Mangueira Samba School crowned Rio's Carnival champion
Mangueira paid a tribute to singer Maria Bethânia on Monday (Feb. 8) at the Sapucaí sambadrome. 
Estação Primeira de Magueira Samba School was announced as champion in 2016's Grupo Especial (first league), with a 269.9 point score. With the theme song “Maria Bethânia, a menina dos olhos de Oyá”, the school paid a tribute to singer Maria Bethânia on Monday (Feb. 8) at the Sapucaí sambadrome. This is Mangueira's 18th victory. Their previous win had been in 2002.
Second place was Unidos da Tijuca.
The scores were announced in nine categories this afternoon at the Apoteose Square.
The twelve schools parading in this year's Grupo Especial were Estácio de Sá, Mangueira, Mocidade, Vila Isabel, Salgueiro, Grande Rio, São Clemente, Portela, Beija-Flor, União da Ilha, Imperatriz, and Unidos da Tijuca.
Last in the group came Estácio de Sá, which is thus moved down to Grupo de Acesso da Série A (second league). As a result, the samba school will not be allowed to perform next year as a member of the top group.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Mangueira Samba School crowned Rio's Carnival champion
