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