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.





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