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.

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 all 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.

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 marvelous Brazlian Carnival 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 true 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.

These Carnival Muses 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 Brazilian Samba Queen is probably the most decisive one. Charisma. A Queen of Drums 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.


Paes, Juliana , 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 true Queen of Drums should be young, 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 Rio 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, these Carnival Muses are 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 an official Queen of Drums for <i>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), the carnival Muse 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 Goddesses of Brazil 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 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!! 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, to try to express the real local concept or definition for the famous muses of Rio Carnival that can be called by these names: 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 carnival Queen of Drum Section, Drums Queen, not only in Rio-de-Janeiro, but all over Brazil´s Carnival, we have know that every samba school
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 or muse, 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. This Brazil Muse 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 samba- 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 drums 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 Goddesses of Carnaval 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.






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.