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.