Portela is the winning samba school in Rio Carnival

Portela was the winning samba school in Rio's 2017 Carnival. In a neck-and-neck competition, the title came in the final mark given for the schools' theme narrative. Portela totalled 269.9 points, only a decimal point ahead of her next competitor, Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel (269.8). Salgueiro ranked third with a 269.7 score.

As it processioned on the parading avenue, Portela told the story of humankind's relation with rivers in history, with references to legends and religion. The last time it won the title had been in 1984.

The samba schools are given marks for their floats and props, drums, costumes, samba theme, vanguard wing, flow, harmony, flag-bearing couple, and narrative.

The top-ranked six samba schools take part in the Champion's Parade, which will take place next Saturday (March 4).

Relegation

This year, the Independent League of Rio de Janeiro Samba Schools (LIESA) decided that none of the schools in this year's main competition should be relegated to the second league, in consideration for the injury-causing accidents during the Paraíso do Tuiuti and Unidos da Tijuca samba school parades.

Translated by Mayra Borges