Carnival in Brazil is arriving and Belavista-Rio continues its series about the Special Group Drums Queens.

Newcomer Juliane Almeida is the next Goddess of Carnival we will be describing. Juliane Almeida is 24 years old and was recently elected Queen of Drums for Viradouro Samba School, substituting one of Brazil most famous and legendary icons in Brazil: Juliana Paes.


Juliana Paes gaves her a series of good advices and supported her in the new mission.





This beautiful Brazilian dancer started participating at the rehearsal of Viradouro Samba School when she was 16 years old. Juliana, which is a dancer, has strong ties with the samba community and had previously been elected Carnival Princess of Niterói , where is from. She was also Drums Queen from another samba school in the Rio Carnival called Paraíso do Tuiuti, which is from the Access Group ( 2nd League Samba School) in Rio de Janeiro.

Below the Brazilian Beauty from Viradouro:



Goddess of Carnival Juliane Almeida Bio: This amazing “morena” started her professional life as a dancer. She danced ballet since she was a small girl and after many trials was called in to join to dance in a Pagode samba group called “É o Tchan”. Juliane, who is member of a church in Rio, sees no contradiction involving her professional career and her faith. Juliane´s boyfriend is very religious she says, but agrees with all her carnival activities.

Juliane works out everyday to keep up her body and samba and now has her new website too!

Good Luck Juliane in your new reign at Viradouro Samba School.


Below, another photo of the Carnival Muse Juliane at her relax time:




As a reminder, below 2009 Sambadrome Carnival Schedule Parade:


Sunday Rio Carnival – February 22nd, 2009

9:00 PM : Império Serrano Samba School
10:00 PM : Grande Rio Samba School
11:10 PM : Vila Isabel Samba School
00:15 AM: Mocidade Independente Samba School
01:20 AM: Beija-Flor Samba School
02:25 AM: Unidos da Tijuca Samba School

Monday Rio Carnival – February 23nd, 2009

9:00 PM : Porto da Pedra Samba School
10:00 PM : Salgueiro Samba School
11:10 PM : Imperatriz Leopoldinense Samba School
00:15 AM: Portela Samba School
01:20 AM: Mangueira Samba School
02:25 AM: Viradouro Samba School

In Rio-de-Janeiro, if you think of the Flamengo district, you immediately associate the neighborhood with its famous Flamengo-Park that could be considered as one of the historic landmarks of Brazil. The park features gardens designed by well-known Brazilian landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx..Officially named as Eduardo Gomes Park, it has 1.2 million m² of lawns, flowering shrubs and trees is one of the loveliest and most important landscape areas in the city. Its creation is credited to Lota Macedo Soares descendant from an elite family of Rio de Janeiro State.



She did not have a degree in urbanism or architecture but was a pupil of the Brazilian painter Candido Portinari and acquired by herself knowledge of architectural aesthetics and botany. To fill the area with dirt, the Santo Antonio hill, in the center of Rio, was taken down with water jets. The same machine that dredged the Panama Canal took sand from the sea to create Botafogo Beach.. Lota had the idea to illuminate the landfill at night to allow night walks throughout the park. The sports courts were also her idea. They are in use every day and night of the year; by teams of all sorts of associations.



With the support of the Rio-de-Janeiro governor Carlos Lacerda she summoned a group of distinguished friends, the landscaper Roberto Burle Marx, the botanist Luiz Emigdio de Mello Filho, and the architects Affonso Eduardo Reidy. Sérgio Bernardes and Jorge Moreira. They formed a work group under her leadership. The green carpet that covers this immense area led to many disagreements among the members of the group and also with the urban officials of the time who fought with her about the freeways crossing the park. In the end, she won the argument, as she believed 2 freeways were most suitable for the park. From the rubble came 11.600 trees of 190 species, native and exotic.




Among the 4.400 palm trees of 50 species are the rare “talipot” (Corypha umbraculifera) that flourishes only once during its lifetime and dies right after. Besides being this giant urban park, it has special characteristics, like hosting groups of plants of the same species and the use of Brazilian plants that were not usually employed in landscaping - like the “abricó-macaco” and the “pau-mulato” . The Eduardo Gomes Park has several species that are considered to be “wildlife in Rio de Janeiro and was informally inaugurated on the 12th of October of 1965, Children’s Day in Brazil.



That occasion marked the birth of one of the most popular leisure areas in the wonder city; with 4 all sports courts, soccer fields, playgrounds, an amphitheater and a skate track. There is also a restaurant and kiosks, the Marina da Glória and the Rio Museum of Modern Arts-MAM which we will describe later. The park was merged into the city landscape, and has become surely one of the most famous landmarks of Brazil, like the Sugar Loaf and the Corcovado Mountain.

Below, great shot of Leonardo Martins of World War II monument at the Flamengo_Park:



That was Lota’s dream. Running along the shoreline from the Rio´s airport Santos Dumont to Botafogo Bay, the Flameng-Park offers a wide array of attractions, including Carmen Miranda Museum, Monument to Estácio de Sá, and several other sculptures and structures all the way to the Marina. An interesting spectacle on the first Sunday of each month is the changing of the guard by all three Armed Forces, at the Monument to World War II Soldiers. On Sundays and holidays, this park is closed to traffic, offering the public numerous recreation options.

Come visit this lovely Park in Rio!

Luiza Brunet is the next Rio Carnival Drum Queen we will describe. Her story as a model can almost be written as the description of the glamorizing process of Rio Carnival Drum Queens, since she has been parading for more than 20 years.

In 2009, Luiza Brunet will be the Carnival Drum Queen for Imperatriz Leopoldinense Samba School, one of the most traditional ones in Brazil. Luiza is in reality returning to Imperatriz Samba School since she paraded in that school in 1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, and 2001. In all of these years, she had the honor and charisma to help Imperatriz parade as the carnival parade champion. Luiza started her parading at Rio´s carnival as a Drum Queen for the legendary Portela Samba School, where she paraded until 1993. This year, Luiza will also be lending her strong presence to Acadêmicos da Rocinha, as kind of Godmother. She will represent at the Rocinha parade, a great French Madam at the parade opening section. The Samba Theme at Rocinha will be the French influence in Brazil´s history.



Luiza Brunet Short Biography: Model. From the heart of Pantanal, more precisely at a humble blockhouse surrounded by an exuberant and wild nature, was born Luiza Brunet, on May 24, 1962. Daughter of Luiz da Silva, a farmer from the Brazilian northeastern state of Ceará, and Alzira Botelho da Silva, a homemaker from Rio de Janeiro, She had a very poor but happy childhood. Then she was a packer at a tissue factory. Beauty, at the time, was a problem for her. She had to switch jobs to get rid of her boss' harassment and went to work at a boutique. She started modeling by chance, right after the wedding. At the time, photographer Nilton Ricardo was charmed by the brunette's beauty and invited her to shoot a book. From that day on, Luiza's career took off.

Good Luck Luiza in 2009 at your Imperatriz Parade!

As a reminder, below 2009 Sambadrome Carnival Schedule Parade:


Sunday Rio Carnival – February 22nd, 2009

9:00 PM : Império Serrano Samba School
10:00 PM : Grande Rio Samba School
11:10 PM : Vila Isabel Samba School
00:15 AM: Mocidade Independente Samba School
01:20 AM: Beija-Flor Samba School
02:25 AM: Unidos da Tijuca Samba School

Monday Rio Carnival – February 23nd, 2009

9:00 PM : Porto da Pedra Samba School
10:00 PM : Salgueiro Samba School
11:10 PM : Imperatriz Leopoldinense Samba School
00:15 AM: Portela Samba School
01:20 AM: Mangueira Samba School
02:25 AM: Viradouro Samba School

A Brazilian magazine announced today the Rio de Janeiro 2009 Carnival Queen Jessica Maia will be its new cover girl. This Brazilian Beauty, considered by many as the national version of Beyoncé, is 25 years old and from the traditional Portela Samba School. The news caused a bit of surprise within Rio´s Carnival world, since it will be the first time a Rio Carnival Queen was invited to pose and star in the cover of a prestigious magazine.



The photo shooting took place at Rio´s Samba City, more specifically at Portela´s barracão ( Big Shed ) where Rio de Janeiro´s carnival is actually constructed. Jéssica Maia, who is a samba dance teacher and model, will return to Panamá after the Brazilian Carnival is over.

Jéssica was crowned together with Shayene Cesario , Charlene Costa, and Momo King Milton Júnior on a Carnival contest promoted by Rio´s tourism body RIOTUR.

See below the picture of Jessica Maia, Shayene and Livia Moura on the 2009 Rio Carnival Queen Contest.

Do you know Brazil has a specific day for celebrating one of most popular passion? Yes, it´s true! Brazil celebrated last December 1st the National Samba Day- “Dia Nacional do Samba”. The National Samba Day is part of a giant initiative promoted by several artists, musicians, cultural producers, intellectuals and carnival entrepreneurs in order to protect and perpetuate this unique musical rhythm. Samba Schools are also supporting this beautiful project, since the samba is one of the true origins of the great Carnival done in Brazil.

Below a samba cartoon from Lan, one most famous in Brazil:



During this day, a series of samba and carnival events took place all around the country. Definitely, samba is a vibrant cause to celebrate. Brazilian National Samba Day project started a few years ago when the grand-daughter of legendary samba composer Cartola and president of the Cartola Cultural Center, Nilcemar Nogueira, proposed the Cultural Patrimony registry with Brazil´s Iphan. ( Iphan is the federal organ that serves as a base for the constitution of state and municipal organs for the protection of cultural patrimony. It was created by the Decree nº 25, on the 30th of November of 1937, and elaborated by Mário de Andrade at the request of Gustavo Capanema, minister of then-President Getúlio Vargas).

After careful analysis, the Brazilian government patrimony body declared the Rio de Janeiro Samba, or “Carioca Samba” as a legitimate Cultural Patrimony of Brazil in October 9th, 2007. IPHAN declared Rio´s samba three strands: “the partido alto”, “samba de terreiro”, and “samba-enredo”, the later being the one played at the samba schools Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade. The Samba School Association in Rio de Janeiro LIESA, also supported this project. Nilcemar said that the project would help not only to preserve the memory of all of those who founded the Brazilian Samba in the past, but would help new generations to come understand, cherish, and cultivate the importance of this genuine Brazilian rhythm.

Samba and Brazil Carnaval legends like Cartola, Carlos Cachaça, Vinícius de Morais and Tom Jobim, (the two last ones composers of “The Girl from Ipanema”) would surely applaud this movement. So next year, December 1st 2009, make sure to celebrate the Carioca Samba! Put on a Cartola record, prepare a nice caipirinha, call your friends and enjoy this magical rhythm!

Tatiana Pagungis the next Drum Queen we will be describing in our 2009 Drum Queen post series.

Thatiana could be defined as one of the best examples of the true “roots” Drum Queens at the Brazilian Carnival. Unlike some other Queens, Thatiana has a deep connection with the samba world (she was born during a Carnival!!) and as a child, loved to watch the samba parades at TV. She was always fascinated by the magical aspect of the carnival parades, where she debuted in 1999, at the Rio Sambadrome with Tradição Samba School.

Thatiana, starting acting at the age of 11 at the Tablado Theater School, also soon learned that Carnival was able to unite several passions she had: music, acting, singing and dancing. As an attentive student, the muse observed the importance of the Drums Section with Master Riko at the Villa Lobos Music School. She was part of the Percussion Group at Tradição Samba School. Apart from Tradição, the beautiful Brazilian beauty had impressive parades at Caprichosos de Pilares Samba School ( 2004 ) , Acadêmicos da Rocinha ( 2004 ) and Aguia de Ouro ( São Paulo 2003- 2004 ) . Tatiana Pagung has been a beauty muse since her first parades, being been elected as the Carnival Muse by the “O Dia” and “Extra” newspapers, as well as “Tamborin de Ouro” and “Musa do Alizirão”. See below great shot of Thiago Mattos

Tatiana Pagung below in samba practice;



In 2009, Tatiana Pagung will parade again as Drum Queen for the legendary Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel Samba School, that she supports since 2007. The multi-talented actress once stated during an interview that parading in the Rio Sambadrome feels like a Dionysian ritual, where all the magic, ecstasy and enthusiasm vibrate in perfect harmony. Finally, this marvelous carioca is also Drum Queen for the Access Group samba School called Inocentes de Belford Roxo! Way to go Thatiana!

Below, a beautiful carnival costume used by Tatiana Pagung



Short Biography Tatiana Pagung : Model, actress, movie maker, Drum Queen Thatiana is a true product of the samba world in Rio. Started as an actress with 11 years old, and then gained fame as the Drum Queen for Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel Samba School. Tatiana has a college degree in filmmaking and produced a series of documentaries of the Brazilian Carnival community in Rio de Janeriro.

See below excellent portrait of Tatiana Pagung by João Laet:



The Samba muse is part of the Globo TV network cast, and had significant participations in “Zorra Total” and “Turma do Didi” comic TV shows. Recently, Thatiana was invited to shoot in the United States. Tatiana Pagung today has her own Carnival Blog column where she is an editor. Thatiana is a living proof that beauty can go together with serious and thorough content.

Good Luck Tatiana in your parade and continue with your samba and carnival passion.

As a reminder, below 2009 Sambadrome Carnival Schedule Parade:


Sunday Rio Carnival – February 22nd, 2009

9:00 PM : Império Serrano Samba School
10:00 PM : Grande Rio Samba School
11:10 PM : Vila Isabel Samba School
00:15 AM: Mocidade Independente Samba School
01:20 AM: Beija-Flor Samba School
02:25 AM: Unidos da Tijuca Samba School

Monday Rio Carnival – February 23nd, 2009

9:00 PM : Porto da Pedra Samba School
10:00 PM : Salgueiro Samba School
11:10 PM : Imperatriz Leopoldinense Samba School
00:15 AM: Portela Samba School
01:20 AM: Mangueira Samba School
02:25 AM: Viradouro Samba School

The coronation of the carnival Muse below

Belavista Carnival Blog continues its Drum Queen Series. Today, we will talk a little bit about Natalia Guimarães, Drum Queen for Unidos de Vila Isabel Samba Schooll. Natália, who last year had her official debut at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, was confirmed as the Vila Isabel ´s Drum Queen and went to her 3rd rehearsal last weekend at the samba school court. In an interview, Natalia stated that this year she will have more liberty to support the samba school, since last year she had a tight agenda controlled by the Miss World contest.

She also said the fine tuning with the Drums Section Master is vital.

Vila Isabel´s Drums Master is known as "Mestre Mug", and is famous by his "paradinhas" or, short stops. Two carnival directors , "Carnavalescos" will sign her special costume: Alex de Souza e Paulo Barros. Vila Isabel´s samba parade theme for 2009 will be dedicated Rio de Janeiro´s Municipal Theater, which is celebrating its 100th inauguration anniversary. This parade promises to be a luxurious one, since Rio´s "Theatro Municipal" is a true copy of legendary Paris Opera Theater, but in a smaller scale.


See below picture of Vila Isabel Drum Queen Natalia Guimarães:



Natalia Guimarães Short Biography : Former Miss Universe Brazil. Natalia Guimarães won the title in April 14 2007 beating out over 26 other contestants from states and the Federal District, Brasília. Natalia also won the 2007 Top Model of the World International Pageant. However, she resigned due to her participation in Miss Universe. On May 28, 2007, Natália competed in the 2007 Miss Universe Pageant held in Mexico City, Mexico. She finished as the 1st runner up. The day after the Miss Universe competition, a Mexican television show asked the public who should have won the pageant.

Natália Guimarães won this poll with almost a third of the votes.



Good Luck Natália in your Vila Isabel Samba Parade!


As a reminder, below 2009 Rio Sambadrome Carnival Schedule Parade:


Sunday Rio Carnival – February 22nd, 2009

9:00 PM : Império Serrano Samba School
10:00 PM : Grande Rio Samba School
11:10 PM : Vila Isabel Samba School
00:15 AM: Mocidade Independente Samba School
01:20 AM: Beija-Flor Samba School
02:25 AM: Unidos da Tijuca Samba School

Monday Rio Carnival – February 23nd, 2009

Gisele Itie Short Biography: Actress and Model. Born in México City, but was raised in Brazil since the age of four. Gisele Itié started her carrier as a model and had her commercial debut in a national perfume campaign in 2000. Gisele Itié had a leading role in “The Mystery of Sintra” from Portuguese classical author Eça de Queiroz. Giselle participated in several soap operas from GLOBO NETWORK TV, such as “Pé na Jaca” and “The Prophet”, where her character Sabine enjoyed great success. Gisele was also invited to participate in an episode of a cable TV series called “Mandrake”.

Gisele is 27 years old, being born October 3rd, 1981. Gisele has incredible hazel eyes that change color depending on the day and make-up. Gisele Itie recently enjoyed huge success in a photo shoot where she was dressed up like Amy Winehouse. There is a curiosity to this story...Gisele was actually in London in one of the episodes where she was taken to hospital emergency. Gisele saw the moment when the hospital ambulance parked in front of her house to rescued her.



Above a great portrait of Beto Guaraciaba of Gisele Itie.


Why is she a top Brazilian Muse? Gisele Itié is the owner of probably the most sensual look in Brazilian TV. Her intense eyes reflect her charismatic personality. Gisele’s proportional legs and hips are the best proof that Rio de Janeiro has turned her into a true Brazilian. Good luck Gisele Itié in your new projects!

Hippie Fair Ipanema Rio

But Ipanema Rio is not only about eating and drinking. This district is home to several tribes that live in a harmony: the tourists, the surf crowd, the rich and famous, the new hippies, the jocks, the Rio gay friendly and the typical local resident. Maybe one of the reasons of Ipanema district success is exactly this heterogeneous environment that captivates mainstream and alternative vibrations. One of the greatest examples of this peaceful coexistence is the legendary Ipanema´s Hippie Fair.


Originally known as “Ipanema´s Handcraft and Arts Fair”, the Hippie Fair used to be a spot at the General Osório Square Rio where locals gathered to display their art in the late 60´s. By 1968, the Ipanema Hippie Fair established itself and became the world’s largest handcraft open art gallery and fair. Today, “Ipanema Hippie Fair” opens every Sunday from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM and is definitely the best place in Rio for you to find that quintessential souvenir gift. Another great of shot of Ipanema Hippie Fair of Renato Sil, below:




At this Ipanema Hippie Fair , you will be able to find several kinds of Brazilian Native craftwork techniques including: wood, stone, canvas, clothing, leather, paper, metal, semi-precious gems, metal, bones and straw. One of the reasons why the Hippie Fair became “Hype” is exactly because of this heterodox atmosphere and constant evolution of its products in terms of fashion and glamour. Some example of this fashion products are the leather Franciscan sandals bought by Giorgio Armani, artsy-fashion ladies bags and real life Samba instruments.


Important notice: Don’t forget to bargain, as it is part of the culture, just like in many street markets around the world. Visit Rio, Visit Brazil!

Below, a classic picture of the famous Girl of Ipanema in the sixties. She has probably visited this Hippie-Fair several times...

Miss Khury, Jaque Short Biography: Model, Jacqueline was born in São Paulo, April 6th 1980. She started her career posing for TV ads and minor participation in movies and TV shows. In 2008, Jaque Khury was invited to join the Brazilian version of Big Brother in its 8th edition. She posed for a famous men´s magazine in March 2008 wearing leather boots and caused great success.

Jaqueline Khury has unique golden skin that has attracted fans all over Brazil. Part of every new list of the new national sensual symbol, Drum Queen Jaque has a provocative mouth, and perfect teeth. She is now studying theater. Also, she have participated in SuperPOP TV show, always with smart comments and intelligent moves.




Jaque Khury now has her official new site, which shows all of her latest´s works. Jaque Khury has been a cover girl for series of prestigious magazines, including:

- VIP
- Revista Molde & Cia
- Revista Expressão


Also, Jaque was crowned Drums Queen for Academicos do Tatuapé Samba School in São Paulo. Apart from samba dancing, Jaque also has two other passions, her soccer team Corinthians from São Paulo, where she supports by going to the games, and her little cute dog! In summary, Jaque Khury is in tune with all Brazilian passions: soccer, samba and the beaches. Way to go!!

Below, a shot of Jaque at the Leblon beach in Rio.

Garcia D´Avila´s Diamond Square

One of the most important facts about Rio-de-Janeiro for the girls, the glamorous shopping block in Rio Ipanema´s Garcia D´Avila “Diamond Square” makes window-shopping an entertaining experience, and is an excellent way of getting to know the true spirit of hype-fashionable Cariocas. Garcia D Ávila´s Diamond Square encompasses Barão da Torre & Prudente de Morais Streets with Garcia D´Avila & Rua Maria Quitéria.

This fetching quadrilateral in Rio-de-Janeiro sells top fashion bikinis, glamour clothing, design jewelry, contemporary art furniture, Brazilian music & audio, collectors´ books, and expensive souvenirs to wealthy Brazilians and sophisticated tourists. The Garcia D’Ávila magical block, also known as the “Ipanema´s Diamond Square” has become the "in" place for the well-to-do Brazilian brands like Ellus, Rosana Bernardes, Lenny and branches of world-famous names like Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Puma. Two of the best Brazilian jewelers in Rio-de-Janeiro Amsterdam Sauer and H-Stern are located there and have permanent museums. The area also has a good number of enchanting restaurants like Alessandro & Frederico Café, fast-food spots and branches of international banks such as Citibank and Itaú Boston Fleet. If you really wish to find Rio-de-Janeiro best shopping, don´t miss Ipanema´s Diamond Square.

Below a picture of Livraria da Travessa, one of the best bookstores in town, close to Garcia D´Avila´s Diamond Square.

Mariana Felicio Short Biography: Until four years ago, no one in Brazil ever heard of this wonder girl from the country-side of Sao Paulo. Mariana Felício had a tough life from the moment she was born. Her father used to work in agriculture and her mother was house keeper. For a long time she modeled and also worked as a fisherwoman, until was invited to join a reality show, where she showed all her charisma and personality.

Mariana Felício´s dazzling eyes and low-key personality. Mariana shows it is possible to be a tall model, and display natural Brazilian curves. This Brazilian Beauty may be a simple one, but in this case, less means much more.

After the reality show frenzy, Mariana has dedicated herself to her new acting career. She has been going through a series of intepretation lessons and soon will debut in a theater, playing a native Brazilian indian. She also particiates in a series of charity programs and volunteer work.

Mariana Felicio is also very happy now since her niece Maria Eduarda was born. Good Luck Mariana in your projects!

Another very famous gathering area within the Ipanema-district is the Farme de Amoedo gay area block. The region is located between Teixeira de Mello and Joana Angélica Streets, and is also perpendicular do Barão da Torre, Visconde de Pirajá, Prudente de Morais Streets & Vieira Souto Avenue. The Farme de Amoedo block is known to be Rio´s greatest concentration of gays. The area gets hot after 9:00 PM, when people mingle at the Farme de Amoedo surroundings gay friendly bars and gourmet restaurants. Farme de Amoedo´s main hub would be the corner of Farme and Visconde de Pirajá streets.

According to the Brazil Gay Guide, there are at least 5 specific gay bars and nightclubs close to the Farme de Amoedo block, including: A Casa da Lua, at Barão da Torre Street #240; Bofetada Bar at Farme de Amoedo Street, # 87; Galeria Café at Teixeira de Mello Street # 31; Dama de Ferro night-club at Vinícius de Moraes street # 288 and finally Lounge 69 (specialized in electronic music), also at Farme de Amoedo Street. Some other restaurants and bars at the region although not specific, are generally very receptive and gay-friendly, especially with foreigners. During carnival, this Ipanema-region is completely packed with tourists all over the world.

See below picture of Gay Ipanema Beach Point at "Posto 8". Picture by Starck.

Every queen must be ready to protect its kingdom. Actress and TV host Adriane Galisteu has been for three consecutive years Drum Queen for Unidos da Tijuca Samba School. Even with a tight schedule, she never puts aside her commitment with the traditional samba school. In 2009 Brazil Carnival, Adriane will parade for the 14th time, in Rio de Janeiro. Muse <i>Adriana Galisteu states that parading at the Rio´s Sambadrome is one of her true life pleasures. Unidos da Tijuca muse loves being around the samba school members, and is confident the School will win the Carnival Parade contest. When asked if she has any kind of “ritual” before parading, Adriane Galisteu says she doesn´t have any special one. This true Brazilian beauty though, has her own view of what persona a carnival drum queen should be. Adriane thinks the Carnival Drum Queen should not only attract media and press attention, but be respectful to the samba school components, be sympathetic, love samba and sing the school´s samba parade lyrics. Adriane believes that everyone in Brazil should be a “warrior” when tackling the country´s health and education difficulties. Way to go Adriane!



Above photos <b>de Adriane Galiesteu at the Rio Carnival Rehearsal at Sambadrome

Short Biography:

Adriane Galisteu is a Brazilian actress and TV host. The blond muse was born on April 18, 1973 in São Paulo, has beautiful green eyes and is 1.74 m (5 ft 81⁄2 in) tall. Adriane was TV host for a series of shows, including Brazil MTV, Rede TV!, TV Gazeta, Rede Record, MTV and SBT. She had significant participations include Coisa de Mulher (2005), "Sai de Baixo" .... Caco's Clone (1 episode, 1997), "Xica da Silva" (1996) TV series and "Antônio Alves, Taxista". Adriane Galisteu was the girlfriend of the legendary 3 times F-1 Champion driver Ayrton Senna in 1994.

See photo de Adriane Galiesteu in a fashion editorial:




As a reminder, below 2009 Brazil Sambadrome Carnival Schedule Parade:


Sunday Rio Carnival – February 22nd, 2009

9:00 PM : Império Serrano Samba School
10:00 PM : Grande Rio Samba School
11:10 PM : Vila Isabel Samba School
00:15 AM: Mocidade Independente Samba School
01:20 AM: Beija-Flor Samba School
02:25 AM: Unidos da Tijuca Samba School

Monday Rio Carnival – February 23nd, 2009

9:00 PM : Porto da Pedra Samba School
10:00 PM : Salgueiro Samba School
11:10 PM : Imperatriz Leopoldinense Samba School
00:15 AM: Portela Samba School
01:20 AM: Mangueira Samba School
02:25 AM: Viradouro Samba School

Last Saturday, Shayene Cesário and Charlene Costa, accompanied by the Momo King visited Unidos da Tijuca Samba School rehearsal. It was a vibrant samba rehearsal, with many tourists, local community members and samba dancers mingling in full harmony. The rehearsal started at 11:00 PM, and everybody was anxious to see in live the presence of the Official Carnival Princesses , eagerly expected. The rehearsal also had the marking presence of Rogerinho , Unidos da Tijuca Master -of- Ceremony and Flag-Bearer Lucinha Nobre, the samba school First Couple.



The 2009 Rio Carnival Princesses and Momo King Milton Rodrigues da Silva Junior arrived at the samba rehearsal at 11:30 PM and remained at the samba school´s V.I.P. lounge, where they talked to Unidos da Tijuca directors and community. Marketing manager Fabiana Amorim helped to host the committee and led them through the samba court, presenting the President and other samba school celebrities.


Shayene Cesário, who was elected by RIO TUR as Rio de Janeiro Official Carnival Princess, was wearing a beautiful silver design dress and tall acrylic high heels. Charlene Costa, second Rio Carnival Princess was wearing a bright two piece samba outfit that accentuated her sensual curves. Both of them where wearing their Official Carnival Princess Tiaras. The samba rehearsal also had the important presence of Porto da Pedra Samba School, who was represented by their fantastic team of samba dancers.


Shortly after midnight, finally both Rio Carnival Princesses and Momo King headed to the Samba Court with the samba crowd in full expectation. It was the samba rehearsal apogee>. Having the traditional Drum Section called “Candência Pura” energizing their movements, Shayene and Charlene showed why they deserved to be called Official Rio Carnival Princesses, involving locals with charm and grace.

See below Rio 2009 Carnival Princess dancing at the Unidos da Tijuca samba rehearsal.



Unidos da Tijuca elite samba dancers joined in to form a theatrical experience. Unidos da Tijuca court was complete, mesmerized in full samba dance limelight.


Unidos da Tijuca Samba School rehearsals every Saturday at “Clube dos Portuários”. Address: Avenida Francisco Bicalho, 47, Santo Cristo. Don´t miss next samba rehearsal December 6th.