Now we understand the origins and costumes of Mestre Sala and Porta-Bandeira, Master of Ceremonies and Samba Flag Bearer, we will finish to explain some of their main attributions.

The main function of Flag Bearer - porta-bandeira [porta bandayeera] is to present to the crowd, judges and press, the Samba Schools Flag. Every Samba-School has a distinctive flag and color, by which their community is represented. Mangueira Samba School for example has as its traditional colors the green and pink. During the parading in the Rio Sambadrome, the Porta-bandeira waves and swirl the banner unfurling it in graceful gestures and reverence, while the Mestre- Sala offers his protection.



For this gesture, the judges will give notes of between 3 and 6 for their presentation and between 2 and 4 for their costumes. The couple do not dance samba but lead with grace and lightness the flag, rapidly spinning around each other in systematic swirls and paces combined with casual and elegant gestures. The Flag-bearer earns points for her lightness, her grace and her noble and presumptuous attitude. Also, during the parade, she kisses the Samba School Flag, in a sign of respect and pride.

The Samba-Host, also known as Samba Master of Ceremonies, whilst courting and presenting his flag-bearing partner protects and exhibits proudly the banner of his samba school. Another attribution of the Mestre-sala is to draw everyone’s attention to `his queen´ and make sure the School Flag attracts photographers´ and media attention. Another interesting aspect of the couple is their samba steps. Unlike other samba dancers, their choreography is refined and delicate, resembling the court dances of France aristocratic palaces. She should “slide” and not dance a true samba, while parading as experts note.




Samba historians say the “Maçu” was the first official Master of Ceremonies In Rio carnaval. He learned the dance steps and movements with Hilário Jovino Ferreira, Getúlio Marinho and Teodoro, legendary samba dancers from the past. Another curiosity of samba history is that many of the first Porta-Bandeiras in early days were men. It was only later on that women picked up that post. Other samba historians point Ubaldo from Portela as the first Mestre- Sala.

In modern days carnival, Selminha Sorriso from Beija Flor< can be considered as one of the best Flag Bearers ever. She has won for several years the maximum number of points possible during the contest: 10 points.

Below we see the couple from Rocinha Samba School in 2008.




Finally, it is worthwhile noting that in common with the Samba School Drum Queen, both posts confers high status to participants. Young kids in the samba communities strive to reach these posts. This couple is so important in a Samba-School that in a parade, there are more than one Mestre-Sala and Porta Bandeira couples. Some schools have 3 couples during one parade.