Six of city's top samba schools perform in Rio

The first night of samba school parades for Rio de Janeiro's Special Group, with the city's top schools, was marked by such topics as politics, literature, and music in their lyrics. Grand floats were seen throughout the performances of six samba schools. Salgueiro and Beijo-Flor, however, were the most successful in driving crowds wild.

During Paraíso do Tuiuti's show, over 20 people were hit by one of its floats. The school referenced the modernist anthropophagous movement and the Tropicalismo, parading down the Sapucaí Sambadrome flashing the colors of the Brazilian fauna and flora.

Rodrigo Sodré, a 31-year-old businessman, stood atop the float during the accident and said the accident brought tension among the revelers. “I could see the float dented. I was distraught.” Despite the incident, he says he is convinced the school put on a great show.

With grand floats and majestic costumes, Salgueiro rocked the Sapucaí with a story that starts in Hell and goes all the way towards Heaven in the manner of Dante's Divine Comedy.

Black culture was honored in Vila Isabel's parade, with references to music styles that won the American continent, like samba, blues, soul, rap, and hip hop.

Imperatriz

The performance of Imperatriz Leopoldinense featured the native Xingu people, whose demands for rights and sustainability were voiced in lyrics that were met with criticism from the agribusiness. Chief Raoni Metuktire, 86, was the highlight as he stood on a float built in his honor. His 22-year-old grandson Beptuk Metuktire helped translate his thanks into Portuguese.

“It's a good thing that white people remember us, because when they want to destroy our parks and forests and pollute the rivers, it causes a great impact on the indigenous population,” the chief said.

In the view of Ianacula Kamayura, 61, it comes as no surprise that the lyrics were a nuisance to agribusiness. “The song is more about respect, the need to preserve land. But it can hurt sometimes.”

Singer Ivete Sangalo was the personality honored by Grande Rio. In a risky move, the school had Sangalo in the front section. When she reached the dispersing area at the end of the Sambadrome, a car was waiting for her and took her back to the last float. The plan proved successful, and the fans had the chance to see the diva parade twice at the Sapucaí.

Beija-Flor, the last school in the schedule, performed early in the morning, but was backed by a cheering crowd, which proved no less energetic for having watched over eight hours of parades.

The school retold the story of Iracema, an indigenous girl from a novel by José de Alencar, with lush floats and costumes, which made up for having to perform in the morning. The words were easy to remember and the fans could easily sing along with the performers.

The shows in the Special Group resume tonight (27), as seven other schools are set to parade down the Sambadrome.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira

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