Portela Samba School in 2008.
Many of the experts in Samba agrees that the Baianas, a “group of elderly ladies the dance in circles in the parade”, has its roots in the “aunts” of early 20th century Rio de Janeiro. These “aunts” came from the State of Bahia and came to Rio de Janeiro to live neighborhoods like Cidade Nova, Catumbi, Gamboa, and Santo Cristo. They would host and gather musicians in a “ sarau” – a cultural and musical event, in which people reunite to express themselves artistically. These old ladies would offer drinks and tasteful foods to composers and musicians. This magical environment would then naturally create the conditions for the development of the first samba rhythms. These old ladies would be much respected for their spiritual knowledge. These ladies would probably be descendants from African tribes like the Nagô, Ioruba, Fula, Mina and Haussá.
The baianas wings in the modern samba schools incorporated the soul of these legendary aunts or “tias”, representing the female power within the samba world. Due to their spiritual authority, generally baianas are older, experienced women. They also have another distinguishing characteristic, which are their traditional marking costumes. Baianas wear multi-layered full “balloon” dresses, lace-trimmed blouses, and stiffened petticoats in addition to thick necklaces, ear-rings, metal armbands. Because of their age, they normally use low sandals.
Another emblematic particularity of the baianas wing is the way they samba. Unlike any another wing or section within the samba school, they dance in spins, rotating their dresses in order to create a unique visual effect. The baianas wing also rehearses to synchronize their spiral movements. One of the most magical moments in all samba parade is exactly when a ll of the components of the baianas wing simultaneously swirl in a coordinated choreography. This breathtaking climax is closely looked by everyone involved in the parade. Next time in Rio´s Sambadrome, don´t miss the opportunity to participate in the ultimate parade highlight.
This is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus in Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Brazil is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Carnival in São Paulo? I bet you have never heard of this! Yes, there is carnival in the industrial city of São Paulo. Most of foreigners and even some Brazilians are not aware that this city also offers a beautiful and lively Carnival.
São Paulo followed Rio de Janeiro and decided in 1991 to inaugurate a " Sambadrome", which is an open air facility especially created for the samba schools parade. The design of the Sambadrome was styled by the worldwide acclaimed architect Oscar Niemeyer.
The city, famous for being the financial and economic powerhouse of Brazil, also has a league that helps organize the samba schools parade and contest. This association is called LIGA, and has its own rules similar to the Rio league.
The samba schools are divided into two groups, being the " Special Group" the elite of São Paulo carnival, and the "Access Group" that would represent the second Tier. The Special Group is composed of 14 samba schools, while the Access Group has eight members. The parade in São Paulo is held in three days, Friday through Sunday during carnival days. The Special Groups parades in the first two days and the Access Group parades Sunday.
Above, a spetacular view of the Rosas de Ouro Samba School in São Paulo, 2008
Below we posted the final results of the São Paulo samba contest, won this year by " Vai-Vai" samba school, with a minimal advantage. It was its 13th Samba contest title won by Vai-Vai, which has its roots in the traditional neighborhood of São Paulo called Bixiga. "Mocidade" samba school stayed in the second place, due to tie-breaking criterion.
Official Position - Name of Samba School - Total Number of Points - São Paulo 2008
1º Vai-Vai 90,00
2º Mocidade 90,00
3º Vila Maria 89,75
4º Rosas de Ouro 89,75
5º Tom Maior 89,00
6º X-9 Paulistana 88,75
7º Mancha Verde 88,50
8º Nenê de Vila Matilde 88,50
9º Império de Casa Verde 88,25
10º Pérola Negra 87,50
11º Gaviões da Fiel 87,50
12º Tucuruvi 87,25
13º Águia de Ouro 87,00
14º Camisa Verde e Branco 86,00
So next time when somebody asks about Brazil, don´t be shy to show your Latin knowledge, affirming there is also a very rich carnival in São Paulo.
Above, an impressive shot taken by Marcelo Justo of a colorful "baiana" of Casa Verde samba school.
This is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus in Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Brazil is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Carnival is over, everybody is already expecting for next years carnival. The good thing is that as popular Brazilian says: " The year has finally begun". This is so since in Brazil, many people return from their vacations at the end of the carnival festivities and business finally picks up, since there are no more excuses to the avoid the daily's grinding routine.
This year’s results, for the Rio de Janeiro samba schools "championship" of what is called the "Special Group", had no surprises. Beija-Flor ( trans. "Humming Bird" ) was declared champion again, confirming its creative and luxurious momentum since 2002: The samba school from Nilópolis, a neighborhood from the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, won 5 Carnival titles over the last 6 years. This years' theme was dedicated to the celebration of Macapá, the capital of the Amazon Region state Amapá, which celebrated its 250th anniversary. The theme was officially titled in Portuguese "Macapaba: Equinócio solar, viagens fantásticas do meio do mundo" or Macapá: Solar Equinox, fantastic voyages in the middle of the world.
Picture below from Wallace Menezes of one of Beija-Flor most impressive sculptures during the parade.
Below we posted the final scores and positions of the Special Group samba schools in 2008 Rio de Janeiro Carnival: ( We also included the links of the samba schools official sites, so you can navigate. )
Official Position - Name of Samba School - Total Number of Points - Special Group
1º Beija-Flor 399.3
2º Salgueiro 398.0
3º Grande Rio 396.9
4º Portela 396.8
5º Unidos da Tijuca 396.5
6º Imperatriz 396.5
7º Viradouro 396.0
8º Mocidade 395.1
9º Vila Isabel 394.6
10º Mangueira 393.9
11º Porto da Pedra 388.2
12º - São Clemente 387.5
Beautiful shot taken by Carlo Wrede of Drum Queen Raíssa, from Beija-flor. She is one of the youngest Drum Queen from all samba schools in Brazil. She gained the spotlights exactly because she was the only non-celebrity Drum Queen to parade within the Special Group schools. She was raised within the Beija-Flor community.
The samba schools parade in Rio de Janeiro also has a second league. It’s kind of a selection process to the main group, and is appropriately called "Access Group". The winner of this contest has the right to parade next year on the Special Group and was won by Império Serrano. See below the results of the Access Group Samba Schools Contest of the 2008 Rio de Janeiro Carnival.
Official Position - Name of Samba School - Total Number of Points - Access Group
1º Império Serrano 239.8
2º Acadêmicos da Rocinha 239.1
3º Acadêmicos de Santa Cruz 238.9
4º Renascer de Jacarepaguá 238.5
5º União da Ilha 238.4
6º Caprichosos 237.9
7º Estácio de Sá 237.7
8º Império da Tijuca 234.7
9º Acadêmicos do Cubango 234.6
10º Lins Imperial 234.
Salgueiro also had a very vibrant parade, as we can see through the lens of AF Rodrigues. The man in the Salgueiro costume is transpiring with energy!
When its time for Samba, Brazil is the birthplace and Rio de Janeiro, its present home!
This is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus in Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Brazil is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Last post we described the function of the glittering Drum Queens, in the Brazilian Carnival. We tried to explain her importance within the Samba school and the energy she must inspire during the parade.
But many foreigners would always ask me how these muses are chosen? What are the criteria they have to go through? Who decides each year, who would be the Drum Queen for each samba school? Is there any competition for this position?
First, let´s talk about the attributes a Drum Queen must present. She is generally young (between 18-45), and very physical. This is so, since she needs to have all the energy to dance during the rehearsals and the parade itself. Apart from being young and physical, she also has to be very attractive. This criterion is especially important, since she will be representing the school in several events. Drum Queens are invited to VIP parties and TV shows, where they are frequently interviewed. With a Samba School t-shirt, or with their colors, she will be photographed all year long. All of this exposure adds popularity and glamour to the final show of the samba school during the carnival parade. The next quality for a Drum Queen is probably the most decisive one. Charisma. A Drum Queen should be extremely charismatic, being able to drive empathy for the samba school audience, and also within the school. She should be very popular, so that drummers and percussionists maintain their enthusiasm and pride about their show and school.
Juliana Paes, a famous TV actress in Brazil is a Drum Queen for Viradouro Samba School, shown below at the picture. She surely has all qualities and attributes, and is notorious for her sympathy and grace.
So, to recap, a drum queen should be young, physical, beautiful, graceful and charismatic. She would also add a few points to herself if she would know how to dance some samba. ( Although there were many first timers that didn’t dance samba until their very first show. )
Now we know the main attributes a Drum Queen should present, let´s explain how they are chosen. Samba Schools in Brazil have power structure similar to a corporation, in the sense they have a president, directors, support staff, etc. At the end of each carnival, the board of directors together with the president, start planning for this position for next year. If a Drum Queen "defended" the samba school colors with energy, empathy, and focus, and if she somehow met expectations, she may be qualified to repeat the parade next year. But all of this is very sensitive and subjective. As we explained in the last post, since this position has a high visibility, and there are only 12 spots (considering the "first league), we can imagine how serious this dispute may turn out. People connected to the Samba Schools are always trying to influence the president and the board. Although, the Drum Queen is not paid by the school for the post, there is a lot of interest in the position.
To be a celebrity sometimes helps. This year we saw Natália Guimarães, last year Miss Brazil, become the Drum Queen for Vila Isabel Samba School in Rio de Janeiro. Prior to this carnival, she had never paraded in a major samba school. As soon as she was officially invited (see below during the rehearsals and during the parade this year, at the Sambadrome), she drove a lot of attention from the media.
After the decision is made, the Samba School throws a "crowning party", where the Samba school presents the muse to press, to the drum director and samba school components. She then pledges her love and commitment to the school flag. Her ruling period starts and is valid at least for one year.
Further, we will elect the most vibrant and glossy Drum Queens for the Carnival in Rio in 2008.
This is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus in Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Brazil is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Finally Ashes Day in Rio de Janeiro Carnival !! So much going on that I had to take some time to rest. The street parties ( blocos de rua) and its charming bands and groups can be quite energy consuming!
Today I decided to explain, or better say, try to express the real local concept or definition for the famous Drum Queens, Queen of the Drums, Queen of the Bateria, or even Percussion Queens, as I have heard some of the translations given for Brazil's Carnival "Rainha de Bateria".
To fully understand the concept of the drum queen, we have know that every samba school ( Mangueira, Beija-Flor, Portela, Salgueiro, etc.) necessarily has a large drum section (drum battery, percussion) or Bateria in Portuguese. Drum section is the core component of the samba school, since it produces all the rhythm. The drum queen, would have as its official attributes or functions to draw the attention from the crowd and introduce the percussion/drum section to the audience during the parade. But there a lot more to it, as we will see. Much more!!
Drum queens are muses, and since she positions herself naturally in front of the drums (she literally has her own "private space"), the occupant of this position is always in the limelight of the parade and is subject to fierce competition all year long. She is the one that photographers always look after, give interviews, is invited to V.I.P. parties and are pampered as celebrities. For this reason there can only be one and only one drum queen for each samba school, each year.
A drum queen for one year? Aren’t nobility titles awarded for lifetime? Not in samba! Once the rainha de bateria is elected for a samba school parade for a given year, there is no is guarantee she will hold the position for the next year…How is that? So once elected, aren't they automatically re-elected? A drum queen at Rio de Janeiro's carnival is almost a full time job, as we will continue to explore tomorrow.
For today, let’s now look at some of these muses and try to grasp a little of their royal energy! We will continue to describe how muses are chosen, what are their musts and credentials, the criteria the samba schools decide upon, and what are the paths a contestant must trace to at least try to be considered.
Vacation apartment in Rio de Janeiro has a name and brand: Belavista-Rio
Brazil; birthplace of Samba! Rio de Janeiro, its present home!
This is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus in Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Brazil is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
There are so many options for the streets groups, or blocos de rua in the Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2008, that we decided to select the top ones.
This is a very personal pick, reflecting the editor´s opinion, of course. The main attributes for the ratings were: location ( easy to find ), popularity ( based on word of mouth ), age ( average ), fun ( hello! this is one of the most important qualities), tradtion (how long it has been around), and beauty of its participants ( after all, we are in Rio, and this is a sexy city by nature ).
Here it goes:
2/1/2008 - Friday February 1st
Street Bloco Name : "Carmelitas" : 5 pm - Rua Dias de Barros - Neighborhood : Santa Teresa
Street Bloco Name : "Vem ni mim que eu sou Facinha" - 5 pm - R. Prudente de Moraes, 10
Neighborhood :Ipanema
Brazil; birthplace of Samba! Rio de Janeiro, its present home!
Street Bloco Name : "Concentra mas não sai" - 8 pm - Rua Ipiranga
Neighborhood : Laranjeiras
2/2/2008 - Saturday - February 2nd
Street Bloco Name : "Cordão da Bola Preta": 9 am - Municipal Theatre
Neighborhood: Centro
Street Bloco Name : "Banda de Ipanema" : 3 pm - Praça Gal. Osório and Teixeira de Melo
Neighborhood:Ipanema
Street Bloco Name : "Carioca da Gema" : 4 pm - Rua do Lavradio
Neighborhood: Lapa
Street Bloco Name : "Laranjada Samba Club" : 5 pm - Praça do Chorinho, R. General Glicério
Neighborhood: Laranjeiras
Street Bloco Name : "Banda Santa Clara" : 4 pm Rua Santa Clara
Neighborhood:Copacabana
2/03/2008 - Sunday - February 3rd
Street Bloco Name : "Banda de Ipanema" - Banho de Mar à Fantasia do Arpoador até o Posto 9 from 10 am to 4 pm
Street Bloco Name : "Cordão do Boitatá" 8 am - Rua do Mercado and Praça XV
Neighborhood:Center
" Simpatia é Quase Amor", 4 pm - Praça General Osório Neighborhood: Ipanema
Street Bloco Name : "Cachorro Cansado" : 4pm - Bar Planalto, Rua Barão do Flamengo, 35 Neighborhood: Flamengo
2/04/2008 - Monday - February 4th
Street Bloco Name : "Songoro Cosongo" : 11 AM - Curvelo
Neighborhood: Santa Teresa
Street Bloco Name : "Volta, Alice" : 3 PM - Tasca do Edgar, corner with rua Alice c/ Mario Portela Neighborhood: Laranjeiras
Street Bloco Name : "Cacique de Ramos" : 8 PM - Av. Rio Branco with Presidente Vargas - Neighborhood: Centro
2/05/2008 - Fat Tuesday - February 5th
Street Bloco Name : "Banda de Ipanema" : 3 pm - Praça Gal. Osório com R. Teixeira de Melo - Neighborhood:Ipanema
Street Bloco Name : "Bloco da Ansiedade " : 4 PM - Mercadinho São José Neighborhood: Laranjeiras
Street Bloco Name : "Vem ni mim que eu sou Facinha" : 5 pm - R. Prudente de Moraes, Neighborhood: Ipanema
Street Bloco Name : "Carmelitas" : 6 PM - Largo dos Guimarães
Neighborhood: Santa Teresa
2/07/2008 - Thursday - February 7th
Street Bloco Name :
"Voltar pra quê ? " : 8 pm - Rua Álvaro Alvim, Cinelândia. At the famous “Beco da Cirrose”
Neighborhood: Center
2/08/2008 - Friday - February 8th
Street Bloco Name : "Só Tamborins" : 9 PM - Travessa Mosqueria, corner with Mem de Sá
Neighborhood Lapa
2/09/2008 - Saturday - February 9th
Street Bloco Name : "Bafafá" : 5 pm - Posto 9
Neighborhood: Ipanema
2/10/2008 - Sunday - February 10th
Street Bloco Name : "Monobloco" : 9 AM - Hotel Sofitel, Posto 6, Av. Atlântica
Neighborhood: Copacabana
Street Bloco Name : "Boka de Espuma" : 3 Pm - Rua Marquês de Olinda between Muniz Barreto and Bambina Neighborhood: Botafogo
So, have you decided upon which street party group/ bloco to go? Make sure you wear comfortable clothes!
This is a non-commercial blog devoted to wonders of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus in Brazilian Carnival. Our sole objective is to describe how Carnival in Brazil is magically created, its artists, dancers and musicians that make up the world’s largest show. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
|
Subscribe