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.